Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Incentive topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve first complete housing incentive application for up to $15,000 buyer assistance
Summary
Williams County commissioners approved the first complete application to the county housing incentive program, authorizing up to $15,000 for buyer assistance toward closing costs and interest buy‑down for a new construction home, contingent on payment of special assessments and property taxes.
Williams County commissioners voted to approve the first complete application received under the county’s housing incentive program, authorizing up to $15,000 toward closing costs and interest buy‑down on a new construction home located in the city of Williston, contingent on payment in full of special assessments and property taxes prior to closing.
A member of the county’s community engagement staff told commissioners the application met program criteria after review by the housing incentive review committee. Staff noted the financial assistance program is available anywhere in the county but that a property tax exemption component is available only for properties located outside city limits, “that’s just how the law is written,” the staff member said.
Why it matters: The housing incentive program is intended to assist buyers of new construction and to direct local incentives toward housing production countywide. Approval of this first complete application establishes a procedural precedent for how the county will process future applications.
Key details
- Approved amount: up to $15,000 for buyer assistance aimed at closing costs and interest buy‑down. The motion specified the award was contingent upon payment of special assessments and property taxes before closing.
- Process: The application was reviewed by the housing incentive review committee for completeness and program criteria; the committee recommended approval contingent on payment of specials and taxes.
- Geographic scope: County staff emphasized the assistance program can be used anywhere in Williams County; a separate property tax exemption is limited to properties outside municipal boundaries per staff explanation.
Board action and next steps
- Commissioners moved and seconded the approval and authorized the chairman to sign the agreement (staff continuing to finalize the agreement language with county counsel/finance staff). The roll call recorded commissioners voting “Yes”; the motion carried.
Ending: Staff will finalize the agreement paperwork with the county chair and proceed toward closing only after the required special assessments and property taxes are paid in full.
