08-06-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-August 6, 2007 3233 Mr. Walters discussed the different mechanisms to help pay for the Growth Plan including private sector funding; federal and state funding; corporate investments; and sales tax. GFMEDC is requesting a special election be held to ask the citizens of Cass County to consider a one-half cent sales tax. The costs of the election will be paid 100% through private sector funds-no public sector money will be used. The sales tax is expected to generate $9.4 million per year and the plan is to begin the tax in 2008 and end in 2020. He provided information about numerous cities in North Dakota that implement a sales tax for economic development. Mr. Vanyo asked how the one-half cent sales tax and the twelve-year duration were chosen. Mr. Walters said one-half cent is the typical figure taxed by entities across North Dakota and across the country and after ten years, the money raised will help build infrastructure. Mr. Vanyo asked how the funds will be applied to the plan-the public will expect this to be clearly identified when the issue comes to a vote. Mr. Walters said the county commission will have input on how the funds are used with the anticipation that 80% to 90% will be invested in the three target growth sectors, i.e. buildings and equipment. Mr. Walters said the county commission will act as custodian of the public funds. Lloyd Case, Chairman of the GFMEDC Board of Directors, was present. He stressed this is a community plan to create high quality high wage jobs to compete on a national and global level. He supports the sales tax proposal and feels the initiative needs to be voted on by the county citizens. Jim Lenz works for John Deere in Fargo. He said the plan provides a window of opportunity as the need is present and the capability is present. Jerry Finken, President of CSM, was present. CSM is a pharmaceutical company. He said the plan is a long-term investment for the community and he supports the sales tax proposal. Chris Barton, Executive Director of the West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, was present. The chamber supports the plan as it will create economic growth and high quality jobs. Scott Kost, President of the Casselton Job Development Authority, was present. He said the plan has wide support in the City of Casselton. Barry Batcheller, owner and CEO of Appareo Systems, was present. He supports the sales tax proposal as it will provide a large step into the future for economic growth in this community. David Habiger of rural Amenia was present. He does not support the sales tax as he feels the industry needs to support technology without taxpayer dollars. County Auditor Mike Montplaisir said a question exists regarding language in the Home Rule Charter regarding elections. State's Attorney Birch Burdick said the charter gives the county the opportunity to refer issues to voters during a "regular county election." Mr. Burdick plans to research other home rule entities and has spoken with the Attorney General in order to provide his interpretation of the term "regular county election" .