Local Government Leaders Oppose Property Tax Caps

A parade of witnesses representing North Dakota schools, cities, counties and townships testified this week against a bill that would impose an annual three percent cap on local property tax increases.

Opponents said HB 1361 takes away the ability of schools and local government to respond to extraordinary circumstances and local emergencies. Others said the bill could produce unintended results.  For example, one witness said units of government may consider it prudent to take the maximum allowable increase as a hedge against future events.

Several western North Dakota officials opposed the bill including Dickinson Mayor Scott Decker, Alexander School Superintendent Leslie Bieber, as well as Washburn School Superintendent Brad Rinas, who serves on WDEA’s Executive Committee.

ND Legislators Look for Improved Emergency Communications

Two separate bills are moving through the ND Legislature that would begin the establishment of a Statewide Interoperability Radio Network (SIRN).

One of the measures, HB 1178 sponsored by Rep. Todd Porter, R-Mandan, would increase 911 fees on landline and cellular telephones to help pay local government costs of the network. 

Porter said the state has an unfortunate history of incidents in which emergency responders such as police, firemen and EMTs are unable to talk to each other.

Click here to listen to Rep. Porter’s comments. 

A companion bill intended to help pay for the state’s share of the network, SB 2204,  is awaiting action in the House.

Committee Hears Truck Permit Bill, Amendment Proposed

Legislation aimed at improving the operation of WDEA’s Uniform Truck Permit system was discussed this week by the Senate Transportation Committee. HB 1320 previously passed the House on a 90-0 vote.

An amendment was suggested by the North Dakota Petroleum Council that would remove a provision in the bill directing the ND Department of Transportation to use the most direct routing when frost laws are in effect. NDPC shared concerns that DOT has limited the distance oil industry truckers can travel on state highways, instead routing trucks onto county and township roads, adding many miles to a trip.

Rather than addressing the issue through legislation, DOT developed guidelines for its district engineers to move heavy trucks more efficiently on state highways.  Click here to read the list of guidelines.

Click here to learn more about other provisions in HB 1320. 

Large Truck Network Moves One Step Closer to Reality

Legislation aimed at making North Dakota producers more competitive moved closer to becoming state law this week.

The Senate Transportation Committee approved HB 1255, which would allow trucks weighing up to 129,000 pounds on select state highways. If enacted, the law would apply to highways 2, 83 and 85, as well as Hwy 52 from Minot to the Canadian Border. Interstates 29 and 94 would be included, pending enactment of federal legislation.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Dan Ruby, R-Minot, said larger trucks would reduce costs for shipping North Dakota commodities, and would reduce the number of trucks on the road.  Ruby said the legislation would begin to “harmonize” North Dakota roads with those of Montana, South Dakota and neighboring Canadian provinces, which already allow the heavier trucks.

Click here to listen to Rep. Ruby’s comments. 

Click here to read the North Dakota Truck Harmonization Study.

The ND Senate Transportation Committee unanimously approved a bill today that would increase the fine for littering on state highways from $100 to $500.

HB 1311 introduced by Rep. Denton Zubke, R-Watford City, earlier passed the House by a 55-37 margin.

Cal Klewin, Executive Director of the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway, supported the bill.  He said it is one result of a clean-up campaign on Highway 85 last spring. 

Click here to listen to Klewin’s explanation.