On November 5th, Bismarck residents will have the opportunity to vote on a half-cent sales tax that will help fund Public Safety and Public Transportation needs.

Three-tenths of a cent of this measure will be dedicated to public safety. These funds will be used for the construction of police and fire stations, acquiring essential emergency vehicles, and covering the cost to continue utilizing the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center. Investing in our facilities and fleet ensures that our first responders are equipped to maintain the safety of our expanding community.

Additionally, two-tenths of a cent will be allocated to public transportation needs. This guarantees that everyone has the opportunity to live independently in their homes and thrive in our community. In recent years, Bismarck has undergone significant economic development. Every citizen, including your family and friends, deserves the opportunity to enjoy these improvements. By allocating resources to public transportation, we can support the elderly, disabled, and financially challenged. Without access to public transportation, these individuals face unemployment, isolation or institution.

Your voice matters! By voting yes to Measure One on November 5th, you're investing in a safer future for our families and improving accessibility for all community members. Join us in making a difference. Together, we can create a safer, more connected community for everyone.

CITY OF BISMARK CITY MEASURE NO. 1

Shall Article 2 of the Home Rule Charter for the City of Bismarck be amended: To impose a retail sales, use and gross receipts tax of no more than one-half percent of the gross receipts taxed pursuant to Chapters 57-39.2, 57-39.4, 57-40.2, 57-39.6 N.D.C.C.

1. The proceeds of this one-half cent city sales, use and gross receipts tax shall be dedicated only to public safety and public transportation needs in the following proportions:

I. 3/10th of a cent dedicated to public safety: specifically, costs associated with the building of police and fire stations, acquisition of police and fire emergency vehicles, and the costs associated with the city's cost of utilizing the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center.

II. 2/10ths of a cent dedicated to public transportation needs: specifically, costs associated with providing reliable service for disabled, elderly, and socio-economically challenged residents.

○ YES - Means that you approve this proposed amendment to the Home Rule Charter for the City of Bismarck as published in the Bismarck Tribune.

○ NO - Means that you reject this proposed amendment to the Home Rule Charter for the City of Bismarck as published in the Bismarck Tribune.

Need help finding where to vote? Visit North Dakota Secretary of State for more information!

• It costs $820,000 to replace a fire engine.
• Each replacement police vehicle costs $45,000-$65,000.
• It costs approximately $5,500,000 annually to operate fixed-route and paratransit services in Bismarck. 
• 65,063 Paratransit trips were provided in 2023 in Bismarck.
• 90,862 CAT Bus trips were provided in 2023 in Bismarck.
• Older adults outlive their ability to drive by 7-10 years.
• 18% of older adults 65 and older do not drive.
• 35% of women over 75 do not drive.
• Transit reduces isolation, particularly for seniors and people with disabilities, by providing access to grocery stores, medical services, jobs, and schools.
• 87% of trips on public transit have a direct impact on the local economy.
• $1 invested in public transit is believed to generate $5 in economic returns.
• If the measure fails, a significant reduction in public transit services will be considered.