The bill amends section 61-16.1-45 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the maintenance of drainage projects. It establishes that if a district wishes to fund maintenance through special assessments, the maximum levy for agricultural lands cannot exceed four dollars per acre. The bill outlines two methods for levying these assessments: one based on the original or reassessed benefits of agricultural lands, and the other requiring uniform assessment across agricultural lands while capping nonagricultural property assessments at two dollars for every five hundred dollars of taxable valuation. Additionally, it allows water resource boards to accumulate funds over six years if the maximum levy does not cover maintenance costs.

A significant addition to the bill is the provision that if a board holds an election to approve costs exceeding the maximum levy for a six-year period, affected landowners who have not paid their required assessments will be ineligible to vote on the matter. This aims to ensure that only those who contribute to the funding of the drainage projects can participate in decisions regarding their financial obligations.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 61-16.1-45
Enrollment: 61-16.1-45