Charles Mix County holds public hearing on possible 0.5% sales tax under SB 96

Auditor Jason Gant presented an overview of Senate Bill 96 from the 2026 legislative session, explaining that the law would permit Charles Mix County to adopt a 0.5% county sales tax with the explicit purpose of reducing owner‑occupied property taxes. Gant illustrated the potential household impact, saying a $200,000 house would see about a $600 annual property tax reduction if the county implemented the 0.5% sales tax.

The board received public questions and comments during the hearing. Public commenters raised procedural and budgetary concerns alongside the tax discussion; the transcript records questions but no formal motion to place the tax on a ballot or to adopt it at this meeting. The commissioners listened and noted the input as they continue budget planning for 2027, including the schedule to adopt a provisional budget on Aug. 13 and a final budget on Sept. 24.

The hearing provided the board with citizen feedback but did not produce a vote or a timetable for the county to move forward with placing a local sales tax before voters. The next steps recorded were additional internal budget discussions and the statutory procedural requirements that would attend any future decision about adopting the tax.