Oct. 1, 2024

How property taxes cover City Services

The Nov. 5 General Election ballot includes Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 4 to eliminate property taxes. There are a few important things to remember when considering how to vote:

Residents recently received an estimated tax statement which included a breakdown of property taxes for each public entity. The City’s portion of the total tax bill, based on the 2023 tax statement, is 23%. That means the City of Mandan receives $0.23 from every dollar collected. The remainder is split between Mandan Park District 10%, Mandan Public Schools 45%, Morton County and State of North Dakota 20%, and Lower Heart Water Resource District 2%.

In 2025, the City’s projected portion it will receive from property taxes is approximately $8.8 million.

The $8.8 million goes to the City’s General Fund, public transportation, Morton Mandan Public Library, Mandan Airport, the City’s portion of Special Assessments and general obligation bonds. It’s important to note, property taxes levied for bonded indebtedness (City’s share of special assessments and obligation bonds) will remain in effect until those debts are paid in full, if Measure 4 passes.

Approximately $7 million (of the $8.8 million) goes to the general fund for police, fire and street maintenance. The $7 million covers 59% of the budget for these three City services. The total budget for police, fire and street maintenance is $11.8 million. The $4.8 million deficit for police, fire, and street maintenance comes from other sources such as sales tax collections, motor fuels and state aid distribution. These other sources are all variable, so there’s no guarantee on the amount the City will receive or if it will grow at the same rate as Mandan’s population and needs grow. 

The Mandan City Commission will soon consider appointments beginning in 2025 for positions and seats on boards that assist with city governance and community development. Applications are being sought for 16 positions on nine different boards or committees.

Interested individuals can apply online at cityofmandan.com/boardapplication for their desired appointment. Members of the business community and residents are encouraged to apply by Oct. 31 or until positions are filled. 

In last month's newsletter, information on a proposed street improvement district in an area extending between Sixth Ave NW and 10^th Ave NW and between Main Street and Third Street NW was shared.

On Sept. 17, protests were deemed sufficient by the City Commission. The project will not move forward.

At its Sept. 3 meeting, the City Commission recognized Gerald & Sharelle Zittleman's property on Fields Court SE for landscape maintenance or enhancements through the Community Beautification Recognition program.

A community member nominated the property for their meticulously maintained perennial landscaping that showcases a variety of colors and textures that are appealing to the eye.

The Beautification Recognition program is a way to recognize properties that enhance the aesthetic appeal of the community. Both residential and commercial properties located within city limits are eligible. Projects must be street facing, river view or other publicly viewable areas or landscapes. Nominations are forwarded to the Community Beautification Committee for consideration.

Nominate a property or view photos of the properties recognized through the program thus far at cityofmandan.com/recognitionprogram. Nominations are accepted year-round.

City staff and partnering organizations for the Mandan & Morton County community calendar project have decided that 2024 is the final year for the printed calendar. Community feedback from a survey earlier this year revealed the calendar was a valuable resource to many, but is mainly being used for garbage and recycling schedules. The project has increased in cost over the last five years, playing a role in the decision.

The City will continue to provide the digital community calendar at mylocalevents.org. Content for the online community calendar can be emailed to Communications Specialist Kari Schmidt. Staff will work to identify materials that can be mailed or printed off with the 2025 garbage and recycling schedules to serve as a replacement for the calendar.

“Ending this project was not an easy decision,” says Schmidt, “People love the calendar, but we are identifying another means to share recycling and trash collection information with residents and I am confident it will be a valuable resource.” 

Shane O'Keefe's first day as Public Works Director was Sept. 16. He comes to the City of Mandan from Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) where he worked as a trackman, machine operator, track inspector, assistant roadmaster, structures supervisor and project engineer.

O'Keefe will oversee all aspects of Public Works including streets, utility maintenance, landfill, forestry, grounds maintenance, and Mandan Union Cemetery.

25 new bike racks have been installed around the community!

This project was possible thanks to a 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant from AARP Livable Communities and AARP North Dakota. This is just one step to make Mandan more livable and bikeable for residents of all ages, a need that was identified by the community in the 2018 downtown subarea study.

A huge thank you to the City Planning, Engineering, and Public Works crews for your help in making this happen! 

Mandan's Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative offers reduced interest loans to homeowners for improving properties in specific neighborhoods. The program, in partnership with Gate City Bank, aims to enhance housing and revitalize core areas.

Eligible homeowners can apply for loans from $10,000 to $100,000 at a 4.99% interest rate, with applications due by Oct. 31. The criteria include property location, zoning, floodplain status and assessed value.

For a list of eligible improvement types and the application, visit cityofmandan.com/neighborhoodrevitalization. Please contact City Planner Andrew Stromme by e-mail or call 701-667-3225 with questions. 

During Free Fall Landfill Week, the landfill accepted a total of 954 loads for the week! That’s about 136 loads per day. To put this into perspective, the landfill has averaged about 161 loads per WEEK since June.

Free Fall Landfill Week continues to be successful in getting debris from resident’s yards and structures into the landfill.

Thank you Mandan Public Works for putting together another successful event!

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