County staff asked the Williams County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 16 to authorize the chairman to sign documents needed to complete several ongoing transactions, and the board approved the request.

Staff reported they are finalizing a purchase agreement for the county's planned acquisition of the fairgrounds and asked that the chairman be authorized to sign land‑transfer or related purchase documents that may arise before the final sale. Commissioners approved the authorization by motion and roll call.

Helen, county administrative staff, also briefed the board on a set of related contracts and expenditures: a municipal lease program item (a Bobcat tool used at the fairgrounds) that will require a change in the document labeling (from “Williams County Parks” to “Facilities”); a base services agreement with I. Bailey for annual audits; and a memorandum of understanding with School District No. 7 to permit dispatch to access certain school security cameras to assist first responders. Helen said the school district attorney has reviewed and that the district has signed its copy of the MOU.

The board also heard that dispatch needs replacement uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries to support critical electronics; staff estimated the replacement at about $33,000 and indicated funds exist in the dispatch budget. Commissioners were told the county's GIS system requires consultant assistance for recommended upgrades; staff are finalizing a contract with CloudPoint (referred to in the packet) and noted the GIS budget contains funds though a specific line item was not previously budgeted for consulting.

Finally, Helen described the Williston Square turf and ice project partnership with the Williston Parks and Recreation District, noting the park district has agreed to use a CMAR delivery method and that a joint powers agreement (JPA) has been signed by the park district. The county holds the existing architect contract with Icon Architectural Group and will amend that contract to reflect the project arrangements; Helen requested authorization for the chairman to sign related project documents. The county stated legal counsel has reviewed the documents. Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the authorization for the chairman to sign the presented documents.

The transcript does not include final contract language, vendor quotes, purchase orders, or detailed cost breakdowns beyond the dispatch battery estimate. Staff indicated some documents still require attorney edits and final signatures and that finalized documents will be entered into the minutes once completed.