Minot, N.D. – Citizens in Minot now have a new option to make their annual property tax payment: give up a kidney.
The Ward County Commission unanimously approved a motion this week to allow property owners to give a spare organ, such as a kidney or lung, as a form of property tax payment.
An additional motion failed before the commission that would allow property tax owners to give up a spare limb, such as an arm or leg, as a form of payment.
“If it floods again, chances are residence will need both legs to move, or swim to higher ground, which is why the county commission voted against that particular measure,” said a Ward County Commissioner. “However, property tax owners in Ward county will be relieved to know that they now have some more options in terms of making their property tax payment.”
Many Ward County residents have been shocked to find substantial increases to their property taxes. Some residents reported increases between $3,000-4,000.
“We understand that the recent tax increases are a bit of a shock, and a lot of folks are simply out of options in terms of making their payment. But, most of us do have an extra kidney or lung to spare,” said another Ward County Commissioner. “And given the country is facing a shortage of organ donors, this new option is a win-win for everyone. Property owners should take a sigh of relief while they still have both lungs, knowing the Ward County Commission is working on sensible solutions for everyone.”
Residents will find the new organ donation option on a revised real estate tax statement that will arrive in mailboxes in the coming weeks.
Those who opt to donate an organ will receive a call from an authorized county organ donation specialist. The specialist will visit with property owners on their organ preferences and schedule an organ evaluation. If everything checks out, property owners can have their organ harvested in as little as 2-3 weeks.
“We just ask that tax payers wait to be contacted by one of our organ donation specialists and let a trained medical professional do the work,” says the Commissioner. “Please do not mail our office a kidney. We’d hate to tell folks they’ll need to send us a check because their kidney spoiled while in transit.”
