[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6639535,"mediaKeyId","3636418-37ce0a868cab2d6fec07d3de59c21a04","parentId",3636418,"title","After split vote, Walsh County commission debates next steps on sales tax and county jail; legal opinion allows sales tax use for jail construction","audioSeconds",1246,"startMs",8227000,"endMs",9473000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3636418-37ce0a868cab2d6fec07d3de59c21a04&start=8227&end=9473","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3636418-37ce0a868cab2d6fec07d3de59c21a04/thumbnail_8227000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6639535/Walsh-County/North-Dakota/After-split-vote-Walsh-County-commission-debates-next-steps-on-sales-tax-and-county-jail-legal-opinion-allows-sales-tax-use-for-jail-construction","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639535-1333eb6a102d1d62bbbadcb30e4e0583/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209920&Signature=OOD9~U7LRkw~mRbk4GyNi3fy1skWLlL2OBr~5ZhFFaliI2mT3bssx7bZrfw6HRpFMB~2VzA3ivKkJIJBGW3nZah~pFUtC6IeLUsHRLqXhcTlErUaVxISptBgY484Xno-4vv8Gtj7dD15FANeGpSjK6jru6D5n8Qw8Y7Jq1IM5YIuIu92s7ikhScT~olad48qOu8Gq69NRPsAK2yzUJXrt~GbHEox2DHY6ZrFV5-phUBJRb3FxsLgsXqgy5-gbIwETVXHPHFsTVsgkdSh9msHl1DzrJEVOHSigkcjw7xL8qM6ONYGc5IcY4yREm4cgknxVXelpaj5AsP2y-H-~W8OqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Walsh County, KS","date","2025-06-03T13:58:03Z","article","Note: This article summarizes the commission’s extended discussion and next steps after county voters split on two ballot measures earlier this month. It reports the legal guidance presented to the commission and the range of policy options discussed; it does not assert which option the commission will choose.

The commission devoted substantial time on June 3 to discussing the results of a recent local election and the narrow, divided public vote on Walsh County Ordinance 2025‑1 (a sales tax ordinance). County counsel reported that the ordinance language passed by voters can be adopted by the commission and that, if adopted, the sales tax revenue could be used for construction of a jail or sheriff’s office as described in the ordinance language presented to voters. Commissioners emphasized that adopting an implementing ordinance and instructing the tax office to begin collections are separate steps: the county has a six‑month window following the election to adopt an implementing ordinance, and the state tax office requires at least 90 days’ notice before collections can begin.

What was decided and what remains unresolved: the board did not adopt any implementing ordinance at the June 3 meeting. Commissioners asked the Samuels consulting group (the jail/feasibility consultant previously engaged by the county) to continue working with county staff and the commission to identify viable alternatives and lower‑cost options that could be funded in whole or in part by a sales tax. Commissioners discussed multiple options: a smaller jail footprint (fewer beds), renovating/reusing existing county property for custody functions, contracting with neighboring counties for housing detainees, or a combined sheriff/jail facility. Several commissioners stated they would consider a smaller plan that reduces the price tag; others said they would not support using sales tax revenue for a sheriff’s office or an expanded transfer center rather than a detention facility intended to reduce transports.

Why it matters: the county faces operational strains related to inmate housing and transports; the election produced a split mandate. Legal clarification that the sales‑tax ordinance could be implemented gives the commission a procedural option, but commissioners said they want additional feasible, costed options before choosing to adopt an implementing ordinance. Adopting an ordinance and directing the tax office to begin collections would commit the county to a revenue stream that must be used per the ordinance language and state procedures.

Next steps: the commission agreed to continue working with the Samuels consulting group to produce several alternatives (smaller jail, reuse of county facility, and contracting options) and to provide direction to the jail committee on next steps. The county has until mid‑November 2025 (six months from election) to adopt an implementing ordinance if it chooses; if adopted, collection start dates would depend on timely notice to the tax authority.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 3rd, 2025 Commissioners Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","After a narrow, split vote on county measures, the Walsh County Commission debated whether to adopt an implementing ordinance for the sales tax and directed further study of lower‑cost jail alternatives and legal/budget implications.","taxTitle","Walsh County, North Dakota","taxId",73643,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6639539,"Walsh County commission gives fair board permission to pursue Fair Resiliency grant and study new livestock arena location",1500,2468000,3968000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3636418-37ce0a868cab2d6fec07d3de59c21a04&start=2468&end=3968","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3636418-37ce0a868cab2d6fec07d3de59c21a04/thumbnail_2468000.jpg","/articles/6639539/Walsh-County/North-Dakota/Walsh-County-commission-gives-fair-board-permission-to-pursue-Fair-Resiliency-grant-and-study-new-livestock-arena-location","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639539-3e65471148ff46a88fe13a3e84fdaddd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209920&Signature=UIxjcIKf5WiQvkswXzJLtMN4VtbR1tIT1-y1xEP-EbzsfXwPxDIeielFebHSrkJmN0sLJfORV4DGI6qMm6wuQYjQ124JRdSX1oSw4KZDxBGa9RAiPriTKdWJvpTJC5ExiLwn7kPOkY~2IYfwKXCiF~kI3mw2ADM5HSF3phJCrw5yrQ~BcPzvw0BcQH3p-wyCP-dNxMj-aCquKyOxWU4aliBH2M5EYFqsO7KNHeVrAMG7Gb7G-NIsV0Qzp07PXZvXmnIAJUqoKHarP3DTX8g5ITzFYtAu2L6BW51G7lFKcVyUNyYAwx3GOXyshb7BfwI3sKjK-XHX8vYNnsQygX~Ofw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Walsh County Commission on June 3 unanimously authorized the fair board to pursue planning and fundraising related to a proposed livestock building and site work at the county fairgrounds, including examining use of fair funds as a potential local match if the county’s Fair Resiliency grant application is awarded.

Why it matters: the fair board seeks up to $100,000 in grant funding from a new Fair Resiliency program; county approval to research the site, confirm county ownership of the parcel and potentially allow use of fair reserve funds enables the board to proceed with fundraising and planning. The project is part of a longer term effort to replace aging fair facilities and reposition the site to reduce future repair costs.

What was presented: Luke (fair board representative) showed commissioners alternate building layouts developed after earlier planning. The preferred plan would construct a new livestock arena down the slope to the east of the current building footprint, allowing continued use of the existing building during construction and later converting the vacated footprint to stalls, concessions and parking. Cost estimates were described as preliminary; the fair board intends to use any awarded grant funds for early work that can be completed before the program’s stated deadlines (for example utility extension, dirt work or site preparation), not to commit to full construction without further fundraising.

Commission debate and approvals: commissioners asked whether the county owns the entire parcel proposed for development; staff and the fair board said they believe the county owns the land but agreed to verify property boundaries. Commissioners and county staff also discussed fair reserve balances and CDs that could be used as a local match. After discussion the commission voted unanimously to allow the fair board to research building on the east end of the lot, to verify county ownership, and to explore using fair board funds (including CDs) as the required local match should the grant be awarded.

Follow-up and limits: the commission’s motion authorized research and planning, not immediate construction or automatic transfer of county general fund money. Commissioners emphasized that any transfer or use of county-held funds would be subject to future budget or audit procedures and would return to the commission for formal approval.

Ending: The fair board will proceed with further planning, confirm ownership of the parcel and continue fundraising and grant‑application work. The commission requested periodic updates and verification of legal and budgetary constraints before any appropriation is made.","A representative for the Walsh County Fair presented a plan to relocate and rebuild portions of the fairgrounds. Commissioners authorized the fair board to research building on the east end of the lot and to explore use of fair reserve funds as a potential match if awarded a Fair Resiliency grant.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6639544,"Walsh County Commission records votes on personnel, property abatements, radon mitigation and permits",6550,244000,6794000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3636418-37ce0a868cab2d6fec07d3de59c21a04&start=244&end=6794","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3636418-37ce0a868cab2d6fec07d3de59c21a04/thumbnail_244000.jpg","/articles/6639544/Walsh-County/North-Dakota/Walsh-County-Commission-records-votes-on-personnel-property-abatements-radon-mitigation-and-permits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639544-7a06bf7436016bfe8064f97dce8f55a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209920&Signature=hvzZWgjORg8qIZrpiArrHSsiofqswlbI61qadvvclxSY37ZI-LeyuAfBKdJdxFXaajIlg437D2AQ7F6wWuY7sajnDAxvXH~QMLB~fCd-LPyfTmR~GOmyKy0Z7P1y8oXGtX8XQbyGs4EwrlcNo83fScmijH522ETKBKysDRTiiTQlmzP6HtI-EpR~aH4areff8L9TDA4mBoxwoUY~mwpaYee4tmV2Y0ARGGw8x~RZJFKLkwcrL7vI~JeGE4G9323Im9zI3CEe1vMwSqa-iJ1Fg5nDk1LM~64NNdHt6HuJUN0d0wpsIlylTyEnLDeZRwGwoxg4B-JQOD61zI8s0s7TVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Walsh County Commission on June 3 approved the consent agenda and a set of discrete motions including a new-hire leave policy, a property tax abatement for a Park River building, addition of the auditor‑treasurer‑in‑training on county bank accounts, approval of radon mitigation work at multiple county buildings and several permits and designations.

The commission approved the consent agenda by voice vote early in the meeting. Later formal actions recorded by the commission included a roll-call approval of a county new‑hire leave policy (adopting language from recent legislative changes), approval of an abatement application for a vacant office building in Park River, authorization to add Christina Potts (auditor‑treasurer in training) as a signatory on county bank accounts, and a $24,500 contract for radon mitigation at county facilities.

Why it matters: the agenda items move forward routine county business — staffing transitions, property tax appeals, building safety work and administrative housekeeping — but several votes also signal short‑term spending commitments and procedural steps that affect county operations and budgets.

Key votes (recorded outcomes)
- Consent agenda: approved (voice vote).
- Vacation/new‑hire leave policy: motion adopted on roll call (Commissioners Amy, Danny, Bernie, Paul and Chair voted “Yes”).
- Abatement: SLC Properties (Park River) 2023–2024 tax years — motion carried (vote recorded: Commissioners Bernie, Paul, Danny, Amy and Chair voted “Yes”).
- Add auditor‑treasurer‑in‑training to bank accounts (First United/Choice/LA): motion carried on roll call (Commissioners Amy, Danny, Ernie/Bernie, Paul and Chair voted “Yes”).
- Radon mitigation at county buildings (total $24,500): motion approved on roll call (Commissioners Amy, Bernie, Danny, Paul and Chair voted “Yes”).
- Zickman drainage permit (Township/ditch cleanup): motion carried (roll call: Commissioners Danny, Amy, Paul, Ernie/Bernie and Chair voted “Yes”).
- Designation: Jason (county highways) authorized as the county’s voting member for the regional levy/permit advisory board — motion carried (roll call recorded as unanimous).

Details and context: the abatement vote followed an on‑site inspection report and a recommendation to align the county’s decision with Park River’s reduction to true and full value after storm/water damage. The bank signatory vote adds Christina Potts to allow onboarding and continuity in the auditors’ office during transition. The radon mitigation contractor recommended targeted sealing and fan‑piping work at the courthouse, jail/Law Enforcement Center, administration building and the Chase Building; commissioners authorized contract execution so work can begin within the contractor’s quoted timeline.

What commissioners said: commissioners discussed administrative impacts and practicalities before most votes. On the new‑hire leave policy, commissioners debated the policy’s recruitment value against the potential that very short‑term hires might use the leave, and supervisors retain approval authority. On radon mitigation, public‑health and facility concerns were cited as the reason to move quickly.

Next steps: county staff will execute the radon mitigation contract, implement the new leave policy in payroll/HR systems, add Christina Potts to bank signatories, and follow up on the abatement paperwork and the drainage permit compliance checks.

Ending: The motions closed several pending administrative items that county staff must now implement; other ongoing topics from the meeting include an extended review of jail options after a recent sales‑tax election and multiple informational briefings scheduled for future meetings.","At its June 3 regular meeting, the Walsh County Commission approved a series of routine and emergent items including a new county “new hire” leave adoption, a property tax abatement for a Park River building, bank‑account signatory changes and radon mitigation work for county buildings.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6639526,"County begins review of dispatch consolidation options; state radio representative to be invited for informational briefing",468,9770000,10238000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3636418-37ce0a868cab2d6fec07d3de59c21a04&start=9770&end=10238","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3636418-37ce0a868cab2d6fec07d3de59c21a04/thumbnail_9770000.jpg","/articles/6639526/Walsh-County/North-Dakota/County-begins-review-of-dispatch-consolidation-options-state-radio-representative-to-be-invited-for-informational-briefing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639526-5123eb3143c29aad35982c9b42e20f97/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209920&Signature=Xdazru4wz05qejseFUm3MrMZ8ix~ZugJhtsjb0NVkZuO~RRsNVJdrX7nTtxS0K2xAxTXy-QSaHrerdkqStWC750D0hZP0YQULsMXjvn4uudRP4PKa7IZ0Jh22smK7oL8iS4iRlw30Et65~Dohhoh~A7MTr6RjZF5b4jxK0-6Bg3rh7pMjq-5p8yd-NP2PZTYL7sKX8TwBc3mvzrYt7zICt5TQ2K-aWgicndlWPF1NZVBQY7CmbXp4eWFZoj4E9uZdQD8d~GyLDEzlrUenikIndDqedX2vZpoU2S2PeNzRhj9d3vdCtdAlDkN8yVkLyx3CzO1is942zCjxDJ3VIpzew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Walsh County commissioners discussed the county’s dispatch and emergency‑management operations at their June 3 meeting and agreed to schedule a public informational session with a State Radio representative to answer questions about potential migration and impacts on local 911/CAD services.

What prompted the review: commissioners and staff said the county is short‑staffed in dispatch, and staff briefings identified potential annual savings if some services migrate to State Radio. County staff and commissioners stressed the importance of local knowledge and the existing computer‑aided dispatch (CAD) system that holds historic call and special‑needs data. The board did not direct any immediate operational change but asked staff to arrange a session with State Radio so commissioners, emergency responders (fire, EMS) and other stakeholders could ask technical and operational questions.

Why it matters: dispatch changes affect emergency response coordination, data continuity (existing CAD records), and local knowledge of addresses and landmarks. Commissioners emphasized the need for a public forum for fire and ambulance services and municipal leaders to discuss concerns. Staff said moving to State Radio could require retaining a local coordinator and might not fully replace the county’s CAD database or local knowledge.

Next steps: county staff will schedule a meeting with the State Radio representative (Darren) and invite municipal leaders, fire and EMS officials and other interested parties. The meeting will be informational, publicly noticed and intended to allow stakeholders to ask technical and operational questions before any possible policy decision.","Following staff briefings and public comments, the Walsh County Commission agreed to schedule an informational session with a state radio representative to answer questions about potential migration of 911/dispatch services and impacts on CAD data and local first responders.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6639531,"Walsh County assessor reports small changes in sale ratios; residential assessments rose to meet tolerance",273,1934000,2207000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3636418-37ce0a868cab2d6fec07d3de59c21a04&start=1934&end=2207","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3636418-37ce0a868cab2d6fec07d3de59c21a04/thumbnail_1934000.jpg","/articles/6639531/Walsh-County/North-Dakota/Walsh-County-assessor-reports-small-changes-in-sale-ratios-residential-assessments-rose-to-meet-tolerance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639531-b2e717a80c9e5a39add7c1e4bec274b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209920&Signature=LQvVDmT-UKIJIv1~rWcgaXPsbX7zgLifg-B8G2mb2pwNyTijKmJrtn4T2VNcHUtTuOkHyZ0590oOOv-mTrlODbo~xlAwijlRBx7NekNPmSBAES4ndVWkh40O~Lzcv6Yojd-6P2rGppK0fRNOb~PKi770sQ1Y48Y8qe9Piv~SDhS8yZDbKCqx518JjLCLMmOGx9-Kb0AnnJ-~SluEJtUriXaJwJSly-~0yrQw8e0DPzGzQQjnH5UJlsKjqYdTiPrvDG22-9IynW~i37an-kxXzagOAGMbTcjm4E-xoptsQ3~6rwop4l9ycqXPUoKJa1G5kAY9Hu6g8MlLY3xnnETD0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Walsh County’s assessor gave the commission an update on assessment work and sales ratio testing at the June 3 meeting, reporting that county office staff and contracted local assessors completed sales ratio analysis and appeals work ahead of the state deadline.

Key findings: the assessor reported that commercial and vacant land median ratios were largely unchanged, leaving little room for increases, while the residential median ratio came in at about 85.5 percent — indicating assessments were below recent sale prices and required modest increases (roughly 7–8%) to fall within statutory tolerances. Agricultural assessments continue to run at a significantly lower ratio (~20% of sale prices in county reporting), which reflects longstanding agricultural valuation policy in the state.

Process and timeline: the assessor said the final reports will be filed with the state within two weeks and that the county will submit required documentation to the state Board of Equalization. Staff issued about 500 notices for residential properties that rose 10% or more, and the assessor reported ongoing work with local appeal panels and farm residence exemption paperwork submitted by property owners.

Why it matters: assessment ratios determine tax base and the need for adjustments so the county meets state tolerance ranges. Commissioners asked for multi‑year trend data on median residential ratios; the assessor said she would compile a five‑year trend for the commission’s review.

Ending: the assessor will return with the final sales ratio report and will continue to work through appeals and exemptions ahead of state reporting deadlines.","The county assessor presented sales ratio results and explained residential assessment adjustments. The county remains within state tolerance, with residential median ratio rising to about 85.5 percent and agricultural assessments continuing at lower percentages of sale values.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

After split vote, Walsh County commission debates next steps on sales tax and county jail; legal opinion allows sales tax use for jail construction

Walsh County commission gives fair board permission to pursue Fair Resiliency grant and study new livestock arena location

Walsh County Commission records votes on personnel, property abatements, radon mitigation and permits

County begins review of dispatch consolidation options; state radio representative to be invited for informational briefing

Walsh County assessor reports small changes in sale ratios; residential assessments rose to meet tolerance