Voters in two North Dakota counties have rejected plans to raise property taxes beyond a state limit. The results leave county leaders facing tough choices about services, staffing, and road projects.
Divide County voters said no to an extra 2% property tax increase. The plan would have raised about $37,800 each year for four years. In Traill County, voters rejected a larger 6.41% increase. That measure would have brought in about $461,000 a year for four years.
The votes were part of the November election. The results are unofficial until county canvassing boards review them. Still, the outcome sends a clear message: many voters do not want higher property taxes, even when local governments say they need more money.
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Why Counties Asked Voters
North Dakota lawmakers set a 3% annual cap on property tax increases for local governments in 2025. The cap was part of a larger plan to expand a property tax credit for primary homes.
Counties can ask voters to approve an exception. Divide and Traill counties did exactly that. Both said rising costs had made it hard to pay for basic services under the limit.
- Divide County wanted an added 2% to help cover daily operations.
- Traill County wanted an added 6.41% to pay for services affected by higher costs.
- Traill County cited health insurance, veterans’ services, roads, bridges, technology, and hiring competition.
- Both counties warned that rejection could lead to cuts or delayed projects.
County leaders said they may move some full-time jobs to part-time roles. They may also delay road work or skip pay raises. These steps could save money, but they could also reduce services for residents.
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What Voters Decided
The vote was not close in either county. In Divide County, 53% of voters rejected the increase. In Traill County, more than 61% voted no.
Turnout was strong in both places. Divide County saw nearly 58% turnout. Traill County saw about 50%. Both were above the statewide turnout rate, which was just over 40%.
| County | Proposed increase | Estimated yearly revenue | Voter decision | Turnout |
| Divide | 2% | About $37,800 | Rejected by 53% | Nearly 58% |
| Traill | 6.41% | About $461,000 | Rejected by more than 61% | About 50% |
The results show that voters were willing to show up, but not willing to approve higher taxes. Local leaders now must work within the current cap.
A Larger Pattern
The two county measures were not the only property tax proposals to fail. Seven county measures to raise mill levies failed across North Dakota. Only one passed.
A mill levy is a tax rate based on the value of property. Higher mill levies usually mean higher property tax bills. The poor results suggest that many North Dakota voters are worried about household costs.
One county government official said the economy was a major concern. People, the official said, do not want more expenses right now. That view appears to have shaped the election results.
The votes also show a challenge for local governments. Costs for wages, health insurance, roads, and emergency services keep rising. But voters want property taxes to stay low.
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What Happens Next
County officials must now adjust their budgets. They may use reserves, cut spending, delay projects, or look for other revenue. None of those choices is easy.
The North Dakota Association of Counties has asked lawmakers to allow exceptions to the 3% cap for certain costs. These include health insurance, elections, and jails. But state leaders have not shown strong support for changing the cap.
For now, Divide and Traill counties must live with the voters’ decision. Residents may see fewer services, slower road repairs, or fewer staff members. Leaders say they will try to protect essential services, but money is limited.
The election results could influence future tax debates across North Dakota. Other counties watching the results may think twice before asking voters to approve tax increases.
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