Stanley City Invests In Major Infrastructure Projects
Majority of Expenses Covered by City Sales Tax and Oil & Gas Revenues
Over the past five years, Stanley City has finalized $12,551,608 in water, sewer, and street improvements. Stanley City is scheduled to complete Capital Improvement Project Phase 3 in the 2026 construction season. This ongoing project, which includes sewer, water, and street work, is estimated to cost $4.6 million - bringing the total investment in major projects to just over $17 million.
While you may not notice changes in your own neighborhood, significant upgrades have been made across Stanley, particularly on the east side and in the John Rian Addition. Thanks to revenue from city sales tax and oil and gas gross production tax, taxpayers are no longer bearing 80 percent to 100 percent of project costs. These funding sources have greatly reduced the financial burden on residents and positively impacted the community. In fact, over the past five years, the City has fully funded all street improvement projects without having to special assess property owners.
Completed Project
Breakdown Summary:
• Grant Share: $187,904
• City Share: $11,173,866
• Owner’s Share (Special Assessment): $1,189,838
Total Project Costs: $12,551,608
The cost-sharing details for the estimated $4.6 million ($2.4 million for water and sewer and $2.2 million for street) Capital Improvement Project Phase 3 are still being finalized. However, the City Council anticipates that property owners will cover 25 percent of the water and sewer improvement costs, with the City funding the remaining 75 percent. Additionally, the Council has expressed support for the City covering 100 percent of the street improvement costs for this project, provided current funding sources remain steady.
The 1.5 percent city sales tax is set to expire on December 21, 2026. Voters will decide in the upcoming election whether to continue the 1.5 percent city sales and use tax. The City Council is sharing information on the 20 percent share that is allocated for municipal improvements so you can make an informed choice at the poll. The breakdown of the city sales tax is as follows:
City Sales & Use Tax
Distribution (1.50 percent)
• Municipal Improvements - 20 percent
• Recreational Improvements - 20 percent
• Economic Development - 23.33334 percent
• Stanley Public Library - 3.33333 percent
• Mountrail County Medical Center - 33.33333 percent
If you want more detailed information on municipal improvement costs, please contact the City Auditor’s Office at 701-628-2225.