COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
MAY 28, 2024
Agenda: 8:30 – Bills
8:45 – Cammie Heaton
9:00 –
9:15 –
9:30 – Tony Martin
10:00 – Angela Eichman
The Board of Stevens County Commissioners met in a regular session. Paul Kitzke, County Attorney, and Amy Tharp, County Clerk were also present. Tron called the meeting to order. Pat moved to approve the minutes from the previous commissioner meeting. Joe seconded. Motion carried. Joe moved to approve the county vouchers. Pat seconded. Motion carried. The County Clerk was instructed to draw warrants on the Treasurer chargeable to the various funds of the county for the following amounts:
| General | $ 48,115.78 |
| Judicial District | $ 1,968.52 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 41,528.75 |
| Airport | $ 2,299.68 |
| County Building | $ 1,240.00 |
| Special Law Enforcement | $ 943.00 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 4,438.25 |
| EMS | $ 6,376.54 |
| Fire | $ 2,145.28 |
| Community Health | $ 16,022.61 |
| Alcohol Treatment Fund | $ 233.00 |
| Sheriff | $ 36,126.83 |
| Insurance Agency Damages | $ 3,600.00 |
| Ambulance Bequest | $ 148.50 |
| Fire Bequest | $ 148.50 |
| Treasurer Tech Fund | $ 4,112.88 |
| 911 Wireless | $ 116.69 |
| Reg of Deeds Tech Fund | $ 132.60 |
| TOTAL: | $ 169,697.41 |
Rodney Kelling presented the commissioners with his requested budget. Rodney also told the commissioners he found a used propane tank for the generator and has an estimated amount of $3,350.00 for the tank, filling it and to get it plumbed in. He is hoping to have the generator installed soon, and also informed the commissioners he needs at least sixteen (16) new SCBA’s which is going to cost around $350,000.00. Pat asked if Rodney could change them out in stages. Rodney replied it’s possible but maintaining two (2) different SCBA’s and air compressors is going to be an issue. The commissioners told Rodney to check on a lease agreement program for the SCBA’s.
Cammie Heaton came in and said Darren Glenn with Century came into her office and talked with her about the county’s IT. Darren told Cammie they have recently started taking care of the IT in Grant County and are looking at several others in the area. Cammie sent him to the county clerk’s office and Amy said she visited with him. He is supposed to come in on the 30th about 10:00 AM so department heads who are currently under NexTech can ask some questions. Cammie said there was an Eagle Dash Day for kids. Farm Bureau and the rec center purchased shirts for those who participated. She said the community health department was there to discuss vaccines with the families and give out more information. Cammie said USD210 is wanting the health department to attend another one (1) day on-site enrollment from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM to vaccinate kids enrolling in school if they need to be vaccinated. Cammie said maybe for a few hours but there needs to be better coordination with the school nurses. Cammie asked the commissioners about merit raises for her staff and her as well. She stated they have all worked hard and diligently and would like to give her staff raises, adding that she has the funds within her budget along with help from a grant.
Tony Martin came in and said Terracon’s reports state the water reports are good and they are in the process of getting a liner exemption. He handed commissioners the agreement for services form from Terracon and requested signatures.
Tony gave the commissioners the budget he is requesting for the Stevens County Fair.
Tony stated the person with the junk iron called and said he had a family emergency and was unable to make this meeting but will attend the next meeting. Joe told Tony he has had several people report the bind weed and thistle is out of control. Tony said he has had two (2) trucks running for two (2) straight weeks and Jessie will continue to spray this week providing the weather permits. Tony said the bind weed is adding extra aggravation because he is not letting anyone grade for several days where the bind weed was sprayed so the chemical will have time to kill it out. He said the landfill is making approximately $10,000.00 or more a month since January and help is needed for Saturdays from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm at the landfill weigh station.
Bob Brunson was in appearance.
County Appraiser, Angela Eichman brought a contract from McCully & Associates to be approved for another year.
Pat made a motion to approve the McCully & Associates contract with an annual fee of $56,000.00 for consulting services for the county. Joe seconded. Motion carried.
Angela said the real estate and ag values are down. She stated if one (1) person would appeal on the ag land, it would probably help drive the values back up. Joe asked if Seaboard Energy should be on the tax roll now and Angela said Seaboard should get a statement this year, however, the assessing of bio energy plants has become difficult. She is looking into several items with the assessment of energy to make sure the county will remain free of any lawsuits. Angela said solar farms will likely raise valuation as it will change the assessment from ag land to commercial primary. This is because landowners are using the grounds to make money as opposed to windmills which a person can still farm around. The State is still trying to figure out how the appraisers need to assess the land values.
Pat asked Angela about the hotel and what could be done. Paul stated the county cannot waive any fees and the hotel owners will have to visit the Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) to see what relief is possible. Amy spoke with the treasurer’s office and was told the hotel has paid their full 2023 tax amounts and has been paying $3,500.00 per month since January and this month they will only need to pay $1,570.00 to get 2017 paid in full.
The commissioners had more discussions about wind and solar farms. They stated they will take their questions up with Glenn Kerbs at the special meeting, which is scheduled for May 30, 2024, at 2:00 PM and the planning and zoning board will meet with Glenn at 3:00 PM.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk
________________________________
Tron Stegman, Chairman