County Commission Orders Twice Yearly Township Payments, Addresses $500,000 Shortfall

At its December 16 meeting the Stutsman County Commission voted unanimously to require townships to remit balances owed to the county twice yearly, with payments due on June 30 and December 31. County officials framed the measure as a fiscal accountability step after staff reported more than $500,000 in outstanding township balances for work performed by the county Road Department.

Under the prior practice a township could accumulate up to $50,000 in unpaid charges before road services were suspended. County staff told commissioners that the cumulative total of outstanding township balances now significantly exceeds that threshold. Jessica Alonge, county auditor and chief operating officer, said at the meeting that at least one township would need to levy 18 mills to cover its debt and another would require nearly 7 mills.

Beyond the payment schedule the commission approved fee increases for public works permits, setting approach permit fees at $400 and utility permit fees at $200. The board also set precincts and polling locations for the 2026 election cycle and made appointments to the Stutsman County Water Resource Board.

The policy change has immediate fiscal and political implications for townships and local taxpayers. For townships carrying large unpaid balances the twice yearly payment schedule concentrates obligations into firm deadlines, increasing pressure on local budgets and on township boards to consider levy adjustments or other revenue measures. Higher levy rates would translate into increased property tax bills for residents in affected townships. County officials signaled they may pursue additional enforcement tools, including late fees for unpaid township balances, which would add another potential cost to delinquent accounts.

Institutionally the action underscores the county commission role in overseeing intergovernmental finances and the auditor office role in tracking township debts. The measure is likely to prompt township meetings this winter and early spring as local boards evaluate levy needs and payment plans. Residents should monitor township notices for proposed levies and budget hearings and may contact county offices for information on balances and the new payment schedule.