BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says Ward County doesn't have to pay a $2,500 disconnect permit fee to a water district.
Stenehjem says in a written opinion issued Monday that Ward County acquired some properties to restore "green space" following the massive 2011 Souris River flood.
Water and sewer services to the properties were shut off at the curb stop and never reconnected. In October 2011, the water district notified property owners that they had to pay a $14.95 monthly fee, even if they were not in their homes and the water was shut off.
Stenehjem says the county "has no duty to pay" the West River Water District because of a contract it had with the past owners of the properties.