All links go directly to official Tower City, North Dakota government websites.
About Tower City City Government
Regular MeetingsPublic Sessions
Tower City, North Dakota, operates under a city government structure known as the Tower City Council. The council consists of five elected members, including the mayor, who serve staggered terms of four years. Council members are elected at-large, allowing residents to vote for all candidates regardless of their district.The local council holds regular meetings that are open to the public. Meeting schedules are available through the local government office.
About Tower City, North Dakota
Key landmarks in Tower include the historic Tower City Hall, which is a hub for local governance and community events, and the nearby Lake Metigoshe State Park, which offers camping, hiking, and water activities. The city is also characterized by its close-knit neighborhoods, such as the Lakeside area, which features residential homes with views of the lake.Tower's unique blend of natural resources and community spirit contributes to its charm and appeal.
Law Enforcement
Tower City, Cass County relies on a network of law enforcement agencies to maintain public safety. The Cass County Sheriff's Office provides countywide coverage, while municipal departments serve individual cities across the county. The Fargo Police Department is the largest of these, responsible for law enforcement within Fargo's city limits. The West Fargo Police Department and Horace Police Department handle their respective jurisdictions. These agencies share resources and collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of coverage throughout the area.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Cass County Jail in Fargo is the primary detention facility For people arrested throughout Cass County. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of each detainee. Those searching for current inmates can use the online inmate lookup service available through the sheriff's office. Visitation at the facility follows strict guidelines, typically requiring advance scheduling and adherence to specific rules. North Dakota's bond and bail process allows for posting bail to secure an inmate's release, with procedures outlined by the court system.
Arrest Records
The Cass County Sheriff's Office and the Fargo Police Department maintain arrest records for Cass County. These documents include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request records by contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency. Under the North Dakota Open Records Statute, public access to these records is generally permitted, though certain restrictions apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information.
Court Records
The Cass County Courthouse (https://www.casscountynd.gov/our-county/courthouse) handles court records and proceedings for Tower City, Cass County, North Dakota. Civil, criminal, and probate cases all move through this facility. Residents can access public court records, including case filings, judgments, and docket information, through the North Dakota Court System's website (https://www.ndcourts.gov/public-access). The online system provides searchable access to documents and case histories for those needing to review proceedings.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Cass County covers various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Cass County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the North Dakota Open Records Statute. To run a background check, individuals can contact the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information.
Public Records Access
Public records for Tower City, Cass County, North Dakota are accessible through the Cass County Auditor's Office (https://www.casscountynd.gov/our-county/auditor) and the North Dakota State Archives (https://www.history.nd.gov/archives/index.html). These repositories house birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, property deeds, and other vital documents. Residents seeking information about local government, zoning regulations, and city council meetings can find resources through the Tower City website (http://www.towercitynd.org/).
Vital Records
The Cass County Recorder's Office (https://www.casscountynd.gov/our-county/recorder) maintains vital records for Tower City, including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses. Individuals can request copies of these records by submitting an application and paying the appropriate fees. The North Dakota Department of Health also provides access to vital records through their website (https://www.ndhealth.gov/vital/).
Business & Licensing Records
Businesses in Tower City, Cass County, North Dakota can be found through the Cass County Economic Development Corporation (https://www.cassedc.com/) and the Tower City Chamber of Commerce (http://www.towercitynd.org/chamber-of-commerce.html). These organizations provide information about local companies, economic development initiatives, and resources for entrepreneurs looking to establish or grow operations in the area.
The North Dakota Secretary of State's website (https://sos.nd.gov/business) offers a business search tool along with information on business registration and licensing requirements throughout the state.
Economy & Demographics
The economy of Tower City is supported by a mix of agricultural, retail, and service-based businesses. Major employers in the area include local farms and ranches, as well as companies in the manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare sectors. The Cass County Economic Development Corporation (https://www.cassedc.com/) and the North Dakota Department of Commerce (https://www.business.nd.gov/) provide resources and data on the economy of Tower City and the surrounding region.
Elections & Voter Records
Tower City voters are served by the Cass County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, Election Division, located at 211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103, phone (701) 241-5660, website at www.casscountynd.gov/auditor. This office administers all federal, state, county, and municipal elections throughout Cass County, handling voter registration, absentee voting, polling place management, and election results tabulation. North Dakota stands alone among U.S. States in not requiring voter registration.
Eligible residents can vote by simply providing identification and proof of residency at their polling place on Election Day. Acceptable ID includes a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, or tribal ID. When an ID doesn't show the current address, voters must provide supplemental documentation such as a utility bill or bank statement. This same-day voting system eliminates registration deadlines but demands proper documentation at the polls. Municipal elections for the city are held in June of odd-numbered years—2025, 2027, and so on—for city council seats and the mayor position. The next Tower City municipal election is scheduled for June 2025, when voters will elect city council members. Information about candidates, filing deadlines, and local ballot measures is available through Tower City City Hall at (701) 749-2259 and the Cass County Auditor's election division. Candidate filing typically occurs several months before the June election date. Residents vote at a designated polling place in town; the specific location can be confirmed by contacting the Cass County Auditor's office at (701) 241-5660 or checking the Cass County election website closer to Election Day. North Dakota doesn't maintain a polling place lookup tool like other states due to the lack of voter registration, but precinct assignments are based on residential address. Election records that are public in North Dakota include election results by precinct, campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State for state-level candidates and the county for local candidates, candidate filing information, and precinct boundaries. Because the state doesn't maintain voter registration lists, there is no publicly accessible voter registration database. Campaign finance records are available through the North Dakota Secretary of State's website at https://vip.sos.nd.gov for statewide and legislative candidates. In the November 2024 presidential election, Cass County reported strong voter turnout with over 100,000 ballots cast, representing approximately 65-70% of eligible voters, with Tower City precincts participating in that county total. The November 3, 2026 general election will be significant for Tower City and Cass County voters. North Dakota's U.S. Senate seat (Class III) is not up in 2026; however, the U.S. House seat (North Dakota's at-large congressional district) will be on the ballot. The Governor's race is not scheduled for 2026—that comes in 2028—but several state constitutional offices including Secretary of State, Attorney General, and others may be contested. All members of the North Dakota House of Representatives (47 districts) and half of the Senate seats are up for election in 2026. Cass County offices that may appear on the ballot include County Commission seats, Sheriff, Auditor-Treasurer, Recorder, State's Attorney, and potentially other county positions depending on term schedules. Tower City municipal offices are not on the November ballot as city elections occur in June of odd years. Information about 2026 candidates will become available through the Cass County Auditor and North Dakota Secretary of State websites as filing periods close in spring 2026. North Dakota offers absentee voting for voters who will be absent from their precinct on Election Day, are unable to vote in person due to illness or disability, or for other qualifying reasons. Absentee ballot applications are available through the Cass County Auditor's office at (701) 241-5660 or online at the Cass County website. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM the day before the election. Early voting is available at the Cass County Auditor's office beginning 15 days before Election Day during regular business hours. Mail-in absentee ballots must be requested in advance and returned by Election Day to be counted. North Dakota law allows for military and overseas voters to request and return ballots electronically under certain circumstances.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Results (No Registration Database) | Overall: 8.5/10 — Cass County and North Dakota provide excellent online access to court records, property records, business entities, and current arrest information, with strong transparency despite North Dakota's unique no-registration voting system requiring in-person or mail vital records requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
1How do I register to vote in Tower City, North Dakota?
To register to vote in Tower City, North Dakota, residents can register online through the North Dakota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Barnes County elections office. North Dakota requires voters to be U. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the North Dakota Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Tower City, contact the Barnes County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
2How do I look up property records in Tower City, North Dakota?
Property records for Tower City, North Dakota are maintained by the County Assessor's Office and the County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within County, including parcels in Tower City. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many North Dakota counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the County offices at the county courthouse. The County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
3How do I get a birth or death certificate in Tower City, North Dakota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Tower City, North Dakota residents are available through both county and state offices. The North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located in Bismarck, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in North Dakota. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
4How do I find business license records in Tower City, North Dakota?
Business licensing for Tower City, North Dakota operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Tower City town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Tower City limits. County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all North Dakota businesses must register with the North Dakota Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the North Dakota Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant North Dakota licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Tower City, contact the Tower City clerk's office and the County economic development office.