Williston sets municipal judge salary at $84,000 through year-end after commissioners debate benefits and workload

The Williston Board of City Commissioners voted July 14 to set annual compensation for the Office of Municipal Judge at $84,000 effective immediately through Dec. 31, 2026, after deliberation over workload estimates, benefit inclusion and recruiting considerations.

City Administrator Shawn Wenko presented a Human Resources market review that had recommended $66,000 annually based on comparable municipal judge positions and a historical estimate that the role required roughly seven hours per week (about 364 hours a year). Wenko said the $66,000 recommendation assumed no employer-paid benefits, though the Municipal Judge may enroll in NDPERS health insurance and that cost would be deducted from salary if chosen.

Commissioners debated whether to preserve the prior $84,000 compensation during an initial six-month study period. Commissioner Bekkedahl argued for retaining $84,000 to allow time for an operational review; Commissioner Clark urged including employer-paid health benefits and noted the hourly rate for the alternate judge in the packet exceeded the pro-rated hourly rate implied by $66,000. Bekkedahl moved and Johnson seconded a motion to adopt $84,000 through Dec. 31, 2026; the motion passed 4–1 (Clark opposed).

Separately, commissioners approved an alternate municipal judge agreement with a December 31 review to adjust compensation as appropriate; the alternate judge contract was approved unanimously.