Service name

At a Glance

Benefit: Exemption of up to $150,000 in true and full value, exclusive of land, for the taxable year in which construction on the dwelling began and the next two taxable years. The taxable year in which construction of a modular or other off-site-built residence began is the year in which construction of the foundation began.
Eligibility: Must be new single-family residential property that is owned by the builder and unoccupied. Must be located within Williams County and outside the limits of any incorporated city. “Builder” includes an individual who builds that individual’s own residence or an individual who builds residences for others.
Deadline:

• February 1: Deadline to have exemption included in current year assessment
• October 1: Deadline to have exemption implemented prior to generation of final Tax Statements
• This program will expire on December 31, 2027, unless otherwise amended or extended by the Williams County Board of County Commissioners.

Details

In compliance with the authority granted by NDCC § 57-02-08(42) and Williams County Board of County Commissioners Resolution No. 2025-04-15.1, Williams County allows a property tax exemption for builders for newly constructed single-family residential property for $150,000 of the true and full value of the property. Only properties located within Williams County and outside the limits of any incorporated city are eligible.

Land on which the property is situated remains assessed and taxed at full value. The property tax exemption also excludes any special assessments on the property. Outbuildings and other improvements normally associated with residential living are also included in the Property Tax Exemption Program. The dwelling itself must qualify for the exemption in order for outbuildings and other improvements to qualify for the exemption.

“Single-family residential property” is defined as:

• Any property that is assessed as real property and classified as residential under NDCC 57-02, including townhomes and condominiums;
• Property that is not taxed on the permit system under NDCC Chapter 57-55; and
• Property that is intended to house one family.

Conditions

• Must be owned by the builder and remain unoccupied for the duration of the exemption period. Only properties located within Williams County and outside the limits of any incorporated city are eligible.
• Any special assessments or real property taxes on the property (or properties) listed in the application must not be delinquent at any time during the exemption period.
• A builder is eligible for the property tax exemption for no more than ten (10) properties in a taxable year. The builder must submit an application for the exemption each year, listing no more than ten properties for which the exemption is requested.
• If a builder holds the exemption and upon sale, the seller does not apply for the homebuyer exemption, then the Assessor’s Office will complete a prorated escaped assessment.
• If any of these conditions are not met at any point during the exemption, the exemption may be revoked through an escaped assessment or other proper means.

Application

Application

Please contact the Assessor’s Office for application assistance.

At a Glance

Benefit: Exemption of up to $150,000 in true and full value, exclusive of land, for the first two taxable years after the taxable year in which construction on the residence is completed and the residence is owned and occupied for the first time by the homeowner-buyer.
Eligibility: Must be new single-family residential property that is homeowner-occupied. Must be located within Williams County and outside the limits of any incorporated city. If you reside in the City of Williston, please refer to their New Construction Exemption Program.
Deadline:

• February 1: Deadline to have exemption included in current year assessment
• October 1: Deadline to have exemption implemented prior to generation of final Tax Statements
• This program will expire on December 31, 2027, unless otherwise amended or extended by the Williams County Board of County Commissioners.

Details

In compliance with the authority granted by NDCC § 57-02-08(42) and Williams County Board of County Commissioners Resolution No. 2025-04-15.2, Williams County allows a property tax exemption for homeowners of newly constructed single-family residential property for $150,000 of the true and full value of the property for up to two years. Only properties located within Williams County and outside the limits of any incorporated city are eligible.

Land on which the property is situated remains assessed and taxed at full value. The property tax exemption also excludes any special assessments on the property. Outbuildings and other improvements normally associated with residential living are also included in the Property Tax Exemption Program. The dwelling itself must qualify for the exemption in order for outbuildings and other improvements to qualify for the exemption.

“Single-family residential property” is defined as:

• Any property that is assessed as real property and classified as residential under NDCC 57-02, including townhomes and condominiums;
• Property that is not taxed on the permit system under NDCC Chapter 57-55; and
• Property that is intended to house one family.

Conditions

• Any special assessments or property taxes on the property listed in the application must not be delinquent at any time during the exemption period.
• Only properties located within Williams County and outside the limits of any incorporated city are eligible.
• If a builder held a New Construction Property Tax Exemption for Builders prior to the sale of the home, the buyer must apply for the Property Tax Exemption for Homeowners separately.
• If any of these conditions are not met at any point during the exemption, the exemption may be revoked through an escaped assessment or other proper means.

Application

Application

Please contact the Assessor’s Office for application assistance.

At a Glance:

Benefit: Up to $500 property tax credit
Eligibility: Must own and occupy a home as a primary residence (includes houses, condos, townhomes, mobile homes, or duplexes)
Deadline: March 31, 2025

Details:

Homeowners with an approved application may receive up to a $500 credit against their property tax obligation. To be eligible for the credit, you must own a home (house, mobile home, town home, duplex, or condo) in North Dakota, and reside in it as your primary residence. You must reapply each year.

At a Glance:

Benefit: Reduction of property’s taxable value based on disability rating (up to $8,100 for 100% disability)
Eligibility: U.S. veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or more
Deadline: March 31 of the first year the credit is claimed

Details:

Veterans of the United States armed forces with a disability of 50% or greater are eligible to apply. For a married couple, if both individuals are eligible, then they can both apply, but their combined credits may not exceed 100% of $8,100 of taxable value on the property. A qualifying disabled veteran who acquires the homestead during the year may apply for credit for the portion of the year during which the veteran owns the homestead.

Application Process/ Requirements

Deadline: March 31 of the first year for which the credit is claimed

Application

More information

At a Glance:

Benefit: Reduction in property taxes for seniors and disabled homeowners
Eligibility: Homeowners 65+ or permanently disabled with income up to $70,000
Deadline: March 31

Details:

Qualified homeowners may receive a reduction in property taxes and qualified renters can receive a partial refund of their rent. On April 27, 2023, Governor Doug Burgum signed HB 1158 into law. This legislation broadens the eligibility requirements and maximum reduction amounts for those applying for the North Dakota Homestead Property Tax Credit program. This program is aimed at homeowners 65 years of age and older or those who are permanently and totally disabled. For a married couple, only one individual may apply for the credit. The applicant must live on and have an interest in the property.

Homeowners can only apply for one property, and it must be for their primary residence.

Benefit

Income changes to the Homestead Credit for Tax Year 2023:

This does not reduce the liability of any person for special assessments levied upon any property.

With this new legislation, the asset limit of $500,000 has been removed.  Applications must be submitted yearly for approval.

If you have already applied for the credit this year, the application will be automatically adjusted to reflect the new percentages. If you would now qualify for the program because of the changes and would like to apply, please contact the Williams County Tax Director at (701) 577-4555 or using this online form.

Application Process/ Requirements

A Physician’s Certificate must accompany applications that are claiming permanent and total disability and are younger than the age of 65.

Physician Certificate

Deadlines

Homestead Credit: March 31. If claiming this credit due to disability, a Physician’s Certificate must accompany the application.

Renter’s Refund: File application with the Office of State Tax Commissioner before June 1 following the year for which the refund is claimed.

Applications

2025 Application

2024 Application

2023 Application

More Information

Please contact the Assessor’s Office for application assistance.

At a Glance:

Benefit: Exemption from property taxes on farm residences
Eligibility: Active farmers, retired farmers, farm laborers, beginning farmers, or surviving spouses
Deadline: February 1 for application; March 31 for income statements

Details:

There are multiple categories for the Farm Residence Exemption, but an application may only be completed for a single category:

• Active Farmer
• Vacant Residence
• Farm Laborer Residence
• Retired Farmer
• Beginning Farmer
• Surviving Spouse

The application will help you determine the appropriate category.

Note: The 2019 Legislative Session brought several changes to the Farm Residence Exemption for those claiming Active Farmer Status (the other designations have not changed). To qualify as an Active Farmer, the farmer and their spouse, if married, must have received more than 66% of their combined annual gross income from farming activities in any one year of the two preceding calendar years, whether one or both are farmers. This is a change from having made no more than $40,000 net off-farm income in each of the past 3 years.

The non-farm income limit is now calculated as part of the total gross income. Previously, the limit was $40,000 of non-farm income. The gross income (farm and non-farm) must include a spouse’s gross income.

Application Process/ Requirements

The Active Farmer must now include the “Statement of Farm Gross Income” form in addition to their application; the form is available for download from the North Dakota Tax Commissioner’s website. The form is a fillable Excel spreadsheet based off the current IRS 1040 form. A new application and statement of income must be submitted each year to renew the exemption.

Deadlines: February 1; however, applications are considered incomplete and will be denied if the Statement of Farm Gross Income is not received by the Assessor’s Office.

Statement of Farm Gross Income: Can be submitted separately before March 31.

Download Application (PDF)

Statement of Income 

More Information

Please contact the Assessor’s Office for application assistance

At a Glance:

Benefit: Up to $160,000 exemption for blind homeowners; up to $120,000 for disabled homeowners
Eligibility: Blind homeowners or those permanently disabled and confined to a wheelchair
Deadline: February 1

Details:

Property owned by institutions of public charity, religious organizations, and lodges, chapters, etc. may be eligible for a property tax exemption. 

Property Tax Exemption Application

Please contact the Assessor’s Office for more information and application assistance.

At a Glance:

Benefit: Property tax exemption for up to 5 years (with potential extensions)
Eligibility: Certified primary sector businesses (including agricultural processors and leaseholders on government property)
Deadline: Varies; annual application required for extensions

Details:

A new or expanding business project that is certified as a primary sector business by the Department of Commerce Division of Economic Development and Finance may be granted a property tax exemption for up to five years. Two extensions are available:

• Agricultural processors may be granted a partial or full exemption for up to five additional years.
• A project located on property leased from a government entity qualifies for an exemption for up to five additional years upon annual application by the project operator.

In addition to, or instead of, an exemption, local governments and any project operator may negotiate payments in lieu of property tax for a period of up to 20 years from the date project operations begin.

Application Process/ Requirements

More information about qualifications and application procedures can be found on the North Dakota Tax website.

Please contact the Assessor’s Office for application assistance

Cash Wise – Tioga
802 Elm St, Tioga, ND 58852

Cash Wise – Williston
300 11th St W, Williston, ND 58801

Horizon Resources – Ray
11503 US-2, Ray, ND 58849

Horizon Resources – Williston
209 Washington Ave, Williston, ND 58801

Love’s – Williston
104 E 104th St, Williston, ND 58801

Menards – Williston
405 32nd Ave W, Williston, ND 58801

Walmart – Williston
4001 2nd Ave W, Williston, ND 58801

Ace Hardware – Tioga
119 N Main St, Tioga, ND

Horizon Resources – Ray
11503 US-2, Ray, ND 58849

Scenic Sports – Williston
1201 E Broadway, Williston, ND 58801

Sportsman’s Warehouse – Williston
925 32nd Ave W, Williston, ND 58801

Walmart – Williston
4001 2nd Ave W, Williston, ND 58801

Firewood is available for sale at all Williams County parks for $10/bundle, cash only.

Firewood may seasonally be available at area gas stations.

Did you know? Buying firewood locally is best! Moving firewood from out-of-state into ND can introduce destructive pests. Firewood should be bought and burned locally to prevent the spread of pests entering ND as well as within the state. At campgrounds in ND, firewood must originate within 100 miles of the campground, unless it has been officially certified as pest-free, and ideally, firewood should be transported less than 50 miles from its origin. For more information, visit the Don’t Move Firewood website.

Albertson’s – Williston
20 26th St E, Williston, ND 58801

Cash Wise – Tioga
802 Elm St, Tioga, ND 58852

Cash Wise – Williston
300 11th St W, Williston, ND 58801

Jack & Jill – Ray
20 Main St, Ray, ND 58849

Thoreson Meats – Ray
107 Main St, Ray, ND 58849

Walmart – Williston
4001 2nd Ave W, Williston, ND 58801

Walt’s Market – Williston
922 University Ave, Williston, ND 58801

Cash Wise – Tioga
802 Elm St, Tioga, ND 58852

Cash Wise – Williston
300 11th St W, Williston, ND 58801

Creekside Water & Ice – Williston
*Also provides RV water fill-up
433 Reiger Dr Suite 4, Williston, ND 58801

Horizon Resources – Ray
11503 US-2, Ray, ND 58849

Horizon Resources – Williston
209 Washington Ave, Williston, ND 58801

Love’s – Williston
104 E 104th St, Williston, ND 58801

TA Express Travel Center – Williston
13553 64th St NW, Williston, ND 58801 (13 Mile Corner)

Walmart (on alcohol sales side) – Williston
4001 2nd Ave W, Williston, ND 58801

If you need assistance with rent, or are experiencing homelessness, you may qualify for assistance programs through the state of North Dakota. Visit the Apply for Help website or contact the North Star Human Service Zone.

For more information about day-to-day resources and services for living in Williams County, including healthcare and behavioral health options and necessities like utilities, visit our local guide, Where in Williams County?.

Williams County does not provide copies of death certificates. Certified copies of North Dakota death certificates can be obtained from the ND Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records.

3300 37th St W
Williston ND, 58801

701-609-7017

24 1st Ave W
Ray ND, 58849

701-568-2222 *Not a 24-Hour Manned Number

Welcome to Ray – North Dakota (raynd.com)

205 Main ST
Grenora, ND 58845

701-694-6204

11 Welo St
Tioga, ND 58852

701-664-3305

Hospitals In Tioga | Tioga Medical Center (tiogahealth.org)

Tioga, North Dakota – Departments (tiogand.net)

331 4th Ave W
Trenton ND, 58853

233 East Broadway, Suite 201
Williston, ND 58801

701-577-1212

Welcome to Williston, ND (cityofwilliston.com)

223 East Broadway, Suite 301
Williston, ND 58801
701-577-7700

Sheriff’s Office – Williams County, ND (williamsnd.com)

12 1st St. NE
Tioga, ND 58852

701-664-2514 *when dispatch goes off duty this phone gets transferred to the officer on duty

Tioga, North Dakota – Departments (tiogand.net)

Ray, ND 58849

701-568-2200 *Not a 24 Hour Number

Welcome to Ray – North Dakota (raynd.com)

1200 11^th Ave W
Williston, ND 58801

Contact for Burning Information: Bret Williams – (701)-609-8849, Tanner Schaan – (701)-570-9385, Zack Martens – (701)-629-9785, James Laqua – (701)-770-0599

317 11^th St W
Williston, ND 58801

701-572-3400

Contact for Burning Information: Matt Clark, 701-580-4309

Welcome to Williston, ND (wfdems.com)

416 Main St
Wildrose, ND 58795

701-539-2111

Contact for Burning Information: Kevin Caraballo, 678-989-7192

Fire – Wildrose ND

310 2^nd St
Trenton ND, 58853

701-572-8137

Contact for Burning Information: Klint Nielsen, 701-770-4017

Tioga, ND 58852

701-664-5757

Contact for Burning Information: Rick Farrow (701-770-1903) or Nathan Germundson (701-641-5298)

Tioga, North Dakota – Departments (tiogand.net)

12 Front St W
Tioga, ND 58852

701-664-5757

Contact for Burning Information: Jim McGinnity (701-641-3324) or Brodie Odegaard (701-641-3137)

Tioga, North Dakota – Departments (tiogand.net)

24 1^st Ave W
Ray ND, 58849

701-568-2222 * Not a 24 Hour Number

Contact for Burning Information: Kyle Weyrauch, 701-641-3072

205 Main St
Genora, ND 58845

701-641-8289

Contact for Burning Information; Justin Hanson, 701-641-8289

402 2nd St
Epping, ND 58843

Contact for Burning Information: John Sheldon (701-770-3419) or Nathan Rettig (701-651-6986)

HOME (eppingrfd.org)

107 Main St
Alamo, ND 58830

701-528-3662 *Not a 24 Hour Number

Contact for Burning Information: Donovan Haugland, 701-641-6829

For Primary and General Elections, any qualified elector of Williams County can vote in person at a Vote Center or at a Consolidated Precinct Polling Place, based on the address of their primary residence.

To vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, have a valid North Dakota ID, tribal ID or current-year Long-Term Care Certificate (from a qualified nursing home), and be a resident of Williams County, North Dakota.

For Special Election information, please visit the Elections webpage.

Voting via absentee ballot means you can cast your ballot prior to Election Day, but your vote is not tallied until Election Day.

To vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, have a valid North Dakota ID, tribal ID or a 2024 Long-Term Care Certificate (from a qualified nursing home), and be a resident of Williams County, North Dakota.

Absentee Ballot Application

To receive an absentee ballot, you must first complete an Absentee Ballot Application. Applications are only valid from January 1st to December 31st each year. You MUST re-apply each year to be able to vote absentee in an election. 

Where can I complete an application?

Applications can be completed online, by requesting an application from the Auditor’s Office via phone (701-577-4500), or in person at the Auditor’s Office, which is located on the first floor of the Williams County Administration Building in downtown Williston (206 E Broadway).

How do I submit my Application?

Williams County Auditor’s Office
P.O. Box 2047
Williston, ND 58802-2047

Fax to Auditor’s Office @ 701-577-4510

Drop off at Williams County Auditor’s Office (206 E Broadway Williston, ND). The Office is open Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm, and closed on certain holidays.

What do I need to know when completing the application?

• To help us efficiently process your application, please PRINT your name.
• Indicate the election(s) you would like a ballot for. If you only select one, then you will only receive a ballot for that election. If you would like to receive an Absentee Ballot for all qualified elections in a given year, be sure to check all eligible boxes in the first section of the Absentee Ballot Application.
• Make sure that your current residential and mailing address is up-to-date with the ND DOT Driver’s License office. You can do this online on the Driver’s License Office website.

NDCC § 16.1-07-06 states:

• A copy of supplemental documentation, if necessary, can be used when applying for an absentee/mail ballot.
• Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant for completion and resubmission.

Can I obtain a ballot for someone else?

An individual can obtain an absentee ballot for up to three individuals in addition to their own ballot for one specific election by using the Agent Absentee Ballot Application. Additionally, an applicant living with a disability that prevents the individual from traveling away from the individual’s home to obtain an acceptable form of identification may use an attester. The attester must provide his or her name, North Dakota driver’s license, nondriver’s, or tribal identification number, and sign the absentee/mail ballot application form to attest to the applicant’s North Dakota residency and voting eligibility.

Absentee Ballots

How do I submit my Absentee Ballot?

Absentee Ballots must be returned prior to Election Day and are not accepted on Election Day at the Auditor’s Office or voting locations; absentee ballots brought to a voting location on Election Day will be spoiled and you can vote at the polls. For election-specific timelines, please visit the Elections webpage.

Mail Via USPS

For election-specific timelines, please visit the Elections webpage.

Drop off at Williams County Auditor’s Office (206 E Broadway Williston, ND)

For election-specific timelines, please visit the Elections webpage.

Deposit in a Secure Drop Box located within Williams County

For election-specific timelines, please visit the Elections webpage.

Five secure Ballot Drop Boxes are located around Williams County. All boxes are located outside; note they are only open at specific times during election years.

• Grenora City Hall | 204 Main St, Grenora
• Ray City Hall | 101 Main St, Ray
• Tioga City Hall | 16 1st Street NE, Tioga
• TISA Building | 331 4th Ave E, Trenton (on north side of building)
• Williams County Administration Building | 206 E Broadway, Williston (by south entrance)

There is a very direct relationship between the amount of standing water the number of mosquitoes we have during the year. The more rainfall and flooding the more likely it will be a bad year. There are exceptions, but they are not very common.

Adulticide treatments occur near sunset when mosquitoes are most active and sprays can be the most effective. In the summertime that can mean 10 pm or later. Depending on the application method you may or may not even hear or see the vehicle. Aerial applications are conducted with either a helicopter (rural areas) or airplane (urban areas) and have a swath width of 1,000 feet. The aircraft may not even fly over your property, but you are being treated. Ground vehicles drive past your property going 10-15 mph and avoid doubling back on themselves.

Larvicide treatments occur throughout spring, summer and fall, but typically occur in unpopulated areas, so those are also not very visible. Larvicide treatments also occur via air and ground. Aerial applications often take place just after dawn or before sunset when weather is calm. Ground applications often use residual products that are effective for 3 to 4 weeks, so even if an area is wet, it likely has already been treated.

Larvicides are much more effective than adulticides for two major reasons:

1. Immature mosquitoes (larva) are only found in standing water, and
2. The pesticides we use are very specific to mosquito larva.

Adulticides are less specific to mosquitoes, are susceptible to weather conditions, and necessitate that an adult mosquito must encounter a spray droplet. Mosquito adulticides offer no residual activity and are quickly rendered inert when exposed to sunlight. However, both components are part of an integrated vector control program and accomplish very different tasks.

Read more about treatments on our Types of Vector Control webpage.

Vector control treatments conducted by the U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR) are only a request. The USAFR has the ability cancel or change their plans with little prior notice. Spray requests are scheduled 2 years in advance. This makes targeting their arrival date very difficult. Some years all the pieces come together and others it does not. Additionally, there are several state and federal regulations that must be addressed before they are able to spray, and when the regulatory landscape changes, USAFR sprays may be canceled. Williams County Vector Control actively works with the USAFR to anticipate these changes, but it can take months before a resolution is found.

The USAFR only sprays a small proportion of the total annual spray acreages that the Williams County Vector Control District does. The rest is treated through an aerial contractor using much smaller and more versatile aircraft.

We operate a variety of mosquito traps that are dispersed throughout the county and its municipalities. We collect these traps on a daily basis, excluding weekends and holidays. Traps are counted and the numbers of individual species are recorded. Pools of mosquitoes are then tested for the presence of harmful diseases like West Nile virus.

To see average trap counts for Williston, Ray, and Grenora, visit our Trap Counts webpage.

Guidelines | The Williams County Vector Control District (WVCD) follows the most current guidelines from both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) when responding to the detection of a vector borne disease like West Nile Virus.

Risk Assessment | Vector Control uses a risk assessment calculator provided by a software program called VectorSurv. This calculator is adapted from the CDC and is used as a general guide for assessing the overall risk of an area. There are five surveillance categories where risk ranges from 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest risk). These categories and risk levels provide a general guide for district operations. Three of the 5 risk assessment categories are used: Environment, Abundance, and Infection. The other two, Seroconversion and Dead Bird Infections, are not used by Vector Control. These three are averaged to provide an overall risk. Additional details can be found on the VectoSurv website.

Mosquito Surveillance | Vector Control performs routine mosquito surveillance within the district using a network of mosquito traps. These traps are spread throughout the district and are designed to attract and catch various species of adult mosquito. Some of the traps are collected daily (excluding weekends/holidays) while others are placed during specific times and dates to focus on problem areas. A special type of trap is used when looking for mosquitoes that could be carrying a disease, such as West Nile Virus. These traps are designed to collect adult mosquitoes without killing them. Once the traps are emptied, the mosquitoes are quickly frozen and used for disease testing.

Testing | Vector Control uses a process called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to test mosquitoes for West Nile Virus (WNV), Saint Louis Encephalomyelitis virus (SLE), and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis virus (WEE). The use of PCR allows the district to quickly test for these diseases and to develop an appropriate action plan to mitigate the spread of these diseases to humans. If any of these viruses are detected in a mosquito pool, the district notifies the NDDoH, the local emergency rooms, and schedules a spray event for the area surrounding the collection site. This area will continue to be monitored until no virus is detected, after which normal surveillance resumes.

Action Thresholds | In addition to disease surveillance, Vector Control also manages nuisance mosquitoes common to the area. A set of action thresholds are defined for different classes of mosquito (nuisance VS disease vector). Once a threshold is reached, operations to manage the adult mosquito populations are initiated. An increase in the chance of disease transmission is not the only threshold used for increasing mosquito control activities. These include both aerial and ground sprays using an Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) application of a pesticide.

One of the most effective things you can do is to remove any standing water you may have on your property. This can be flower pots that hold water, baby pools, or old tires you have laying around. Source reduction is the best way to combat mosquitoes!

If you have noticed an increase in the mosquito population in your area, you can submit a Vector Control Service Request. Service Requests help us to find unknown mosquito development sites and pinpoint problematic areas.

Between the first Monday in March and October 31, campsites may be reserved in advance online for Epping/Springbrook Dam and Little Egypt. Campsites can still also be reserved onsite/day-of by paying at the park with cash or check. Up to four sites per park, per reservation, per person are allowed.

Credit card (American Express, Visa, Discover, and MasterCard) is accepted online. A service fee of $3 will be applied to each reservation plus a service fee for using a credit/debit card (minimum of $2.50 or 4.5%). Cash or check are accepted onsite at the campground (please visit the pay station). Campsites must be paid in full upon making a reservation. Visit our Reservations page to reserve a site.

For more information about camping at other County Parks, please visit the Parks webpage.

Between the first Monday in March and October 31, campsites can be reserved in advance by booking online (not available for McGregor Dam). Campers can reserve a site for a maximum of 14 days (13 nights) with a maximum of four sites per reservation, per person. Visit our Reservations page to reserve a site.

If you made a campsite reservation online at a Williams County park, you can modify your reservation by visiting the webpage for the park where you have a reserved site or clicking the link provided in your reservation confirmation email.

Reservations may be cancelled for a full refund up to 48 hours (2 days) prior to your check-in date. For cancellations less than 48 hours in advance, a partial refund may be issued based on length of stay. To request a cancellation, please complete this cancellation request form or call 701-528-1628.

Contact the Parks Department for assistance.

Campsite check-in at all of our park campgrounds is 3 pm CT. Campers must vacate their site by 2 pm CT.

This is the first time the defendant appears in front of the Judge. The Judge will set a bail amount and full conditions of bond, typically including a no contact with a victim.

This hearing occurs in felony cases only. Testimony is heard by the Judge. The prosecuting attorney must establish probable cause that a crime has been committed by the defendant.

This hearing occurs in misdemeanor cases only. At this hearing, the defendant will plead guilty or not guilty. If the defendant pleads not guilty, the court will schedule a Pretrial Conference. If a guilty plea is entered, the Judge will immediately sentence the defendant .

In felony cases, this hearing is scheduled when the defendant decides to change his/her plea to guilty. At this hearing, a victim has the right to submit a Victim Impact Statement. These statements are important for the Judge to recognize all of the ways the crime has affected the victim.

Victims and witnesses may be required to testify at a trial. A trial may either be a Jury Trial or a Bench Trial, which is heard by a judge, not a jury.

Are not open to the public.

Accepting a plea agreement means to settle a case without a trial.

This institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex and in some cases religion or political beliefs.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture also prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027), found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
2. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov

For any other information dealing with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues, persons should either contact the USDA SNAP Hotline Number at (800) 221-5689, which is also in Spanish or call the State Information/Hotline Numbers (click the link for a listing of hotline numbers by State); found online at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/contact_info/hotlines.htm.

To file a complaint of discrimination regarding a program receiving Federal financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), write: HHS Director, Office for Civil Rights, Room 515-F, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201 or call (202) 619-0403 (voice) or (800) 537-7697 (TTY).

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Beginning August 1, 2021, the William’s County Sheriff’s Office will no longer be releasing accident reports due to new state legislation; they must be requested via the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT).

The North Dakota Fire Danger Rating is a broad scale assessment that is issued each morning at approximately 6:45 CST during fire season by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The fire season is typically from April 1st to October 31st. The USFS calculates the Fire Danger Rating using grassland fuel moisture, forecast temperature, humidity, wind speed, and topography.

Device controlled fires, such as those from a grill, fire table, or gas camp stove, are not addressed under the burn restriction, but the operator should always practice proper fire prevention. They should be located on a hard, non-organic surface at least 15 feet away from vegetation and a fire extinguisher or water should be available on-site. Visit the Burning in Williams County webpage for more information.

There may be additional localized restrictions, so it is always best to contact your local fire district for more information.

Campfires, even if they are in a fire ring, are *not* permitted when the Williams County Burn Restriction is in effect. For more information about the Burn Restriction, please visit the Burning in Williams County webpage.

There may be additional localized restrictions, so it is always best to contact your local fire district for more information.

The Williams County Burn Restriction is in effect from March 18, 2025, through December 31, 2025, when the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Danger Rating is at the Very High, or Extreme category for Williams County and/or a Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for Williams County. Visit the Burning in Williams County webpage for more information.

Any individual who willfully violates the Burn Restriction is guilty of a Class B Misdemeanor (NDCC 37-17.1.10.1: MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF 30 DAYS IN JAIL AND A $1500.00 FINE).

The Williams County Sheriff’s Office is a participating agency in NDTip, a service that enables citizens to submit anonymous tips about crimes, suspicious activity, or non-emergency traffic concerns. Citizens can submit tips for activity anywhere within the County. Tips will be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency if they are for locations outside of the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction.

NDTip removes all identifying information about the sender before the tip reaches the Sheriff’s Office. There is no way to identify the sender. NDTip is not a substitute for calling 911; if this is an emergency, or you are witnessing a crime in progress, please dial 9-1-1 immediately.

To submit a tip, please visit the Williams County Sheriff’s Office’s NDTip webpage.

The Williams County GIS Department creates and manages geospatial data and maps for the County. Downloadable and online maps, including the Address and Parcel Explorer (formerly known as the Parcel Viewer), can be accessed by clicking here.

Property taxes can be paid online, in person, over the phone, or by mail. For more information, visit the Payments page.

For a schedule of Williams County public meetings and events, please visit the Calendar.

Agendas for public meetings held in 2021 can be downloaded from our Meetings Portal as they are released by each board, commission, or committee.

To obtain agendas from public meetings held prior to January 2021, please contact the Communications Department. Historical agendas will be added to the Meetings Portal in the near future.

Minutes from public meetings held in 2021 can be downloaded from our Meetings Portal as they are released by each board, commission, or committee.

To obtain minutes from public meetings held prior to January 2021, please contact the Communications Department. Historical minutes will be added to the Meetings Portal in the near future.

You will receive an answer to your petition from the Williams County Committee for School District Annexations, Dissolutions and Reorganizations the same day you attend the hearing.

All documentary evidence from the hearing is recorded and sent to the North Dakota State Board of Education in Bismarck, ND. The State Board will either confirm or deny the William’s County Reorganization Committee’s decision. The State Board usually meets on the third Monday of each month. All annexations are effective July 1^st of each year following the State Board hearing.

(Name of Petition Carrier Family) Annexation

Date

Williams County Administration Building

1:00pm

1. Introduction of Lawyer from the William’s County State Attorney’s Office
   a.) Determine if all the statutory requirements regarding the petition have been met.
   If no, the meeting is adjourned.
   If yes, the petition is deemed valid and the meeting continues.
2.  Call to order of hearing by Chairman of the Williams County Reorganization Committee.
3.  Introduction of Williams County Committee Members present
4.  Reading of Petition:  Williams County Superintendent of Schools
5.  Testimony FOR the petition
6.  Testimony AGAINST the petition
7.  Testimony relative to the equitable adjustment of all property, assets, debts & liabilities among Districts involved if petition is approved.
8.  Any additional testimony, either FOR or AGAINST the petition.
9. Complete Findings of Facts form by the County Committee
   a.) Williams County Superintendent of Schools & Secretary of Reorganization Committee calls upon each member to read decision
   b.) Committee secretary writes motion and the reasons why on Findings
   c.) Committee members sign Findings
10. Announce State Board Meeting-if necessary
11. Adjourn hearing

After submitting an Annexation Petition, you will need to attend a hearing with the Williams County Committee for School District Annexations, Dissolutions, and Reorganizations. Hearings are only held as needed and typically occur in the Williams County Administration Building. Hearings may involved testimony from those for and against your Annexation Petition. You are only permitted to speak during the testimony part of the meeting.

Meeting Conduct

• Cell phones must be off or set to vibrate. If you must take an urgent call, you are asked to leave the room.
• All testimony is given at the podium. When you come to the podium, please print and sign your name (like you sign a check) and mark whether you are “for” or “against” the petition. Please speak into the microphone because the meeting is being recorded.
• Speak only to the committee. Do not address anyone in the audience or make comments from the audience during testimony or committee deliberation.
• Please state only information pertinent to annexation under review. Try to stick to testimony that is new and different. If you do not have something new to add but want to show support sign in, introduce yourself, state your support and ask to entertain any questions the committee may have.
• Be respectful of other people’s testimony.
• Do not talk among yourselves when the committee is in deliberation or during testimony.
• Address any concerns or clarification by approaching the podium and addressing the committee.

There are some key stipulations to the law that are required for you to annex your land.

• You must live in the area to be annexed.
• You must have a school age child or a child that will attend school in the upcoming school year.
• You must be connected or “contiguous” to the school district you want to annex into.
• You must have two-thirds of the people living in the area to be annexed sign the petition.
• You must be a qualified elector or live in your home for 30 days or longer and be over the age of 18 years.

For more information, visit the Annexation Process webpage.

Ordinances and resolutions passed by the Williams County Board of County Commissioners can be found by searching our virtual Document Center. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, please contact the Auditor’s Office.

Click here to directly access the Williams County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations.

The procedure for appeals can be found Chapter 3-7 of the Williams County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivisions Regulations document.

The Williams County Auditor’s Office issues beer and liquor licenses for establishments located outside of a corporate city limit, but within Williams County. The property of the proposed alcohol establishment cannot owe outstanding property taxes. Each application must also have a Township Consent Form signed by the township, as well as a Fire Inspection completed by the Williams County Fire Inspector. After receiving a County License, you must also license with the State of North Dakota. To access the forms and detailed process information, please visit the Auditor’s Office webpage.

To file a non-emergency report with the Sheriff’s Office, please call 701-577-7700. In the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Call the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency phone line at 701-577-7700.

For information about how to obtain a concealed weapons permit, including testing locations, please visit the ND Attorney General’s website.

For information about the law regarding dogs as a public nuisance and how to file a complaint, please visit the ND Courts website.

The Williams County Sheriff’s Office offers fingerprinting every Wednesday evening from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Williams County Law Enforcement Center (223 E Broadway); individuals are fingerprinted on a first come, first served basis. A fee of $10 is charged; it can be paid with cash or check made out to the Williams County Sheriff’s Office. Please be sure to read the directions provided for having your fingerprints taken prior to arriving. The Sheriff’s Office does not provide manilla envelopes for prints that are required to be sealed; please bring your own.

Fingerprinting is not offered if the Law Enforcement Center is closed for a holiday. Williams County buildings are closed for New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Check the holiday calendar to verify if the building is open before arriving.

The Northwest Human Service Center offers fingerprinting by appointment for NDHHS employees and childcare workers only. Individuals must bring their completed paperwork with them. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 701-774-4600, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

To post bond for someone being held in the Williams County Correctional Center, you must post bond with the court that made the charges (e.g. Northwest District Judicial Court or Municipal Court).

NW District Judicial Court

If the individual is being held on charges from the NW District Judicial Court, and you wish to pay with a credit card, bond can be posted with the Clerk of District Court between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday – Friday. Their office is located on the first floor of the Williams County Courthouse (205 E Broadway). If you wish to pay with cash or a surety bond, bond can be paid at the Williams County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office is located on the 3^rd floor of the Williams County Law Enforcement Center (223 E Broadway). Bond can be posted after hours, on weekends, and on holidays at the Correctional Center. Please enter through the Public Access door located on the northwest side of the Law Enforcement Center (223 E Broadway).

Bond can also be posted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online using a credit card at JailATM.com or by using cash or a credit card at the kiosk located in the main entryway of the Law Enforcement Center (E Broadway entrance).

City of Williston Municipal Court

If the individual is being held on charges from the City of Williston Municipal Court, you can post bond between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday – Friday, at the Municipal Clerk of Court’s office located on the first floor of the Williams County Courthouse (205 E Broadway). After hours, weekends and holidays bond must be posted at the Williston Police Department, which is located on the second floor of the Williams County Law Enforcement Center (223 E Broadway). They can be reached at 701-577-1212.

Ray or Tioga Police Departments

To post bond for an inmate being held for the Ray or Tioga Police Departments, please contact them directly for more information.

Per ND Century Code 29-08-28, when posting bond for another person, the money becomes the property of the defendant and will be applied to any fines resulting from the disposition of their case. If the defendant does not appear in court, the bond will be forfeited. Any money refunded will be given to the defendant.

Real Estate Taxes

Annual real estate taxes are mailed mid-December each year. The payment of taxes is divided into two equal payments, but if taxes are paid in full on or before February 18, 2025, you will receive a 5% discount on the consolidated tax. Postmarked dates are accepted when figuring payment dates for taxes.

Any special assessments and the first half of property taxes are due on or before March 3, 2025. The second half is due on or before October 15, 2025.

Real Estate Tax Penalties – 2025

1st Half & Special Assessments

March 4: 3%
May 1: 6%
July 1: 9%
October 15: 12%

2nd Half

October 16: 6%

Interest will begin to accumulate at the rate of 1% per month beginning January 1 of the year following. Interest is figured monthly.

Mobile Home Taxes

Annual mobile home taxes are mailed around January 10th each year although a small batch is usually mailed in December of the mobile home owners who returned their mobile home applications prior to that date.

The payment of taxes is divided into two equal payments, but if taxes are paid in full on or before February 18, 2025, you will receive a 5% discount on the consolidated tax. Postmarked dates are accepted when figuring payment dates for taxes.

Mobile Home Tax Penalties – 2025

1st Half

March 1: 2%
April 1: 4%
May 1: 6%
June 1: 8%

2nd Half

July 1: 2%
August 1: 4%
September 1: 6%
October 1: 8%

Property tax payment information

Your most recent tax bill can be accessed and downloaded by visiting iTax, our online property tax system. If you have questions about your tax bill, please contact the Treasurer’s Office.

Search by your parcel number, name, OR address. On your property record page, click “Show Current Tax Bill” in the center of the page.

To find out the payoff balance for city special assessments, please contact the City directly.

The payoff balance for special assessments managed by Williams County can be found using the iTax system. First, search for your property. Then, on the property record page, select “Detail” in the center box titled “Taxes.” The table will show your Bond Principal and Interest owed for the current tax year, but also the Balance to pay off. For questions about County-managed specials, please contact the Finance Department.

Instead of getting several separate bills, you get one property tax statement from Williams County, and we distribute your payment to each of the other entities.

Both the value of the mill AND the number of mills can affect your tax bill. If the same number of mills are on your tax statement this year as there were last year, but your home’s value increased by 5%, your tax bill will rise by 5% as well. Learn about how your property tax bill is calculated with Property Tax Basics.