Williston commission directs staff to place 1% parks sales-tax extension on ballot

The Williston Board of City Commissioners voted Feb. 25 to place on the ballot a measure to indefinitely extend and reenact the city’s existing one-percent sales and use tax dedicated to the Williston Parks & Recreation District (WPRD).

City Attorney Jordon Evert presented proposed ballot language and confirmed that the current $25 cap per transaction would remain. Joe Barsh, representing Williston Park, said the park board had approved the proposal and that the district would cover election-related costs. Mayor Howard Klug said, “The city is allowed under the home rule charter to have a sales tax; the park district is not.” Commissioner James Bervig moved to adopt the request to amend the city’s home-rule charter and direct staff to publish the required election notices; Commissioner Tate Cymbaluk seconded. The motion carried 5‑0.

The proposed ballot summary states that a YES vote would indefinitely extend and reenact the one-percent sales tax to fund WPRD operations and debt service for park district facilities; a NO vote would reject the measure. If approved, the minutes say, the park district would continue to reduce or eliminate property tax assessments "for as long as the sales tax remains in effect."

Why it matters: The measure is framed as a funding mechanism to reduce reliance on property taxes for park operations and capital projects and to fund bond repayment for park facilities. The commission’s action was procedural—placing the question on the ballot and directing election notices and staff compliance with state law.

Next steps: Staff will publish required election notices and continue coordination with the Park District on ballot placement and public information.