Cindy Yagow

The Sargent County Board of Commissioners meeting included discussions on road work, gravel projects, and a gravel stockpile agreement. Plans and specifications for the Breker/Bundy Bridge were reviewed and approved, pending review by the County Engineer. A pre-construction conference was scheduled for the CNOA 4135 (55) project. The board noted no additional damage to county roadways. Corrections to errors in 2013 and 2014 property values were addressed, requiring abatement and tax refund applications. Disposal of tires at the county shop was discussed, and approval was given for the salary of an Eligibility Worker I position. Finally, an update was provided on a Gerald Baker Small Claim case.

The Sargent County Board of Commissioners meeting involved discussions and decisions on various topics. Key issues included road and culvert repairs and replacements, with cost-sharing agreements established. Updates were provided on water projects, including drain maintenance and lake stabilization. The Board of Review and Equalization addressed inundated land assessments and property valuations. A policy for the Automation and Telecommunications fund was adopted. Appointments were made to the Sargent County Social Service Board and the Sargent County School Reorganization Board. A floor-covering project in a new elevator addition was discussed. The meeting also included the review and approval of various financial matters, including bills, payroll, and contracts. Election results were certified, and road maintenance and equipment purchases were addressed.

Discussions included White Lake dam water levels and their impact on other waterways; upcoming plans for the county fair, including repairs and potential restroom construction; FEMA assistance requests due to water damage; the 2001 budget for the Forman Ambulance Service, including a potential change in coordinator responsibilities; an abatement hearing regarding road access; a review of public input on the Tewaukon Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan; write-off of an old account receivable; road projects and attendance at a pavement preservation presentation; a discussion on whether to declare a county emergency due to road damage from excessive rainfall; a request from Havana City Council regarding a culvert; a request from the Sargent County Museum for photocopying; a review of county employee benefit policies; and approval of bills and payroll.

The Sargent County Board of Commissioners worked on the 2001 preliminary budget. A $5,000 loan was approved for the Sargent County Fairboard to purchase a portable corral system. The county coroner's per diem was increased to $70 per call. An update on FEMA assistance projects was presented, and a new fund was approved for County Hazardous Chemical Preparedness Funds. Information was presented on the Sargent County Pay Plan, recommending a 3.5% salary structure adjustment for 2001. A full-time position for Extension Support Staff was established. The resignation of the Sargent County Ambulance/Forman Coordinator was accepted, and the position was to be advertised. A Court Services Contract was approved. A Quit Claim Deed was approved. Discussion included a road building project, a defensive driving course for county employees, and additional budget information. A 3.2% salary increase was approved for 2001. Payment of bills and August payroll was approved.

The Sargent County Board of Commissioners meeting addressed several key issues, including a cost of living adjustment for employees, the approval of quit claim deeds for properties in Cogswell City, and the granting of permits to Stir'Um Up Bar & Grill. Other matters included approval for Otter Tail Power Co. to install an underground cable, the replacement of a culvert on County Road #4, and a review of the county's pledge of assets. A salary increase for eligible employees was approved, and a project to replace cement by the courthouse coal bin was authorized. Finally, an agreement was discussed regarding the sheriff's department assisting Forman City with policing, with the city responsible for payroll and the sheriff handling scheduling.