MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — District 20 lawmakers met with constituents Friday at Dakota Wesleyan University during a legislative cracker barrel hosted by the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee.
Rep. Kaley Nolz, R-Mitchell, and Sen. Paul Miskimins, R-Mitchell, discussed property tax relief, data center incentives and rural road funding.
On property taxes, both said Rhoden’s proposal remains under review. The plan would let counties consider an optional sales tax of up to 0.5% to offset reductions in owner-occupied property taxes through credits, a change from current law that does not allow counties to impose sales tax.
Nolz noted many property tax bills require a two-thirds vote, making consensus difficult. Miskimins said projected savings under the governor’s plan could make a meaningful difference for household budgets.
The two lawmakers shared differing views on incentives for data centers, with Miskimins supporting a pro-development approach and Nolz urging “guardrails” and caution about long-term sales tax exemptions and utility costs.
Both voiced support for rural infrastructure efforts, including bills tied to rural access funding and a proposed $5 million appropriation aimed at township and county secondary roads, bridges and culverts.