PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — Gov. Larry Rhoden outlined his approach to property tax relief Thursday after signing Senate Bill 216.

He said the measure is “a huge win for South Dakota homeowners” and promised more substantial relief in the future.

Rhoden explained that his administration is developing a property tax relief proposal to present to the legislative task force created during the 100th legislative session.

The governor provided a primer on South Dakota’s property tax system, emphasizing that no property tax dollars go to the state government.

Rhoden recalled a conversation with a business leader who was unfamiliar with this fact.

Rhoden added that the business leader referred to a certain animal waste in response.

Rhoden explained that more than half of property tax revenue funds schools, with counties receiving 27 percent and cities 13 percent.

The governor outlined three primary ways to reduce property taxes: cutting spending on schools or local services, shifting the burden to another property class, or locating alternative funding sources.

Rhoden said his forthcoming plan would focus on the third option.

“It would be the third option to find an alternative funding source and something that’s viable, something that goes to the heart of the need in the areas,” Rhoden said.

When asked about the timeline for revealing his property tax plan, Rhoden said it would be “days, not weeks” before announcing details.

Rhoden wants to offer counties options under his proposal rather than a statewide mandate.

The legislature’s property tax task force will work on the issue throughout the summer.