Barnes County

Key discussions and actions included opening bids for the Chip Seal project on Barnes County 21 North, which resulted in an award to Morris Sealcoat. The commission approved a wage increase for Brady Morden to Sergeant, effective with the subsequent payroll period. The Single-Family Home Buyer Assistance Program was funded with $90,000.00 to support six homes. Additionally, the commission accepted a $21,000.00 Court Facilities Improvement grant for raising the height of the rotunda handrail on the third floor. Updates were provided regarding the airport's sale of 3.1 acres of land, Social Services' progress, and the status of various grant applications, including SCDRC AARP Community Challenge Grants and the US Commerce CDA Disaster grant. Extensive review and approval of warrants totaling $2,968,643.28 for January 2026 across numerous funds was conducted.

The meeting commenced with the election of officers, resulting in the reappointment of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. Reports covered maintenance activities, including the installation of an external antenna and readjustment of a hangar door, and confirmation that the fuel card reader system is functioning correctly. Financial reports detailed bills presented for approval and associated deposits. Portfolio updates included the sale of 3.10 acres of land where the NDB station was located, with the board approving the legal notice for publication and setting a public auction date in February. Sponsorship approval was granted for the annual Fly-ND conference, and the annual fly-in date was set for June 20th. Updates from Mead & Hunt indicated that the next apron/taxiway seal coat project is slated for late next summer, and an electrical vault switchover is imminent. The board also reviewed and approved the minutes from the December 1st meeting.

Key discussions during the meeting centered on Monson Park maintenance requirements, specifically mowing around trees and ensuring the ground is leveled and clear of metal remnants to meet grant stipulations for the next three years. Additionally, the board approved an increase in the starting part-time wage from $16.00 to $18.00 per hour in an effort to attract more applicants.

The meeting commenced with a review of the financial reports, noting that operating funds received from the commission/tax levy were $200,000, which is $50,000 less than in previous years. Discussion focused on current utility rates and the resulting increase in operational bills, indicating that significant changes will be necessary to manage monthly costs. New business involved planning discussions for the Winter Show with various committees.

Key discussions included the approval of funding and agreements with the VC-BC Development Corporation for technical support and the I-94 Regional Development Corridor, as well as funding for the South Central Dakota Regional Council membership. A request for funding for the 2026 Single Family Home Buyer Assistance Program was tabled for future discussion. In Planning & Zoning, a setback variance application for a property replacement following a storm was approved, and an updated Floodplain Ordinance was approved. The Commission also voted to join the Regional Livestock Development and Planning Grant Program. Under Corrections, the purchase of a new LiveScan Finger Print Machine, including annual maintenance, was approved. The Highway Department approved allowing a student from the Vo Tech Work Experience Program to work with the department and granted permission for an employee to attend the NDACO Engineer Conference to receive an award. The Auditor's Office saw the approval of Kerry Johnson's application to join the Barnes County Park Board. Commission discussion covered the closing of Freedom Machine, potential utilization of local crop products in livestock enterprises, the upcoming Airport land sale bid opening, increases in legal consultation and engineering rates, and updates on the CCHD director's leave and HVAC funding.