MINOT, ND (KXNET) — Discussing public policy was a big topic for Minot City Council on Tuesday, as members discussed Governor Armstrong's property Tax Reform Bill, as well as other legislation being introduced that could affect local spending. While council members did not decide on putting forward a motion for or against any bills, they expressed concern that the current property tax reform bill could strip the power of local spending away from the cities. Council member Rob Fuller expressed his frustration with a potential spending gap. "Say 'Hey, we're opposed to this gap as a council from Fargo, as a council from Bismarck, as a council from Minot,' I can't imagine the state legislature would go against all the major cities saying, 'Hey, I'm going to gap you guys anyway,'" said Fuller. Council member Mike Blessum says that the buy-down cuts would not take the place of property tax reform. "I told them you need to get out of the buy-down regime. If you remember when I stayed down with the legislature, there was a two-part thing I mentioned to them that I didn't want to see. One was expanding the buy-down regime and the second was capping local spending which is what they did with these plans, and the reason is, they are feeling pressure from the public. They decided to not go forward with Measure 4, but they want property tax reform," said Blessum. Ivory Coast man indicted with sextortion leading to death of North Dakota teen Blessum also said that reducing the state sales tax might be a good solution. "I have all kinds of thoughts for them, including looking at the state sales tax and reducing it, leaving those dollars locally and looking at local subdivisions and say maybe a half-cent does make sense for public safety," said Blessum. City Councilman Scott Samuelson says that the City of Minot needs to be able to have local control when it comes to property tax. "We should have local control and truly we never have when it comes to property tax, the state dictates how we do it," said Samuelson. However, Councilwoman Lisa Olson says that it is too early in the session for the council to be making decisions on sending a motion to the state legislature. "It's just too much information for anyone at this time to go down to the state legislature and say this is what we want and this what we don't want," said Olson. Minot City Council will continue to meet throughout February regarding the bills that will have an impact on Minot. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW