Adoption and referral of preliminary budgets of cities, counties, school districts, and park districts; and to provide an effective date.
Impact
A significant aspect of HB 1367 is the mechanism for public involvement. If a preliminary budget is challenged by a petition signed by at least ten percent of the voters in the jurisdiction, it must be put to a vote. Should a majority disapprove the preliminary budget, the local government is restricted from adopting a final budget that exceeds the previous year's budget, plus a minor adjustment related to the mill rate. This could greatly affect how local budgets are crafted and approved, aligning them more closely with community preferences.
Summary
House Bill 1367 aims to create a new section in North Dakota's Century Code that governs the adoption and referral process for preliminary budgets of local governing bodies, including cities, counties, school districts, and park districts. This bill mandates that these bodies adopt a preliminary budget by July 10 of each year and requires that it be published in the official newspaper twice before July 30. The intent is to enhance transparency in budgeting processes at the local level, ensuring that residents are informed about upcoming budgetary changes.
Contention
While proponents argue that the bill increases accountability of local governments and empowers citizens, there are concerns about the potential implications for local governance. Critics might argue that the requirement for a public vote on preliminary budgets could lead to instability or delays in budget finalization, making it difficult for local governments to adapt to changing fiscal needs. The bill's supporters, however, assert that it encourages a more democratic budgeting process that reflects the will of the voters.
The determination of state aid payments, state aid minimum local effort, the protection of taxpayers and taxing districts, voter approval of excess levies in school districts, school district levies, and contents of the property tax statement; and to provide an effective date.
Adjustments to state aid payments, isolated school district transition payments, and taxable valuation impact on state aid; and to provide an effective date.
Park district bonding authority without a vote, reporting of legislative tax relief information, and delivery and contents of the real estate tax statement; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide for a legislative management report.
Legacy fund definitions and the legacy earnings fund; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study, to provide an appropriation; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
Legacy fund definitions and the legacy earnings fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide an exemption; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.