Remember the ladies with the "Free" taxi service in Williston? (Minot: rent, insurance)

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Say Anything » There Will Be No Free Cab Rides In Williston North Dakota » Say Anything

[Naelbis]

Basin Cab is directly subsidized by the City of Williston, in fact I believe that the city pays their insurance for them. From what I have heard from city employees at work, Basin has an "understanding" with the city commission that no other cab companies will be permitted to operate within the city limits.

[JanND]

Well, there is something to be said for getting your license before you publicize your business. There is probably a need...They just put the "cart before the horse" so to speak. Gotta jump through the hoops no matter where you live.

[ElkHunter]

Originally Posted by Naelbis

Basin Cab is directly subsidized by the City of Williston, in fact I believe that the city pays their insurance for them. From what I have heard from city employees at work, Basin has an "understanding" with the city commission that no other cab companies will be permitted to operate within the city limits.

So the City Commissioners have allowed a sole proprietor to own the market, hence creating a monopoly. Wonder how much the city gets for that?

[misc1972]

One of their drivers told me the city subsidizes them because they'll go out of business otherwise. Apparently the city doesn't want to be known as a town without a taxi service.

Of course, taxi services in towns smaller than Williston manage to make it on their own, but I'm not one to judge.

[Broncogirl]

Originally Posted by JanND

Well, there is something to be said for getting your license before you publicize your business. There is probably a need...They just put the "cart before the horse" so to speak. Gotta jump through the hoops no matter where you live.

Well yeah, I would think that everyone should follow protocol on something where you need a license to actually operate legally. That is what I don't understand, wait like everyone else has to wait maybe society would be less confused. I do know though that there is at least a month wait to get a general business registered with the state of ND right now. Over 200 trucking companies in the last couple of months applied to be registered in this state.

[Broncogirl]

Originally Posted by ElkHunter

So the City Commissioners have allowed a sole proprietor to own the market, hence creating a monopoly. Wonder how much the city gets for that?

Oh yes, the locals were surprised when Walmart actually got to operate in our town way back. The good ol boys didn't want it to build and take their business away in a big way. There is someone getting something for sure.

[Naelbis]

Originally Posted by Broncogirl

Oh yes, the locals were surprised when Walmart actually got to operate in our town way back. The good ol boys didn't want it to build and take their business away in a big way. There is someone getting something for sure.

Williston was also originally supposed to get the Minot Air base and mall but the city basically forced them to go elsewhere...mostly to keep out outsiders and prevent competition for the businesses that the commissioners own...

[scorpio125]

Honestly there is no way Williston or any city subidizes a cab company or any private entity. That is illegal on so many levels, state, local and federal.

The only thing they can do is give them tax breaks.

The cab girls took it on the chin because they basically told the City to screw off, nwo it's the city's turn to say..... Thanks for the screw, now leave.

Props to Williston!

[Naelbis]

Originally Posted by scorpio125

Honestly there is no way Williston or any city subidizes a cab company or any private entity. That is illegal on so many levels, state, local and federal.

The only thing they can do is give them tax breaks.

The cab girls took it on the chin because they basically told the City to screw off, nwo it's the city's turn to say..... Thanks for the screw, now leave.

Props to Williston!

Lol you don't know how small towns work do you? We have a private for profit cafe that operates out of the courthouse using a taxpayer owned kitchen. They don't pay rent and all their equipment was purchased by the county. The only condition is that they provide meals for the jail, which they do. But then the county pays for each meal on top of that.

Rule #1 of small town politics..It isn't what you do that matters, it is do you have the standing and power to get away with it?