Local Tax and Fee Increases Begin Around North Dakota

Despite all of the state's efforts to offset local tax burdens, local governments continue to pursue poor public policy agendas, resulting in higher taxes and fees for their residents.

No matter how much money the state legislature spends in the name of reducing local taxes, it is never enough to offset the decisions made by local officials.

Fargo Franchise Fee Increase

In Fargo, the city commission voted to double the “franchise fee” that utility customers pay for things like electricity, natural gas, cable tv/internet, etc. (A franchise fee is a tax on a utility’s long-term use of public right-of-ways and a local tax on the ability to have exclusive quasi-monopoly status in a certain area.)

According the Fargo Forum:

Mayor Tim Mahoney said in his 2024 preliminary budget presentation on Monday that the city estimates the change will bring in more than $5 million to the city.

They estimate the fee increase will result in residents paying between an additional $36 to $120 a year, depending on size of living space and subsequent utility bills.

By why does Fargo need to increase taxes and fees on the utility bills of average citizens? To give away tax incentives to boond…