Home Rule Charter Commission

Retha Colclasure | 1/30/2013

Burleigh County is one step closer to being able to become a home rule county after a bill to change the requirements a county goes through passed on the House floor yesterday. Right now, a county has to wait until a primary or general election to hold an election on becoming a home rule county.

This bill would change that requirement, allowing a special election to be held on the issue. Burleigh County commissioners want to create a home rule so that the county can impose a sales tax to pay for the construction of a new jail.

Now, the county is looking for people to serve on a commission to draft the charter.

"The home rule charter commission will need to draft a charter, we think it will take throughout the summer," said county auditor Kevin Glatt.

The bill will still need to be passed by the Senate and signed by the Governor before it takes effect. Anyone in Burleigh County interested in joining the commission can submit an application.

Applications can be found at www.burleighco.com.

They can be submitted to:
Kevin J Glatt
Burleigh County Auditor\Treasurer
PO Box 5518
221 N 5th St
Bismarck ND 58506.
701-222-6718
kglatt@nd.gov

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