May 24, 2008 1:40 pm US/Central
N.D. County Vote Might Also Help Minn. County
FARGO, N.D. (AP) ―
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Cass County voters will decide whether to approve a half-cent sales tax to raise $9.4 million annually for 12 years for economic development. (File)
CBS
Cass County residents are being asked to approve a sales tax that might also benefit Minnesota's Clay County, where the proposal is not on the ballot.
Casselton Mayor Ed McConnell said he has heard grumblings that the tax would be levied only in Cass County, yet the economic development group pitching the proposal also covers the county across the Red River.
"If they make sure it (the tax money) stays on the North Dakota side of the river, it probably would be good for us," McConnell said.
On June 10, Cass County voters will decide whether to approve a half-cent sales tax to raise $9.4 million annually for 12 years for economic development.
Brian Walters, president of the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corp., which proposed the measure, said putting the issue on the Clay County ballot right away was not possible because approval from the Minnesota Legislature is required. It takes time to garner support before going to the Legislature, he said.
"We want to pursue that long term," Walters said.
Clay County Commissioner Ben Brunsvold said he hopes the sales tax is approved and that Clay County can be involved in the future.
"This is a great thing for students. It's a great thing for our colleges," said Brunsvold, who also serves on the economic development group's executive committee. "We want these young people to stay here when they graduate from school."
Moorhead, Mayor Mark Voxland said the City Council has not taken an official stance on the proposed tax.
"Quite honestly, we don't have a dog in the fight," he said. "It's an issue of their (Cass County) citizenry, and we'll let them make the decision, and then we can move forward on our side of the river."
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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