GF County takes next step towards Home Rule

The Grand Forks County Commission continues to lay the groundwork for a potential vote in 2022 on establishing Home Rule.

The board on Tuesday assembled an eight member commission to help draft the charter language moving forward.  Home Rule would give the county more leeway on adopting laws and policies – and open up new potential revenue streams like a local sales tax.

Commissioner Tom Falck says placing the issue on the June primary ballot might be a challenge.  “We might get the charter done in time but I don’t think you will have enough of the education process in that short of time.”

Commissioner Bob Rost says he thinks the public will support a sales tax because the alternative is higher property taxes.  “We don’t want to raise mill levies and property taxes.  We want a one-half cent sales tax so we can pay for some things.”

The committee is expected to hold its first meeting in January.

Charter Commission members:

Katherine Kester

Brandon Baumbach

Dave Korsmo

Barry Wilfahrt

Bob Drees

Kyle Kvamme

Bob Rost

Tom Falck