Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Law enforcement got the bulk of commissioners’ time at the June 1 meeting.
Sheriff Paul Lies discussed several matters with commissioners. He reported that he had obtained a $2,400 quote to install new surveillance cameras in downtown New Rockford. The current camera on the southeast corner of Central Pharmacy is not operable. The proposal calls for three new cameras to be installed, which will effectively cover the downtown area, including the alley, as well as a DVR recording system for playback. Lies said the goal is to have the whole downtown area surveillance-monitored so law enforcement officers can visibly see what happens during an incident. Local businesses have added to their surveillance systems recently as well, making it more likely that at least one camera will pick up any criminal activity which might occur in the downtown business district. The commission approved the purchase for the new surveillance equipment.
The sheriff’s department will include the purchase of a new patrol vehicle in the 2022 budget, Lies said, although prices have not been set yet. The officers’ body cameras are nearing the end of their useful life as well; the batteries won’t hold a charge and they are not able to be repaired. The New Rockford Eagles Club has committed gaming funds towards the purchase of four new cameras, which are estimated to cost about $1,200 each when software, shipping and warranty costs are factored in. Lies anticipates that minimal county funds will be used, as he also plans to request funds from other local organizations.
“They help my job immensely,” State’s Attorney Ashley Lies said, noting the importance of having up-to-date body cameras for officers.
Sheriff Lies also requested approval to go over budget to purchase radios slated for replacement this year. The cost of new radios has gone up, Lies said, and he anticipates it will cost $7,000 more than he budgeted to purchase five portable and five mobile radios for his department. Commissioners directed him to purchase the radios now. The county will be reimbursed by the state $1,000-$1,500 for each radio purchased.
Auditor Patty Williams gave an update on the courthouse basement remodel at the June 1 meeting of the Eddy County Commission. A total of $56,348.08 has been paid for improvements through May 31. Flooring installation remains, which is estimated at $20,978. Therefore, the total project cost will come in under $80,000. The county has $159,554.97 in CARES funds received from the state, and these funds are being used to complete the repairs.
With the basement project winding down, Commissioner Dave Gehrtz requested that the county look forward to the next capital project at the courthouse, which will be the boiler replacement.
“I think we should really start looking at it, and be ahead of the game,” Gehrtz said. Williams will ask potential contractors to assess the system’s condition and estimate the cost of replacement.
The county qualifies for federal coronavirus relief funding provided by the American Rescue Plan enacted in March of 2021. The announcement was made May 10, and Eddy County’s allocation totals $444,223, which will be distributed over two years. Williams told commissioners that the eligible uses of the federal funds are much more restrictive than the state funds received late last year, and early this year. According to the Treasury announcement, funds may be used to support public health’s response to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, address negative economic impacts caused by COVID-19, replace lost public sector revenue, provide premium pay for essential staff, or invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. Commissioners will reach out to the cities of Sheyenne and New Rockford to see if they have any needs in the above categories, and will seek more direction on ways the funds can be used.
No members of the public were present for the county’s annual tax equalization meeting, which took place during the June 1 regular meeting. Tax Equalization Director Kristy O’Connor said she sent out 22 notices of increase, and only one person called with questions. Most notably, Meadowlark Homes in New Rockford was added back to the tax roll this year, after a five-year exemption. Minor changes were made to overall values, in particular, a 2% increase for high-value residential property, 2% increase for cropland soil types, and a 0.5% increase for non-cropland soil types. No change was made to commercial structure values. Agricultural land represents 72.67% of the total market value in Eddy County, while residential property comprises 17.42%. Less than 10% of the market value is in commercial property, 9.92% to be exact. The next taxable valuation increased by $255,948, for a total taxable valuation of just over $14 million ($14,080,718).
David Eversvik approached the commission about the Knox Presbyterian Church cemetery near Lake Washington. The cemetery has been maintained by a couple from Bismarck for many years, and they are no longer able to do it. Over the course of the past several years, they removed the overgrown brush, put a fence around the cemetery and installed a metal sign. Eversvik said he and his wife plan to take over the responsibility, but seek financial assistance from the county in order to do so.
He referred to a section of the N.D. Century Code that directs counties to pay the costs of maintaining abandoned cemeteries. However, commissioners explained that once a cemetery is considered abandoned and the county takes over responsibility for maintenance, no new burials can take place. One individual was buried there a couple of years ago, per Eversvik, so there are still active plots. Commissioner Gehrtz advised Eversvik to seek out local charities who engage in gaming activities and request financial support for maintaining the cemetery.
Commissioners reviewed Williams’ proposal for 2022 salaries and benefits. She analyzed a recent survey of N.D. county employee wages and determined that overall the salaries for nearly all positions in Eddy County were average, in comparison to other surrounding counties. However, salaries for the office assistants were quite low. After discussion, the commissioners agreed to increase step five, or “market value” wages for assistants, to $18 per hour. As a result, all the assistants will receive an immediate pay raise effective January 1, 2022. The commissioners also propose that all county employees move up one step on the county’s pay plan, and receive a 2% cost of living increase in addition, also effective Jan. 1. Commissioners reiterated that department heads do have discretion to give smaller raises to individual staff members based on their performance.
