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Williston Commission approves ordinances, special assessments and rezoning; 2024 audit presented
Summary
The Williston City Commission approved a package of routine and substantive items Oct. 14: a zoning change to allow parkland and a single-family lot, confirmation of sidewalk and lot mowing assessments, adoption of two ordinances and a formal budget variance policy; the 2024 city audit was presented.
Williston, N.D. — At its Oct. 14 meeting, the Williston City Commission handled a slate of routine and policy items, approving zoning changes, special assessments, two ordinances and a budget policy while receiving the city’s 2024 audit.
City Planner Kent Jarcik described a proposed Rosaaen Rearrangement that would split an existing single-family home (Lot 1) from a larger parcel and rezone that lot from R-1E (Rural Estate) to R-1 (Single-Family Residential). Two other remnant parcels (Lot 2 of Rearrangement No. 2 and Lot 4R of Rearrangement No. 1) were recommended for rezoning from R-1E to P (Parks & Open Space) so the Park District can acquire and develop parkland and new soccer fields. The commission approved the zone changes contingent on property transfer; the motion passed 5-0.
Finance Director Hercules Cummings presented two assessment items: Sidewalk Improvement District 24-1 (a voluntary homeowner opt-in sidewalk repair program) and 2025 lot mowing assessments (one-year assessments on 97 parcels totaling $78,761.24). The Special Assessment Commission had approved both items and no protests were reported; the City Commission voted to confirm the assessments, 5-0.
City Attorney Taylor Olson brought second readings of Ordinance 1172 (commissioner salaries) and Ordinance 1173 (legislative updates); the commission approved both second readings by unanimous vote.
The commission also approved a formal Budget Variance Policy, which Finance said will codify processes for early detection and correction of budget variances and improve transparency. The independent 2024 City Audit (Brady Martz) was summarized in the meeting packet: total assets $1.056 billion, net equity $657.7 million, a $15.9 million year-end surplus and unrestricted cash of $122.6 million. Audit findings included contributed infrastructure, conduit debt disclosure and other standard audit items; the audit is posted on the city website.
Routine business included approval of the consent agenda (vendor vouchers and payroll), which listed a voucher total of $5,396,784.11, payroll $805,125.13 and a grand total of $6,201,909.24. Commissioner Lucas Gjovig presented the Cemetery Board reappointment of Paul Gilbert; the commission approved the reappointment by voice vote.
All formal votes recorded in the meeting minutes on Oct. 14 carried on unanimous voice or roll-call votes where tallies were recorded.
