Representatives Return Home During Recess | Video

Chris Williams | 3/4/2013

They`ve been a busy group discussing hundreds of bills, but legislatures have now hit the halfway mark this session. While they`re on recess, representatives from Districts 1 and 2 met with their constituents over the weekend. Representatives talked about different bills they have been involved with, and people had the chance to ask questions. Two popular topics of conversation were water and property taxes

Several residents came forward with suggestions and comments on property taxes.

"It`s a little frustrating to us, as residents of the state of North Dakota. To see this growth, to see this wealth, but our taxes seem to keep going up,” said one constituent.

The legislators said there is about $740 million for property tax relief, but they also explained that property taxes are not set by the state.

"When you`re talking about property taxes, it`s a local issue, it really is. It`s your school board, it`s your township, it`s your cities, it`s your park boards. Those are the ones that levy taxes,” said District 2 Senator David Rust.

Residents also had comments and concerns about water. Earlier this session Representatives Sukut and Hatlestad voted in support of taxing water. Sukut says he did so because the water in aquifers was intended for agricultural use, but is now being sold to oil companies.

"The cost of that water to the individuals that are now selling it for fracking is free. There is no cost.”

Independent water providers say they do pay for water.

"Our water isn`t free. We pay for our permits through the state and locally, for us to sale that water. It`s quite a rigmarole to go through.” said an Independent Water Provider.

Water providers also had concerns about the Western Area Water Supply adding what was supposed to be 22 more depots.

"Because of the language that said, ‘Consideration must be given to location of those water depots.’ There has been an agreement that there will be 12. That`s a substantial reduction on the part of that project,” said District 2 Representative Bob Skarphol.

The legislature reconvenes on Wednesday.

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