Show All Answers

1. Can I have my utility bill emailed to me?

If you would like your monthly bill emailed, please send us an email and provide your preferred email address along with your service address.

Residents can also sign up for automatic payments following these instructions.

email to us.

2. What are pending specials?

Pending specials assessments are estimated assessments to property for improvement projects which are either under construction or have not been through the final approval processes and hearings. These special assessments are based on estimated costs for project completion and are subject to change. 

Once the project has been closed and the Special Assessment Committee and the City Commission have approved the final special assessments, the amounts in the pending column will be removed and approved amounts will be moved to the certified and uncertified balance columns. 

If you have additional questions concerning pending specials please contact the City Engineer.

3. How can I pay my utility bill?

The City of West Fargo provides residents the following utilities and services, which are billed monthly:

• Appliance pickup
• Convenience fees
• Dumpster roll-offs
• Forestry
• Garbage
• Sewer
• Sump pump variances
• Vector control
• Water

Utility and city services bills can be paid via mail, drop-off locations, online or as an automatic payment with a pre-authorized checking or savings account. The City of West Fargo accepts cash, check, money order, automatic bank account payments, credit card or debit card for payment. Please note, a 3% convenience fee will be added for any credit card and debit card payments. For more information, visit the Utility Billing website.

Payment Options page.

4. How do I stop utility services for my property because I'm moving?

To stop services please complete the Utility Service Move Out Application and select "move out." You will need to provide your forwarding address, closing date or moving date, and the new property owner's name if selling a property. 

If you do not complete this step, the bill will remain in your name and be your responsibility to pay.

More information about canceling services can be found at the Utility Billing website.

Service page.

5. What is an appraisal and why does the City of West Fargo do it?

An appraisal is an estimate of the price that most people would likely pay for your house in its present condition. The average appraisal will take 15 to 20 minutes and will involve an outdoor and indoor inspection. Your annual property tax is based on this estimate of value. 

The Assessor places a value, or appraises, all property in the city. These valuations determine the distribution of the property tax burden, not the total amount of taxes paid in the city. The determining factor of whether your taxes will increase or decrease is how the current assessed valuation relates to today's market value. The city conducts periodic reappraisals to assure that changes affecting market value are reflected in your assessed value. Any changes that occur from this reappraisal will not take affect until the tax bill you receive the following December.

To find your appraisal, visit the Assessor's Property Information Search site. You can find additional information on the Assessor's site.

6. How can I check my special assessment balance and/or pay off my balance?

The unpaid balance of special assessments, or uncertified balance, is the balance that remains after the yearly installment is sent to Cass County for payment. The special assessment balance for properties in West Fargo are available on the Assessor website. Be sure to follow the on-screen instructions for entering the parcel number or address correctly.

If you intend to pay off your specials, please contact the Finance department or fill out the Special Assessment Payoff Request form to obtain the actual pay-off dollar amount, as interest accrues on this balance monthly. Interest charges may be less if prepaid. Partial payments are accepted. There are no specials payments accepted between October 15th and November 1st to allow for the completion of certification of specials installments to Cass County. If you have questions about pending special assessments contact the City Engineer.

Payments may be made in cash, check or money order made payable to the City of West Fargo. Payments may be made in person (from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or by mail to:

City of West Fargo

800 4th Avenue E, Suite 1

West Fargo, ND 58078

Please note: The City of West Fargo does not have the information for the Sheyenne Diversion. The Sheyenne Diversion information may be obtained by calling (701) 298-2381.

 

7. Is there a charge for a building permit?

There is a charge for permits:

• Building permit fees are based upon the value of the project, based on material and labor. 
• Mechanical permits are based upon the type, size and number of appliances being installed. 

For more information, contact theBuilding department.

8. What are special assessments (also known as specials)?

Special assessment financing is a method established in Chapter 40 of the North Dakota Century Code utilized by the City of West Fargo to allocate the costs of an improvement project to property owners that benefit from the infrastructure. 

Examples of projects that most likely utilize special assessment financing are water lines and storage, sewer lines, storm sewer, road and sidewalk paving, and flood protection. 

The unpaid balance of special assessments, or uncertified balance, is the balance that remains after the yearly installment is sent to Cass County for payment. The special assessment balance for properties in West Fargo are available on the Assessor website. Be sure to follow the on-screen instructions for entering the parcel number or address correctly. For more information about pending special assessments contact the City Engineer.

For more information about special assessments, visit the Finance department's website.