Williston adopts cemetery fee increases and a treated-water policy requiring annexation

The Williston City Commission on Nov. 12 approved a set of policy resolutions affecting cemeteries and water service.

Commissioner Howard Klug said cemetery rates had not been adjusted since 2005 and that current operations were losing roughly $120 per burial; commissioners approved Resolution 08-26, which raises cemetery fees and increases the perpetual-care portion (10% of the cost) accordingly. The motion to adopt the resolution passed 5-0.

Commissioner Brent Bogar presented Resolution 08-27 to formalize policy for treated water service to subdivisions within one mile of city limits. The resolution requires applicants within the one-mile radius who want city-treated water to annex to the city before receiving service. The commission approved Resolution 08-27 by unanimous vote.

City Auditor John Kautzman said attorney Peter H. Furuseth had reviewed a proposed Identity Theft Prevention Program and recommended adoption; the commission approved the program and a new utility-application form, noting in discussion that new procedures will require some customers to appear in person to change account names. The commission also held an executive session on two economic-development issues and took a public-record vote on one of those matters; the record shows the motion carried with AYE votes from Lawson, Bogar, Bekkedahl, Klug and Koeser but the transcript gives no further public detail about the subject of that executive-session vote.

All recorded resolutions and program approvals carried unanimously.