This is what happens from Boom and Bust economies. Natural cycle.
ND really had a problem with the area effected. Got caught with lack of nearly everything-roads, housing infrastructure, etc. Then, the crime rate went right through the roof.
Why don’t they just raise taxes? That’s always the solution to all problems. /sarc
A good part of the surplus also went to reduce property taxes. Perhaps a surplus should be used to pay down the unfunded liabilities of public employee pension funds or
one time capital improvements such as upgrading school and college buildings. Such expenditures don’t involve the hiring of permanent staff whose wages, salaries, and benefits remain after the surplus is reduced or goes away.
North Dakota boomed not only because of high oil prices, but also because of high grain prices.