[{"_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",6588781,"mediaKeyId","5549149-d18d4a8ee0b9d877c818399aa5e76f90","parentId",5549149,"title","Mercer County meeting roundup: permits, appointments and equipment purchases approved; library and extension items cleared","audioSeconds",310,"startMs",273000,"endMs",583000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5549149-d18d4a8ee0b9d877c818399aa5e76f90&start=273&end=583","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5549149-d18d4a8ee0b9d877c818399aa5e76f90/thumbnail_273000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6588781/Mercer-County/North-Dakota/Mercer-County-meeting-roundup-permits-appointments-and-equipment-purchases-approved-library-and-extension-items-cleared","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588781-d3518355a0434370d706c4db29eaa1d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770812644&Signature=k~CRf4MvPlzyscscaik3J5jr49HSHWlBPYPQof4ZbgViO2c09RlxxOVGC7V2VPJ8lqDRV~SOSalVKyudTQdFMvUuOH-aP8fUV-I9NE1DvHft6OixY8QjChwKXHlsZnjGhBsEilGVTwUJ9XPZE4kpRfelr7c9eOArIV6YMQd03y~jZe78Ek69t9~CC2YL7jy9-G80EtFTHyLf4QpYsy1JenBcnrTbI6tRcJVzV~BgMVWR5CZQ95aGGKnDS1a3lkdWj6-GDFvPiB46MvpY2rWDywqg9XlHnGF61V3sLeiqpfxcP9McvBpaKgo6r4pAtCBFC6a14p6TUB0bkrFiQALz1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mercer County, KS","date","2025-08-07T02:29:25.157Z","article","At its meeting, the Mercer County Board of Commissioners approved a slate of routine business items and took several formal votes while also discussing larger topics that will return to the board.

Votes and formal actions (highlights)
- Agenda and minutes: The board approved the meeting agenda (as amended) and earlier meeting minutes.
- Planning and zoning: The board approved Temporary Use Permit No. 756 (applicant/permit details were recorded in the packet). Commissioners approved a utility permit for Roughrider Electric to work at 20 Fourth Street (County Road 16 area) after staff reviewed the location and determined county jurisdictional requirements applied.
- Road department equipment: Commissioners authorized the purchase of one demo/cartridge-style carbide cutting-edge system for a grader (initial set, approximately $11,000 budgeted) to test longevity and maintenance savings; the purchase is within the road department’s budget.
- Library board appointments: The commission appointed Dion Gearkey and Caudel (sp?) Dunkley to two open seats on the McLean-Mercer Regional Library board.
- Extension travel and professional development: The board approved out-of-state travel requests for NDSU Extension staff to attend conferences (Michigan and South Dakota) within the department travel budget; the board asked staff to manage allocations between staff members so travel funds cover planned events.
- Wellness/walking challenge: Human Resources/Wellness staff requested $500 to support an employee walking challenge; staff were authorized to reallocate funds from office-supplies lines and to add a future line item to next year’s budget.
- State lodging rate update: The board updated the county lodging reimbursement rate to align with the new state lodging rate ($110/night) effective August 1 as required by legislation.
- Preliminary budget: The commission approved the preliminary 2026 budget as amended (see separate article); staff will circulate the updated electronic budget and continue line-item refinements.

Larger items returned for more work: The board directed the county architect (J2 Studio) to deliver an opinion of probable cost and alternate bid pricing for a potential renovation of the Beulah facility. Commissioners also asked park boards to submit cost-share proposals for a localized campground weather-alert system and asked staff to consult with DES and the Corps of Engineers regarding permitting and funding.

What’s next: Staff will circulate cost estimates and the updated budget, and the commission will review the J2 Studio cost opinion and the park boards’ cost-share proposals at future meetings. The parcel/easement matter related to Eighteenth Street Southwest remains unresolved; the board rejected the $28,000 offer and asked staff and counsel to return with follow-up and potential alternatives.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Mercer County Commission Meeting 08/06/2024","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved multiple routine items including a temporary use permit, a utility permit, one set of carbide cutting edges for graders, two library board appointments, extension out-of-state travel and the preliminary budget; the board also discussed building renovation estimates and a campground alert proposal.","taxTitle","Mercer County, North Dakota","taxId",73543,"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},6588786,"Commissioners urge coordinated funding plan for campground weather alert system after recent near-miss",667,593000,1260000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5549149-d18d4a8ee0b9d877c818399aa5e76f90&start=593&end=1260","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5549149-d18d4a8ee0b9d877c818399aa5e76f90/thumbnail_593000.jpg","/articles/6588786/Mercer-County/North-Dakota/Commissioners-urge-coordinated-funding-plan-for-campground-weather-alert-system-after-recent-near-miss","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588786-9f26dcd9c82f9876ef8e2240bcd2cb9d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770812644&Signature=K87mMAAU7xcBscPrWC59~y2wUD-gNhe9-stWFDba4Od-~opvKMulqFgE4RCDk5t~BSGvjYdNxSNGssPFEvX8bHpmvWVlSrQ~DL4FYPVa6rWZwREkUkrm4kOz1m7UHepANjEvcITcUvS8bP8ezD5ssNaGTJuiLtXtRhDuOIa2gjMEINawWoRjVvvOl2sICxwhJb3d93TK05lZ8Aim41mgAmez8Y11tu9oXqP2RNWXtd4sNfLeuegm8kXMYmms~JilZeHKcOSLNv7dRReYOhH4dFlZQRr-PIEBtaQHYWbuDfW4WHzmDt3-SXCFTkT1~-4BbErbfuu3QI28jpDUimw1hA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Park board members from Hazel Park and Buhler (Beulah/Hazen Bay) urged the Mercer County Board of Commissioners to help purchase a five-mile-radius weather-alert/perimeter system after an unanticipated storm recently struck local campgrounds.

Park representatives said National Weather Service radar did not detect the storm in time for on-site notification and that a local sensor and alert system could give camp hosts and visitors meaningful advance notice. Speakers described hundreds of campers who could be at the campgrounds at peak weekends and said cell reception is poor in the bowl-shaped topography at Hays/Hazen Bay.

Costs discussed: Park representatives and commissioners discussed several funding options. The vendor quoted a roughly $9,000 annual commitment to cover both Hazen and Beulah Bay (approximately $4,500 per bay). Park officials said more robust cellular repeaters would run substantially higher — figures in the discussion cited a roughly $200,000 cost to add West River repeaters to improve cell service. Commissioners suggested cost-sharing models (city/park board contributions, per-site campground fees of a few dollars per night, or county budgeted contributions) and asked parks to return with a structured plan and a proposed cost-share breakdown.

Board direction: Commissioners asked staff to coordinate a plan with the two park boards and the cities involved, to check for available state or DES funding and to confirm the Corps of Engineers approval process if the installations would be placed on Corps-managed lands. Commissioners said the county could consider budgeting or EM funding contributions but wanted a written plan showing partner contributions before committing county funds.

Why it matters: Commissioners noted the safety argument for earlier localized detection and the county’s limited ability to fund large infrastructure projects by itself. Park representatives emphasized that even a modest recurring annual fee could be spread across campsite users, while the county would benefit from staff estimates of roles and responsibilities for maintenance and alerts.

Next steps: Park boards will prepare a cost-share proposal and return to commissioners. County staff were asked to contact DES and the Corps of Engineers and to include the item in planning for the next fiscal year’s budget if necessary.","Park representatives and commissioners discussed purchasing localized weather-alert sensors for Hazen and Beulah Bay campgrounds; staff were asked to pursue a cost-sharing plan with cities, park boards and state agencies and to seek Corps of Engineers approval if needed.",{"_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},6588791,"Architect outlines phased renovation plan for Beulah facility; commissioners request cost estimates",2040,4200000,6240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5549149-d18d4a8ee0b9d877c818399aa5e76f90&start=4200&end=6240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5549149-d18d4a8ee0b9d877c818399aa5e76f90/thumbnail_4200000.jpg","/articles/6588791/Mercer-County/North-Dakota/Architect-outlines-phased-renovation-plan-for-Beulah-facility-commissioners-request-cost-estimates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588791-cad01d74e900c1b601514506f2276e01/orig.mp4?Expires=1770812644&Signature=eNp04rFtrVOaSTgn8oX2Enom1cAXqz1UEVLC5AdAE4ULIRb5-mWwTnHOfJFoWMZIF02P2t8tkBiGPKBRgTe8bcT7pRshk-nhQbK8l~dKgMkqwzMuOftIWM2ZiduJFxc3dJXqmCO3lWXbgvKt9xeCn7U6MXbdw~1fEiXTixiZIcgtaMwe4DR3aQ10bUQ9EhinbaghSJ6yzXLTRx3GJJz9Izo6X8wntoxKQmwQYz~rZYxbOvfzgf2jXAYDlleIhxQK9F96Fxq4Mx5F0-3sqUDMNVOStiLbQCfR4rDvxQbLDqiY5D2w7jfRympFo9IjVQkZogHSaxm~51BN524FZOKm-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An architect working with J2 Studio presented a schematic renovation plan for the county-owned building in Beulah and the Mercer County Board of Commissioners asked for cost estimates and alternate bid pricing to inform a go/no-go decision.

James Devine of J2 Studio of Bismarck walked commissioners through proposed changes to the main floor, including conversion of existing bedrooms into offices, creation of an accessible restroom pair to meet code, converting part of an attached shop into a larger conference room and adding office spaces. Devine said the upper floor was left for possible future use and that the schematic drawings were intended to support phased work or alternate-bid approaches.

Why it matters: The plan aims to consolidate county functions, reduce long-term rental costs and provide heated bay space that could serve county road maintenance or search-and-rescue storage. Commissioners discussed lifecycle and maintenance costs of renovating an older, roughly 10,000-square-foot structure versus building new.

Board direction: Commissioners did not approve construction today. Instead they asked the architect to provide a written opinion of probable cost (including alternates for exterior work and phased construction) and to dimension plans so a building owner or contractor can price the work. Devine said he would provide the opinion of probable cost later that week so the board could include cost figures at its next meeting.

Key technical points from presentation: the design would • close off two garage doors and install windows to create an interior conference space; • reconfigure interior partitions to create accessible restrooms and office spaces on the main floor to avoid elevator requirements; and • leave potential future improvements to the upper floor as alternates to control immediate costs.

Next steps: Staff will circulate Devine’s opinion of probable cost to commissioners when available and place cost estimates on an upcoming agenda. Commissioners signaled support for pursuing estimates and a comparison of bidding strategies (general contractor oversight vs. owner-driven build-to-spec).","Architect James Devine presented a floorplan and renovation approach for the county-owned building in Beulah, recommending phased work; commissioners asked for an opinion of probable cost and alternative bid options to evaluate whether the county should hire a general contractor or pursue a design-build approach.",{"_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},6588797,"Mercer County adopts preliminary 2026 budget; commissioners set higher cash reserve",5032,6844000,11876000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5549149-d18d4a8ee0b9d877c818399aa5e76f90&start=6844&end=11876","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5549149-d18d4a8ee0b9d877c818399aa5e76f90/thumbnail_6844000.jpg","/articles/6588797/Mercer-County/North-Dakota/Mercer-County-adopts-preliminary-2026-budget-commissioners-set-higher-cash-reserve","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588797-f4f3855eb620f4798be03820fd8df60e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770812644&Signature=XwTx-4dmDyubEJogQKJv8DpE4iTo~ObaFLzJYDdRQGRZ5yaOWP6tQJ9HESRNIdXgCSsDORj4ekZoU1MERgrn6-KmOFg-78Yq1PYvhg~M6C9hHrSp~E-a4cc-Y8xX3Zgh7z4e~8bZHy8VqGrUo4dPOKGDWoO-ZpriWqE0TqsSwATh5Z8WdiEwohJmSn9SNuil3OmcbNWs3hpZluK0BhW-eHK9catvTTTbolR-Hv06BXr9oZ-5z23ggLdvPASMu9udbfj0ZjGh-D3s9aoccHPdRO3GCaxkApqbzjFcvhsuD5lP9QyUFZvsDm1sRLK7Ta9IUX5-QXENWdcsiFGP1~Epgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mercer County commissioners approved a preliminary 2026 budget at their meeting, adopting staff recommendations to increase the county’s cash reserve target and to retain several revenue and payroll items pending final adjustments.

The board recorded several specific changes during discussion: emergency management revenues were restored to the 2024 level (approximately $37,000), a $9,011 payroll line was moved back into the general fund for planning purposes, and the county cash reserve target was raised to $2 million to provide a wider margin before the final budget is set. Commissioners said they preferred to keep the preliminary figure conservative so the commission would have room to adjust downward if needed before the statutory finalization date.

Why it matters: The preliminary budget establishes the upper limit on the county’s levy for the coming year and frames internal department allocations. Raising the cash reserve increases short-term fiscal flexibility but will be revisited in final budget proceedings before taxes are levied.

Board action and next steps: Commissioners voted to approve the preliminary budget as amended; the recorded aye votes included all commissioners present. County staff said they would produce an updated electronic budget document and circulate it to commissioners in advance of a final review and vote. The board noted the statutory deadlines for preliminary and final budget submission and expected further line-item refinements in the coming weeks.

Background and context: Commissioners and staff discussed revenue assumptions, department retirement and benefit allocations, and contingency planning for potential shortfalls or unexpected costs. The board emphasized that the preliminary budget can be reduced but not increased above the approved cap; final adjustments will be made before the statutory deadlines.","The board approved a preliminary 2026 budget that raises the county cash reserve target and accepts staff adjustments to several revenue and payroll items, giving the county additional flexibility before final adoption.",{"_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},6588801,"Mercer County commissioners reject $28,000 easement offer in long-running Eighteenth Street dispute",4020,7200000,11220000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5549149-d18d4a8ee0b9d877c818399aa5e76f90&start=7200&end=11220","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5549149-d18d4a8ee0b9d877c818399aa5e76f90/thumbnail_7200000.jpg","/articles/6588801/Mercer-County/North-Dakota/Mercer-County-commissioners-reject-28000-easement-offer-in-long-running-Eighteenth-Street-dispute","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588801-b434ce97d18b94e37baa259bfb841707/orig.mp4?Expires=1770812644&Signature=nFmX8XAMQvY12SsxGgoAQ49R30fFNgwJucAeS0brkHelX2Blcs3GCJ8M3LwqjM4gK2R5DyQXi3UcISG2CkR9KxM1p1tL1cMVILWB2~d3ANAlMB8na4eXa1kbFM3qB32a~Dr45OXcMmKWsOKR-Nw-CVSU8jXsvvhQQKGYbFhAKlx8KNqTgVE3tVE29Xj0WK8O-W2mEB-V~nUJ90umowTyqjVBQv6e55p4rlFBaf7Ikwiq8UmmOrtd6AKWOsiTUq3w18r~C6DY31v1gcAbl9rj526NLgzCcTLf-B2ScaGb54RuWdeUAvShi4szxEVxuz2FoyKZKwuRGEBChODiy3~JgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mercer County commissioners voted to reject a $28,000 offer to acquire an easement on a short stretch of Eighteenth Street Southwest that the county previously closed and that North American Coal has said it will rebuild as part of its mine reclamation obligations.

The vote came after more than an hour of discussion over legal history, future maintenance costs and whether the county should pay to restore a road that some commissioners said few residents will use. Commissioner Jean said the county previously closed the road and that the commission must decide whether to secure an easement now or to document an impasse so the mine company can proceed consistent with its agreement.

Why it matters: The easement is tied to an agreement in the mining lease that conditions mine reclamation and public access on the county’s ability to secure rights to the road corridor. If the county cannot obtain a county easement, the mine company may build private access for landowners, but the county will not hold the easement or responsibility for long-term maintenance. The decision affects taxpayers, future maintenance obligations and the timeline for reconstruction linked to the mine’s reclamation schedule.

Commissioners and legal counsel debated three practical issues: whether the road would significantly shorten travel for many residents, whether the county should spend taxpayer money for what some described as a largely private access benefit, and how much leverage the county has in negotiating with the mine and the private owner. Commissioner Casey said he preferred the mine rebuild the access as a private road rather than obligate county resources. Attorney David Surley, representing North American Coal, asked the board to adopt a clear timeline for a final decision so the company can plan reclamation work.

The board’s action: Commissioner Mark moved to reject the $28,000 offer; the motion carried with recorded aye votes from Mark, Jamie, Rick and Jean. The commission recorded the action as a rejection of the particular dollar offer and left open the option to revisit the question after further negotiation with the mining company and landowners.

What’s next: County counsel and staff will work with the mine’s representatives to document the commission’s decision and to schedule follow-up; the board asked staff to place a final-resolution item on the agenda for the commission’s next meeting (the board discussed August 20 as the next meeting date for follow-up). The mine’s attorney said the company will cooperate in producing any paperwork the county needs.

The discussion preserved options for the county: formally document an impasse so the mine knows the county will not secure that easement at the offered price, attempt further negotiation with the mine and landowners, or bring a different offer back to the board for consideration.

The motion to reject was recorded as a formal board action.","After hours of debate, the board voted to reject a $28,000 offer to acquire a private easement for a short stretch of Eighteenth Street Southwest tied to a planned mine reclamation project, leaving the county and the mine company to seek other options before a future construction window.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mercer County meeting roundup: permits, appointments and equipment purchases approved; library and extension items cleared

Commissioners urge coordinated funding plan for campground weather alert system after recent near-miss

Architect outlines phased renovation plan for Beulah facility; commissioners request cost estimates

Mercer County adopts preliminary 2026 budget; commissioners set higher cash reserve

Mercer County commissioners reject $28,000 easement offer in long-running Eighteenth Street dispute