Williston, ND Active Issues

Sue Evans · Senior Member

RE: STAR Fund

Sue Evans · Senior Member

Ord. 921 states Williston and Western ND. It does not demonstrate allocating funds beyond ND borders. If this is the case, perhaps we should allow Canada to draw from this also. These citizens also shop here. Minot has a fund similar. Shall we share with Minot?

I see an Ordinance with non concrete issue. May we manipulate all ordinances to fit in a manner we see fit?

Flex Pace, Mini Match, Pace and Tailor Made programs all have a common thread. They are for business in Williston and with in a mile of Williston. They are to assist new and existing businesses to succeed.

The TRE and the Froid Library did not meet the goals of these programs nor were they a party to the community enhancement program. There were those that fully followed the rules in an effort to be granted these funds.

Steve Powell · Guru

That's kinda been my thoughts too, Randy....Where's the beef?

rwaitman · Senior Member

Sue Evans wrote:

I would like to clarify an issue. Using our Economic Dev. web site I located a press release that stated the $50'000 in community enhancement funds would be allocated provided the group could provide proof of matching funds. On another form for this award, it was stated no award of less than $2500 would be considered. This should mean a project minimum of $5'000 for consideration prior to being placed for the "point review".

Froid was asking for $3'000 towards a cost of $4'500 to have their HS band play at their centennial. After the presentation was made I asked if this consideration qualified due to matching funds. Our board was not aware of this press release. I was told it was a terminology issue and it was based on points.

I then inquired under which part the TRE was issued their award then. Some board members were not aware they were still paying. I never found out how the TRE qualified.

The meeting carried on and 40+ minutes later a nice woman stood up and requested $15'000 for the Froid library. It is to be located in the community center of which she thanked our board for the aid in helping construct.

If you have Montana ID and purchase $50 or more, you are exempt from our sales tax. Now take a look at Williston Code. Section 24-3, Use Tax; we have to honestly pay sales tax to our city and state. (even for retail sales)

This request did not fall under the grants awarded earlier in the session, it did not meet the Flex or Mini Match. I asked if this money was to come from our penny tax. Yes, it does. A different area. What? One small town of 195 people had managed to gain $18'000 from a tax they are not expected to pay. I did remind the board - They are for the better part exempt. I do understand they eat meals, however, this was a large award for one community of that size.

I have read the ordinance pertaining to our penny tax. This is ORD. 921. It states a primary goal of ?. This is where many part ways. I read it as a primary goal of the STAR Fund, others read it as a primary goal of location. For example the primary goal would be to keep our tax money in Williston and Western ND.

When the report of this meeting came out in the paper, I did contact the publisher. I understand many things occur at a meeting and in an effort to put it in correct format, I offered them a recording of the meeting so I may be quoted in the correct context. I did get a repeat of the article in a companion paper and then an apology.

You raise interesting points. I guess from a fiscal frugality waste elimination perspective this is very interesting, but to be honest, I personally have not paid much attention to any of these active fund projects. You have. I do not doubt for one moment, that what you say is correct, but looking a a broader picture...the simple act of creating of a Star Fund, or Flex, or mini-match was something a great accomplishment in itself. Who was responsible for that?

As I understand it, the goal, and the granting of monies is a positive thing. Of course, as with any endeavor, the devil is in the details, and I think that it is the gist of your frustration. Again, personally, I feel that in the absence of any hint of wrong-doing, or unethical "back scratching", or "hands in the cookie jar" on the part of the City Commissioners individually or collectively, where's the beef?

A simple written or posted clarification from someone in the know would be an easy way to respond.

...and of course here I am shilling for the Activeboard again...but what better place than here to reply

;o)
R

Sue Evans · Senior Member

I would like to clarify an issue. Using our Economic Dev. web site I located a press release that stated the $50'000 in community enhancement funds would be allocated provided the group could provide proof of matching funds. On another form for this award, it was stated no award of less than $2500 would be considered. This should mean a project minimum of $5'000 for consideration prior to being placed for the "point review".

Froid was asking for $3'000 towards a cost of $4'500 to have their HS band play at their centennial. After the presentation was made I asked if this consideration qualified due to matching funds. Our board was not aware of this press release. I was told it was a terminology issue and it was based on points.

I then inquired under which part the TRE was issued their award then. Some board members were not aware they were still paying. I never found out how the TRE qualified.

The meeting carried on and 40+ minutes later a nice woman stood up and requested $15'000 for the Froid library. It is to be located in the community center of which she thanked our board for the aid in helping construct.

If you have Montana ID and purchase $50 or more, you are exempt from our sales tax. Now take a look at Williston Code. Section 24-3, Use Tax; we have to honestly pay sales tax to our city and state. (even for retail sales)

This request did not fall under the grants awarded earlier in the session, it did not meet the Flex or Mini Match. I asked if this money was to come from our penny tax. Yes, it does. A different area. What? One small town of 195 people had managed to gain $18'000 from a tax they are not expected to pay. I did remind the board - They are for the better part exempt. I do understand they eat meals, however, this was a large award for one community of that size.

I have read the ordinance pertaining to our penny tax. This is ORD. 921. It states a primary goal of ?. This is where many part ways. I read it as a primary goal of the STAR Fund, others read it as a primary goal of location. For example the primary goal would be to keep our tax money in Williston and Western ND.

When the report of this meeting came out in the paper, I did contact the publisher. I understand many things occur at a meeting and in an effort to put it in correct format, I offered them a recording of the meeting so I may be quoted in the correct context. I did get a repeat of the article in a companion paper and then an apology.