A number of area projects and priorities were approved in this legislative session.
While a two-year moratorium is in place for any new special use taxes, Beltrami County received legislative authorization to ask voters to approve a sales tax to fund the construction of a new jail.
The tax bill language permits the county, if approved by the voters, to impose a five-eighths of a percent tax, financing up to $80 million in construction bonds over 30 years.
The City of Blackduck also received tax authorization from the legislature to fund about $1 million in projects.
The half-percent sales tax, if approved by voters, would fund 20-year bonds to improve the Wayside Rest Park, the city campground, the city golf course, and the community library.
Under capital improvements, the cities of Bagley and Clearbrook received some funding for public utilities. Bagley’s $7.2 million grant covers drinking water and sanitary sewer improvements. Clearbrook’s $5.5 million grant will go towards improvements in the city’s water infrastructure.
The Leech Lake Band received a one-time appropriation for a Health and Wellness Center in Cass Lake, for both Tribal and non-Tribal members of the public.
