This afternoon the phones were lit up with callers, mostly regarding the developing situation in Burleigh County. Listen to that audio above.
For background:
Key Take Aways From Caller Interactions
What is the current controversy surrounding the Burleigh County Auditor/Treasurer position?
The Burleigh County Commission is considering converting the elected Auditor/Treasurer position into an appointed one. This move has sparked debate because in 2022, a Home Rule Charter (HRC) was passed with language that allowed for this conversion, although some HRC commissioners stated that it was just a formality and any change would still go to a public vote. Citizens feel that they were misled and the commission is trying to circumvent the will of the people by making this change without a vote.
Why are some Burleigh County residents and former commission members claiming they were misled regarding the Home Rule Charter?
During the 2022 Home Rule Charter commission meetings, it was stated by the state's attorney that language had to be included regarding the elected positions, but she assured members of the committee that if it were to change, it would go to a vote of the people. This is contrary to the way the commission is acting now, as they are attempting to make the change without submitting it to a vote. This has led to distrust in the process.
Here is the actual audio from 2022:
And audio from 2025:
What are the main arguments for and against converting the Auditor/Treasurer position to an appointed one?
Those who support the conversion argue that it will allow the commission to appoint a more qualified individual, potentially an accountant or CPA, as it is not required to have any experience to be elected. Opponents argue that this is a power grab by the commission, undermining the democratic process and ignoring the will of the people who voted in 2020 to keep the position elected. There's also the added concern that the commission might be motivated by personal conflicts with the current officeholder.
What is the proposed town hall meeting about, and why should citizens attend?
A town hall meeting is being organized by the North Dakota Watchdog Network for February 20th at the Bismarck Public Library to discuss the Burleigh County Auditor/Treasurer situation. Citizens should attend to get informed about what is going on and to organize to make their voices heard. There is a possibility of needing to petition for a ballot initiative, and it's also a way to put pressure on the commission.
On Thursday, February 20th, 2025 at 6:00pm the North Dakota Watchdog Network will host a preliminary townhall meeting regarding the situation at Burleigh County, specifically the county commission’s current track to convert the Auditor/Treasurer’s office to appointed.
If you would like to be put on the alert list specifically for Burleigh County issues like this meeting, click here.
What are some of the broader structural issues with the Burleigh County government management system?
There are concerns about the qualifications for the auditor/treasurer positions. The current structure where both are held by one individual places too much responsibility on a single person. There is also discussion about separating the treasurer function from the auditor role, possibly combining it with a finance director role. There are also problems with lack of communication and open dialogue between different departments and members of the commission.
What is the significance of the timing of any potential resolution to make the auditor/treasurer position appointed and what process must be followed for a ballot initiative? .
The Burleigh County Commission *can* make this change without a vote of the people, but it should not do so.
The timing is critical because any resolution should be decided before the next election cycle where people gather signatures to run for auditor. For a change to be applied in time for the next election cycle, a ballot initiative would have to take place before the end of the year in 2025. This is important because if citizens force the ballot initiative themselves by collecting 5,000+ signatures, there could be a special election held in November. There is some debate as to whether a compromise could be developed if the current auditor/treasurer relinquished the treasurer duties in a restructuring that would not require a vote.
If the citizens are forced to do the work of collecting signatures to put it on the ballot, the likelihood that the Burleigh County Commission will get the outcome it desires goes down.
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