However, the board’s specific plans for a sales tax are dependent on the outcome of Measure 4 on the statewide ballot, so the board is waiting until after the November general election to move forward, said Executive Director Elly DesLauriers with Minot Parks.

Measure 4 would eliminate property taxes and require the North Dakota Legislature to fund taxing entities at their 2024 levels.

A sales tax ordinance for parks is being drafted to present to the Minot City Council for consideration after Nov. 5. With council approval, the ordinance would go before voters at a date to be set.

“We want to keep our current facilities in great shape and we want to look at the future,” DesLauriers said. “We think the half cent sales tax is the best way to do that.”

Submitted Photo A rendering shows a proposed fieldhouse. The Minot Park Board plans to pursue the indoor turf facility if the Minot City Council and voters agree to a half percent sales tax.

If Measure 4 fails in November, the park board plans to proceed with an ordinance request for a sales tax that would lower property taxes and fund new projects and maintenance. If Measure 4 passes and property taxes are eliminated, the sales tax would be directed to facilities projects.

A half percent sales tax is estimated to currently generate $6 million a year.

The first project to be tackled would be a fieldhouse at the Maysa Arena site. The new indoor turf facility was among projects identified in an indoor facilities study completed in 2022.

“From our indoor facility study, turf was number one on the list from the feedback we received from user groups as well as community input. The Minot Park District sees the proposed fieldhouse as a facility that can enhance the quality of life for our entire community and surrounding area. The early concepts have a turf space that would accommodate multiple user groups at one time as well as an elevated walking track for all ages and all abilities. The fieldhouse would also provide an open space for open free play, which also scored high as a priority in our community,” DesLauriers said.

Other projects that could be advanced with sales tax income include new or improved sports facilities, trails and development of the former landfill near Maysa, now an Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site.

“We really think this half cent sales tax gives us the ability to continue to grow,” DesLauriers said. “We believe through the projected estimates of a half cent sales tax we can lower the Minot Parks general fund portion of the property tax by 40% as well as continue to improve the quality of life in our area through a new fieldhouse and continuing to maintain and operate our current parks and facilities. By doing so, creating economic impact that puts dollars back into our community and the Minot park system.”