The McKenzie County JDA Home Builder Construction Loan Participation Program has been approved with $4.5 million in revolving loan funds provided by the McKenzie County Commission. The purpose of the program is to incentivize builders to build 3-6 houses at a reduced construction loan interest rate. Builders will work with their local lender, and the lender will submit the application to the JDA.

A training will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. CT for lenders to hear from the program administrator, Lewis & Clark Regional Development Council, about the specifics of the program and have the opportunity to ask questions. For training meeting details, please contact Daniel Stenberg at dstenberg@co.mckenzie.nd.us. For more information on the program, click here.

The June Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

 

McKenzie County’s Unemployment Rate for April 2023 was 1.3%, 0.7% lower than April 2022’s rate of 2%

 

Alexander’s City Sales Tax distributions for May 2023 was $63,038, almost three times higher than May 2022’s total of $23,851

 

The Oil Production in McKenzie County for April 2023 was at 11,392,449 barrels, higher than April 2022’s total of 9,701,079 barrels

The May Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

McKenzie County’s Labor Force for March 2023 was 9,770, over a thousand more than March 2022’s total of 8,769.

Alexander’s City Sales Tax distributions for January-April 2023 was $225,823, almost $100,000 higher than January-April 2022’s total of $129,688.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park – North Unit had 2,934 visits in April 2023, over a thousand more than April 2022’s total visits of 1,854.

The 68th State Legislative Assembly concluded on Sunday, April 30 after 75 days. A total of 990 bills were introduced during the session, and two-thirds of those bills and resolutions were passed. Many studies were also proposed to be considered during the interim, and legislative management will meet to review and assign them to interim legislative committees prior to the 2025 Legislative Session.

A few highlights of the session that will transform North Dakota in many ways include tax reform, animal agriculture, childcare, workforce, and tourism initiatives. Some bills of note include:

• HB 1158 – The largest individual income tax relief package in state history, this bill combines $358 million in income tax relief and $156.7 million in property tax relief, giving homeowners the ability to claim a $500 property tax credit on their primary residence.
• HB 1018 – The Department of Commerce’s budget bill includes $12 million to expand “Find the Good Life”, a talent attraction initiative that combines strategic marketing, connection to communities and employers, and unique tracking capabilities that quantify return on investment. The Tourism Destination Development Fund also received $25 million and capped at $5 million per project.
• HB 1540 – In an effort to support child care services and combat North Dakota’s labor shortage, the legislature passed a $65.6 million childcare assistance package.

Read more on the recap of the 2023 State Legislative Session and other passed bills here.

Annie Brown and Laura Dillman, residents of Grassy Butte, ND, recently opened the Home Instead Franchise for our area. They seek to serve the aging with in-home non-medical assistance and strive to provide clients and family members peace of mind and ensure safety within the privacy of their own homes. Services include companionship, meal prep, transportation, personal care, light housekeeping, respite care, and Alzheimer’s/Dementia care.

They are actively hiring in our area to serve the aging and to make an impact on the lives of others. CNAs welcomed, but not required. They provide paid in-house training, offer 24/7 support to their care givers and flexible hours. Based out of Killdeer, they are currently serving Watford City, Keene, Dickinson, Medora, Killdeer, and surrounding areas. Call 701-764-HOME for job application details or to schedule a free in-home consultation.