Williston commissioners extend 1% parks sales tax, adopt five-year strategic plan and new public comment rules

The Williston Board of City Commissioners on July 22 voted unanimously to extend a 1% sales and use tax dedicated to the Williston Parks and Recreation District, adopted a five-year Strategic Priorities Plan and approved a new public comment policy required by state law.

City Attorney Taylor Olson told the commission during the ordinance's second reading that staff, the city's bond counsel and the Williston Parks and Recreation District requested several non-material drafting edits to Ordinance 1166; Olson said those changes ‘‘do not change the rate, purpose, duration or authorized uses of the tax’’ and therefore did not require a re-read. Commissioner Brad Bekkedahl moved to approve the ordinance; Commissioner James Bervig seconded and the motion carried 5-0.

The sales tax extension will remain dedicated to the Williston Parks and Recreation District as before. Olson characterized the edits as stylistic and for codification only and said there was no substantive change to voter-approved language or legal obligations.

City Administrator Shawn Wenko presented the Strategic Priorities Plan, saying the planning process began in October 2024 and involved a steering committee that included Commissioner Victoria Siemieniewski and Economic Development Director Anna Nelson. Marty Doll of AE2S summarized the plan's findings and said it outlines five strategic priorities, a city mission and core values to guide decisions, investments and service delivery over the next five years. Commissioners approved the plan by voice vote (motion by Siemieniewski; second by Bervig).

Taylor Olson also presented a draft Public Comment Policy developed to comply with Senate Bill 2180, which takes effect Aug. 1. Olson described the policy's features: sign-in cards, limits on topic scope to the current and prior meeting, individual time limits and a cap on total public comment time. The commission voted 5-0 to adopt the policy, with Olson and administrative staff finalizing the public-facing materials and procedures.

Olson additionally sought approval of an Amended and Reinstated Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Williston and the Williston Parks and Recreation District and asked that any final minor edits be approved by the City Attorney’s Office; the Board authorized the mayor and city auditor to execute the agreement following those final edits.

The commission completed its agenda and adjourned at 6:41 p.m.