Central ND News

The Bismarck City Commission has voted to send a revised extraterritorial area (ETA) map to the Burleigh County Commission for review. The updated map was previously presented at a joint meeting between the two commissions. If Burleigh County does not accept the proposed map, Bismarck officials indicated they may consider withdrawing from the joint powers agreement that governs cooperation between the city and county.

Bismarck Mayor Michael Schmitz commented on the situation, stating, “This is an extremely layered issue, but I believe the best outcome in this scenario comes in the form of a compromise. I feel that we delivered that compromise in the form of the map that our staff presented. We worked to create a way for 95% of residents to move from the ETA to Burleigh County. However, Burleigh County’s leadership appears unwilling to meet us in that compromise. Our concern is that the City of Bismarck has the right to prioritize its urban planning, infrastructure coordination and long-term growth.”

The ETA covers a zone up to four miles outside Bismarck’s city limits. While discussions about this area have occurred over several years, recent months have seen increased focus. The ETA was a topic at a City Commission meeting in May, a Bismarck-Burleigh Commissions Committee meeting in June, and at recent joint sessions involving both commissions.

Mayor Schmitz also requested that Community Development review ordinances regarding accessory buildings in the ETA to ensure consistency with Burleigh County regulations.

The next regular meeting of the Burleigh County Commission is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 20, in the Tom Baker Meeting Room at the City/County Building.