Mercer County

The meeting addressed several operational and planning matters. Key discussions included the approval of two zoning cases, one involving a non-farm residence and another concerning the amendment of an existing Conditional Use Permit for Coteau Properties related to the Coteau Freedom Mine. An abatement request due to building removal was approved. The Commission authorized the purchase of a New Lease Return Cat 260 Model Skid Steer and approved funding for jail kitchen repairs. A motion to create the Beulah Building Maintenance Department was carried. The Treasurer received approval for designated depositories and out-of-state travel to the Nation Treasurer's Convention. The Board also approved the forgiveness of outstanding mobile home taxes for three specified properties, approved several engineering tasks from Moore Engineer, and set a Public Hearing date for the Pick City Cabin site #2 Special Assessment District Road Project. Commissioner Pierce's resignation, effective March 1, 2026, was accepted, and a motion regarding the appointment of Andy Thomas to the Planning & Zoning Board resulted in a tie. Finally, all bills presented, except one, were approved for payment.

The meeting agenda included discussions on a Planning and Zoning (PNZ) resignation and scheduling an item for the December 3rd meeting. Key discussions centered on the purchase and renovation of a property for county use, intended to house emergency vehicle response equipment, office space, and serve as a training location, which is anticipated to reduce current rent costs and free up heated bays at the county shop. The commission discussed the financing structure involving a payment schedule over 2025 and 2026, contingent upon a pending grant application approval. Additionally, the commission discussed making a motion to provide $15,000 toward construction of a pavilion for the Golden Valley Park project, comparable to previous funding levels for similar projects. The PNZ resignation term expiring in June 2026 and the process for advertising the open position were also addressed.

The meeting involved the reorganization of the board for 2026, resulting in the election of Rick Bauman as Chairman and Casey Voigt as Vice Chair. The commission approved the amended agenda and the minutes from previous meetings. A Public Comment Policy was approved, allocating time at the end of future agendas. Key financial and operational decisions included approving the purchase of new sheriff's vehicles for $180,000 and putting the old transfer van up for bids. The landfill easement agreement with Ryan Wolf was approved, and the NDSU Extension Agent presented an end-of-year report. Discussions took place regarding County Taxes Coal Severance Tax History. The commission approved recorder revenues and Sheriff's revenues for several months in 2025. An agreement concerning the Youthworks program and Youth Shelter was reviewed, and bids for new financial software conversion audits were authorized to be sought. The new state mileage rate of $0.725, effective January 1, 2026, was approved. A motion to approve a "Conflict of Interest" policy failed. Furthermore, a previously set Planning & Zoning Public Hearing for January 15, 2026, was canceled due to setbacks in the ordinance rewrite process, with SRF Consulting Group retained to review the rewrite on January 20, 2026. All outstanding bills were approved for payment.

The primary focus of this special meeting was a motion concerning the Sheriff's Agri-Bank Safety Grant funds. The Commission rescinded a previous motion made during the December 17, 2025, meeting regarding the Sheriff's Agri-Bank Safety Grant Funds amounting to $34,058.00.

The meeting addressed agenda additions, including establishing a public comment policy following reorganization, addressing conflict of interest under other business, and discussing the sheriff vehicle purchase and sale, and sheriff's revenues under other business. The commission also planned to discuss an old mower payment related to skid steer quotes, a youth shelter agreement, and an update on the ordinance rewrite. During the reorganization, new officers were selected: Rick Bowman was elected Chairman, and Jamie Folk was elected Vice Chair. Subsequently, a new public comment policy was introduced, limiting speakers to three minutes and total comment time to 15 minutes, with discussions held on procedural aspects. The primary business involved the vehicle purchase, where the commission discussed the bid for two fully outfitted Chevrolet Silverado pickups exceeding the budget, detailing the higher initial cost compared to Dodge Durangos but citing better long-term resale value and local warranty service advantages for the Silverados. The funding gap of $30,000 was planned to be covered by transferring funds from the special vehicle fund.