Becki Schumacher

Key discussions included the review and approval of the Treasurer's report and the payment of bills, including dues for the Upper Sheyenne River Joint Water Resource Board. For Old Business, the Board authorized Interstate Engineering to proceed with solicitations for the Columbia Township Coulee Cleanout project. The Board also received updates regarding a $360,000 grant request submission for the Austin Langley and Alan Howard projects, and a summary of the Devils Lake Basin Joint Water Resource Board meeting where the 2026 tour was canceled. Additionally, a prospective member expressed willingness to serve on the Board, and their information will be forwarded to the County Auditor for consideration. Under New Business, the Board approved engaging Interstate Engineering for future services and decided that subsequent meetings would relocate to the jury room on the second floor of the Eddy County Courthouse starting with the March 2026 meeting.

The Soils Committee meeting addressed several critical local land valuation issues. Key discussions included a review of comparative land values per acre for 2026 cropland and noncropland assessments against surrounding counties as per North Dakota state guidelines. The committee debated assigning specific valuations for Eddy County soils, noting that decreased production data and increased cost of production lowered land values, alongside increased capitalization rates. A proposal to maintain a 0% change for both cropland and noncropland valuations for 2026 was approved. The committee also approved modifiers for 2026 and discussed the 2025 average agricultural sale price per acre. Finally, nominations and elections were held for committee leadership, including the Chairperson and Vice Chairman, and to establish member terms.

The regular meeting included the reorganization of the board following a retirement, resulting in the appointment of Mike Tweed as chairman and Monty Schaefer as vice chairman. Key discussions involved inviting representatives from Interstate Engineering to the next meeting to discuss scope of services related to the Columbia Township Coulee Cleanout project. Updates were provided on joint water resource board meetings, including the Upper Sheyenne Joint Water Resource Board and the Devils Lake Basin Joint Water Resource Board. The Garrison Diversion Conservancy District report noted construction progress on the Red River Valley Supply Pipeline. Additionally, the board appointed representatives for the Rocky Run Joint Board following a retirement.

Key discussions during the meeting included approving amendments to the agenda to include a VSO update, discussion on tablet usage options, an update on a trip to the Butler Plant, and additions to the October and November Financials and Expenditure and Revenue Budgets. The Flickertail Wind Project update confirmed permit applications were sent to three townships and Eddy County, with the road use agreement still pending. The Road Superintendent reported on the Butler Machinery Plant tour and the need for insulation at the County shop in New Rockford, noting available funding for the estimated $15,000 cost. Old business included a report from the VSO director regarding open claims. New business focused on the 2026 Election year, approving one polling location and setting election inspector. Appointments were made for the 2026 Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson roles. The commission approved closing the Courthouse on additional days (December 26th and January 2nd). There was discussion regarding the potential purchase of a 2024 Ford Edge SEL AWD vehicle. Salaries for several key county positions for 2026 were increased by 5% for departments and 2.5% for department assistance based on added responsibilities. The conflict in Zoning Ordinances regarding who grants Conditional Use Permits (CUPS) was discussed, necessitating a future hearing. The Pledge Certification was approved, and the Auditor was tasked with researching the cost of tablets for commissioners.

The Eddy County Water Resource Board meeting included discussion and review of the Treasurer's Report, payment of bills, and various correspondence. Old business included updates on Eddy County Road #4 and the Rosefield Dam, as well as reports from the Upper Sheyenne Joint Water Resource Board, Devils Lake Basin Joint Water Resource Board, and Garrison Diversion Conservancy District.