Williams County pledges $12 million from 1% sales tax to indoor ice facility, authorizes agreement with city

Williams County commissioners voted to formally pledge $12 million of the county’s 1 percent sales tax extension to a planned indoor ice facility and authorized the chairman to sign an updated agreement with the City of Williston governing distribution of the city’s half of the sales-tax proceeds.

County staff summarized the background of the sales-tax extension, noting voters approved the measure in the June 11, 2024 primary and that the county’s planning assumed $24 million per year in revenue. The county said the sales-tax ballot language identifies four broad categories for spending—including public safety and recreation—but does not name specific projects; the pledge is intended to document the county’s commitment to help secure private and municipal fundraising for the ice facility’s construction.

At the meeting staff explained the pledge is symbolic but intended to provide certainty to private funders and partners as the park district and other stakeholders finalize site and predesign work. Commissioners discussed revenue assumptions and contingencies; staff said the $24 million annual estimate was based on prior receipts and that the county reserves the right to adjust allocations if actual revenue differs from projections. The commission approved the $12 million pledge on a roll-call vote (yes: Barry, Steve, Corey, Bo; no: Chris).

Separately, staff presented an updated interlocal agreement the county had negotiated with the City of Williston to document the mechanics for passing the city’s share of the 1% tax to that city. County staff noted the city requested removal of certain language the county had inserted (language asking the city to notify the county about large building projects that would affect shared facilities). Commissioners discussed whether the county should require notification; several commissioners said they do not intend to police the city’s spending but emphasized the county’s prior public commitments. The commission authorized the chairman to sign the agreement as presented.

Staff said the pledge and the agreement are meant to provide a clear record of the county’s intent for future boards and to assist partners as they finalize fundraising and design. Staff also said the county would set aside or otherwise coordinate funds for construction when projects are ready to proceed; detailed cash-flow arrangements and timing will follow as projects move into predesign and construction.