BURLEIGH COUNTY, N.D. – On Monday night, the Burleigh County Board of Commissioners received an update on a plan to reimburse local taxing districts after a recent property‑tax calculation error. The error left more than $913,000 in property taxes uncollected, prompting the board to act swiftly to protect local governments and taxpayers.
Use of General‑Fund Reserves
Commissioners previously approved a proposal to draw from the county’s general‑fund reserves to cover the shortfall. After subtracting the amount that will stay within county accounts, the net cost to the county is projected to be about $838,000. This approach ensures that schools, fire districts, and other local entities receive the funds they were owed without imposing additional burdens on residents.
Commissioner Schmidt’s Statement
Commissioner Schmidt explained that no further commission action or budget amendment is required to move forward with the payments. “We have the authority and the resources in place to make these reimbursements promptly,” Schmidt said. “Our priority is to correct the error and keep our local services funded without delay.”
Impact on Local Taxing Districts
The reimbursement will flow directly to the affected taxing districts, restoring the revenue they missed due to the miscalculation. Districts that rely on property‑tax income for schools, emergency services, and infrastructure projects can now continue operations without the financial gap that the error created.
Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency
The decision reflects the county’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency. By using existing reserves rather than raising new taxes or seeking additional appropriations, the board demonstrates prudent stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Residents can expect a clear accounting of the reimbursement process in upcoming public‑finance reports.
Next Steps
The county finance department will begin processing the reimbursements immediately. Officials anticipate that the funds will be distributed to the local districts over the next few weeks, allowing each district to adjust its budgets accordingly. The board will monitor the disbursement to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
Community Reaction
Local leaders have expressed relief that the county is addressing the shortfall quickly. “We appreciate the board’s decisive action,” said a spokesperson for the Bismarck Public Schools district. “This reimbursement helps us stay on track with our educational programs and avoid any disruption for our students and families.”
Overall, the plan underscores Burleigh County’s dedication to maintaining stable local services while managing its finances responsibly.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
