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(AP & NewsDakota.com) – Opponents of a proposal to abolish North Dakota’s property taxes say it would end local control of the financing of projects and services.

A number of organizations headed by the North Dakota Chamber of Commerce say they’ve formed a coalition called Keep it Local North Dakota to oppose Measure 2. The measure will be on the June primary ballot. It is a constitutional amendment that would abolish property taxes.

North Dakota Chamber of Commerce President Andy Peterson says if the measure is approved, city, council and school officials would have to come begging to the state Legislature for money. Peterson says North Dakotans would have to pay higher taxes on income and sales to make up for local revenue losses.

Jamestown Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kimberly Saxberg says the local chamber is also opposed to Measure 2. She says traditionally chambers are for reducing taxes, but at this point she says the Jamestown Chamber Board can not see a viable alternative in Measure 2.

Backers of Measure 2 say high property taxes are forcing people out of their homes because they can’t afford them.