Williams County commissioners on June 17 approved two program amendments to the builder‑buyer program and authorized county support for a first application from Denali Building Group in Harvest Hills, Williston.

The board changed program rules so applicants may apply for connection assistance with a building permit application rather than waiting until the permit is paid in full. The county also broadened eligible expenses so sidewalks can be funded through the builder assistance program even if they are not part of a special assessment district.

Lindsey, community engagement staff, said the procedural change addresses a timing issue: "Currently ... a paid in full building permit is required to apply for the connection assistance. Just based on some timing chicken and egg things, the suggested amendment would be that just a building permit application is required to apply for our portion, and then we just hold those funds until they get their full building permit." She added that because the county pays utilities directly, funds would not be dispersed until work was ready to proceed. On sidewalks she said, "Having sidewalks ... is an impactful thing for them in terms of it costs dollars, and it doesn't necessarily add a whole lot of value to the house ... It's a community resource. Everyone can use sidewalks."

The board approved the amendments by roll call. Commissioners moved and seconded the proposal; recorded votes were Mary, Steve, Corey, Beau, Chris and Barry voting yes.

After the policy changes were approved, the board considered the first builder assistance application under the revised rules: Denali Building Group asked for $17,600 for water and sewer connections and $14,000 for sidewalks to support construction of eight properties in Harvest Hills, in the city of Williston. A motion to approve the Denali application and authorize the chairman to sign was moved, seconded and carried by roll call (Mary, Steve, Corey, Beau, Chris, Barry all recorded as yes).

During the discussion commissioners noted the city building department received more than 50 permit applications in one recent week compared with a more typical 30, a fact some commissioners said indicated rising building activity in the area.

Next steps: county staff will hold the connection assistance funds until Denali obtains required permits and will disburse payments to utilities when work is ready to proceed.