Local governments lose bid to unshackle themselves from property tax caps
Some lawmakers sought to loosen revenue restrictions on fast-growing South Dakota counties
PIERRE – Local governments in fast growing parts of the state took a loss Tuesday after the Senate failed to loosen a property tax reform that lawmakers put in place last year.
The Legislature imposed a 3 percent cap on a county’s total average growth in owner occupied property tax assessments during last year’s session. But fast-growing local governments that exceeded 3 percent growth in new construction argued that they were being penalized because the cap on new growth strained their ability to provide services for new residents moving into their borders.
The cap was put in place for five years, starting for taxes paid in 2027.
Senate fails to lift sales tax sunset amid debate about revenues, property tax reform
PIERRE – An effort to remove a state sales tax sunset that kicks in next year fell short by the narrowest of votes Tuesday, tying 17-17.
