[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_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":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",5984173,"mediaKeyId","5830506-7ae01a3931f0c61a994fde7bc5c3dafb","parentId",5830506,"title","Commission authorizes emergency safety plan and approves contingent insulation work for livestock building","audioSeconds",46,"startMs",12679000,"endMs",12725000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5830506-7ae01a3931f0c61a994fde7bc5c3dafb&start=12679&end=12725","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5830506-7ae01a3931f0c61a994fde7bc5c3dafb/thumbnail_12679000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5984173/Stark-County/North-Dakota/Commission-authorizes-emergency-safety-plan-and-approves-contingent-insulation-work-for-livestock-building","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984173-88d3c03ee8a04c8d17d6f8aa81264bdd/orig.mp4?Expires=1775073873&Signature=IxZimUOOJ~QBRH6qzX48KK~BXAfijqEjTfjNCt5GlVjuEHLDvJ7-s~2qP5f~wlK9Aj~Ua4Q6yMIf0TU6Cv3SFb7PhBmrKBQ0GYBwlBrG3To93KXF4tpUc780bmXOK9APvA9TINRAikGEZfYW-pk84KmEvpMsj8tyKGx7B6otXUrX~FXnbyVXRI5cL5OlLf0CODByhfBGqyT3jfdUD4~tVvFB5-P-xUqoS789a5WcyNmQWTqTj8Zu83ELwZCePkLc0uUE6IKHX~NOqdLfyvK9wQ3k2URQIL0TW0zvk9J4HeS8xp8EEOO1TZ26MdWTqD6qL30Jow2TQi37xf2KEtp3oA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Stark County, North Dakota","date","2025-09-16T00:00:00Z","article","The commission approved a professional evacuation/safety plan needed to complete building‑permit requirements for a county livestock facility and authorized contingent work to address moisture issues in the structure’s insulation.

County staff presented Change Order No. 3: a professionally prepared evacuation/safety plan required as part of the building permit and quoted at $6,129. Commissioners approved that motion on the record. Staff also requested authority to proceed with a moisture‑resistant insulation upgrade if on‑site inspection confirms the need; that upgrade was quoted at about $16,100 and the board approved a contingent authorization, with the condition that staff return with final findings and a formal change order if the work is required. Commissioners said the action will be documented in the county’s project records and that any payment or contract for the insulation upgrade will be executed only after staff confirm the need and present the final cost impact.

The moves followed the board’s earlier approval of the livestock building project budget; commissioners noted the project remains funded and that the modest safety‑plan expense is needed to obtain final permit sign‑off.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Stark County Commission Meeting September 16, 2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved a change order to have a professional evacuation/safety plan prepared for a livestock building permit ($6,129) and gave contingent approval to proceed with a moisture‑resistant insulation upgrade if staff confirm the need, subject to a later formal change order.","taxTitle","taxId",51193,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},5984177,"Commission earmarks $1 million for LEC repairs rather than pledge county tax levies for a loan",395,11502000,11897000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5830506-7ae01a3931f0c61a994fde7bc5c3dafb&start=11502&end=11897","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5830506-7ae01a3931f0c61a994fde7bc5c3dafb/thumbnail_11502000.jpg","/articles/5984177/Stark-County/North-Dakota/Commission-earmarks-1-million-for-LEC-repairs-rather-than-pledge-county-tax-levies-for-a-loan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984177-d5f653d4dcb6b4bcb9d03be4e59bcc10/orig.mp4?Expires=1775073873&Signature=oG38p8BKLRohwaG8MXrYtVGPiheA2n3LTuxiyPruE9WYRHHuK75ecnGiNY0AnkqI2OJCHpVBPlp0syy8W1SXanid-3Tggb5zL9DGDd2FQsLaIihLzkjQDuK-~eoKOoXq1LgiENlhxZw8FppQ8nL0Axwou8Dh7avTjv4Os03NEgWTvW5cGWl0Z14a1~GAafd9vQK9jUm~161Q8fnVZdWalyQ9EcUltuDCwnAc--CdAatD8KzCPsArFeWPf1q0WNlN8aRSvgb~kSGzOO6fLGTffTt9K6sqwN2eC3ZkYRLuo0Rf3rwmLrQLLlb8t5P0IwwndBvcUKKtGNEwVUqFr3XHHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Stark County commissioners set aside $1 million in the county capital improvements account to cover its share of planned 2025–26 repairs at the regional Law Enforcement Center (LEC), rather than pledging county tax levies to secure a Bank of North Dakota loan for the facility.

Officials at the LEC presented bids for a sanitary sewer piping replacement (about $589,000) and a domestic water piping plan (about $255,000). Because the LEC is a multi‑county entity that cannot itself pledge a tax levy for a state loan, the LEC board had proposed that Stark County — as the largest member by population — serve as the loan applicant and pledge the county’s levy to secure the Bank of North Dakota financing. County staff advised commissioners that the county has capital funds that could cover its share without taking on a loan.

Commissioners discussed the tradeoffs: taking a loan would spread cost over time but requires the county to pledge tax levies as the applicant; using capital funds avoids new debt but reduces the county’s capital reserve for other future LEC projects. After discussion the board voted to reserve $1 million in the capital improvements budget as the county’s available source for LEC repairs; the motion was made by Commissioner Marsh, seconded by Commissioner Claris, and passed 5–0. Commissioners directed staff to continue working with the LEC and the other participating counties on cost allocation and on next steps for the repair schedule and contractor selection.

County representatives emphasized that future specific capital expenditures from the earmarked fund will continue to require commission approval before contracts are signed. The LEC board will return to the commission with final contract documents and a schedule for phased work.","Facing nearly $844,000 in sanitary and domestic water pipe repairs at the Law Enforcement Center, the commission resisted taking a Bank of North Dakota loan on behalf of the multi‑county LEC and instead earmarked $1 million in county capital improvements to cover Stark County’s share.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},5984182,"County cancels two back‑ordered playground items after delivered set differs from neighborhood plan",606,12385000,12991000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5830506-7ae01a3931f0c61a994fde7bc5c3dafb&start=12385&end=12991","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5830506-7ae01a3931f0c61a994fde7bc5c3dafb/thumbnail_12385000.jpg","/articles/5984182/Stark-County/North-Dakota/County-cancels-two-backordered-playground-items-after-delivered-set-differs-from-neighborhood-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984182-9d3abd150e4cabc725d930e9837283c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775073873&Signature=Ei0Brrujg0A8v~dmSffosGcmligXz-TkH3kdKh3g5Tv8SJsm5okXG6VvrkRcJ1pWANYBJy7kERX5BQQvfoiAW9l3pVR57udLcVdKV9rD1VDPf~X0yPGO7JEijLXjPT3Jzj53XtMUSrGOhLAnzAWQndMcbTQ2cN3Qw~qZ3G7ff4sbxx4UjtfE0Is8c-g0kjMV~Gai~1modTgz11p3ADi8Dyu4IZm8WJRkljTLtlxDmPD6-oOvCeHyxEhQebw-ypDidhdHN9AgZnApYN0NHpLOCXKJWodZa8XuJpCq2~ktgEH4EUYDEzpJS7KVCep0RVRjlJP8LDtwYm8YjLQ--PuibA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Stark County commissioners authorized staff to cancel two back‑ordered playground components for a Lakeview Park installation after neighborhood representatives and county staff discovered the equipment delivered does not match the layout the community expected. The board also instructed staff to pursue returns and refunds for the undelivered items.

Commissioner Claris said the delivered structure — invoiced to the county for $34,743.80 from the distributor Willie Goat for a “Big Sky” playground unit — differed from the equipment the Lakeview Estates neighborhood had selected. He told the board some parts were on back order until November and that cancelling those two undelivered components could avoid additional cost and allow the county to restart procurement with a local supplier if the community prefers. \"We have a 25% restocking fee, and we've already paid about $3 in shipping... it's like a $15,000 problem we have on our hands,\" Claris said, describing the potential financial exposure if the county tries to return the delivered unit.

Commissioners discussed options including returning the delivered portion, finding a local vendor that could provide better matching equipment and allowing Dickinson Parks & Recreation staff to help with installation if the county proceeds. The commission moved to cancel the two undelivered items identified in the order — the balance/spring rider and a leap‑climber part — and the motion passed by roll call. Commissioners directed staff to seek refunds for the undelivered units and to report back on the net cost exposure for the delivered unit and on local vendor options. Dickinson Parks & Rec had paused installation work at county staff’s request while the commissioners reviewed the matter.

The project had been budgeted originally at a lower figure — commissioners noted $25,000 had been discussed earlier for playground equipment — and the current invoices and pending parts exceed that earlier estimate. Staff said they will return to the board with updated pricing for shelters, trees and installation so the board can decide whether to complete the project in its current configuration or to re‑bid equipment from a different supplier.","Commissioners authorized canceling two back‑ordered playground components for the Lakeview Park project after neighbors said the delivered equipment did not match earlier plans; the county has already paid $34,743.80 for a delivered unit and will seek refunds for the undelivered pieces.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},5984187,"Stark County names Todd Miller road superintendent and sets salary at $100,000",1126,9698000,10824000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5830506-7ae01a3931f0c61a994fde7bc5c3dafb&start=9698&end=10824","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5830506-7ae01a3931f0c61a994fde7bc5c3dafb/thumbnail_9698000.jpg","/articles/5984187/Stark-County/North-Dakota/Stark-County-names-Todd-Miller-road-superintendent-and-sets-salary-at-100000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984187-0f7f6b52d5467fd629c6d0ab544535c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775073873&Signature=C0nynFAEcSuSeYPhsRiAqF3Ev5B91eMMq3Pb9mGJxGx767G7TdrTpqoiHoTIkTHKIA11EyhiI9SPehC6SGeS3dsLL43YREE0uItPHMgs2lXbdzB8QD9h5goh2S6o-BlZD8PO5ND4XUXHnOxl67KgRLJ~ATwiOr6SYwioMka1K9Tn6SI8Th52wEtOwW5WMgcissluP7cxemTZVZoP4b6CA9wPXduKEkIAMGfWpZxmUzCFy0uu05dWeaHiliQT48Xk4i2N-puPmRkx4FGY4fQ-nbk5XW4cD1glKfI0mnYUGMny2oYGypZQ6K7veH5c-YJId2nwNVtGkfVcjzKPXrtjFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Stark County commissioners formally elevated Todd Miller from Road Operations Specialist to the county’s road superintendent and approved a $100,000 annual salary for the position, effective immediately. Commissioners said the move recognizes Miller’s decades of service and positions the department for continuity as the county funds and plans capital road and equipment projects.

Commissioner Claris moved to elevate Miller; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Miller accepted the promotion in remarks to the board, saying he had worked under long‑serving staff for many years and that the change was “a dream come true” after more than four decades in county service. Commissioner Frančak later moved — and the board approved — setting the superintendent salary at $100,000 immediately and carrying that amount into the 2026 budget.

The county’s budget includes a funded superintendent line and other road‑department adjustments. Commissioners discussed keeping funding available for related hires and equipment purchases, and they asked county staff to convert any part‑time roles the board approved to full‑time when necessary. Commissioners also moved a $64,500 starting salary for a new operator line and tabled technical details to the auditor’s office for inclusion in the final budget documents.

Board members said the change was intended to leave room for future salary growth and retention. The item passed by roll call vote: the initial promotion motion carried unanimously, and the salary motion also passed on a 5–0 roll call.","After a multi‑year transition in operations, the commission elevated Road Operations Specialist Todd Miller to road superintendent and approved a $100,000 annual salary effective immediately, keeping a funded superintendent position in the 2026 budget.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},5984192,"Commissioners approve 7% health‑insurance premium increase and a longevity discount plan",1905,95000,2000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5830506-7ae01a3931f0c61a994fde7bc5c3dafb&start=95&end=2000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5830506-7ae01a3931f0c61a994fde7bc5c3dafb/thumbnail_95000.jpg","/articles/5984192/Stark-County/North-Dakota/Commissioners-approve-7-healthinsurance-premium-increase-and-a-longevity-discount-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984192-d548bc4a74928a978acc2caf4ebe10a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775073873&Signature=ZHc7-~1k8JU3XfBIVMg3EFzDq5Kwpsv1UF5HHOvT28wxlbU9t7uOSimqLO~ez38GsTpj30VvCxawxgvKy6rKih002QrAvbkInTYbxJWaLJAR4aVnVTVjF-CHyeZZZ~sx4azARub5O9oIpese8lVQ3N4js7KvuVZyFD4-Jzy7ijL20~ol-Qp~b3kUKRB502p4gRW6vwCVMWYeOGiQGMTKi06zuRE7jPcWP4-mzGPtDeD5sLWhJO4xnNeDOsc4BY0Q5Ms57nlLOwnTX4n6iYv4Tn4dtxN~sNnYvlIw3YUQfPHvDpYJHtR1U4rlWtwpRj~koNbtVf2i2ZmOxmQJXeejDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Stark County commissioners voted to budget a 7% county contribution increase for 2026 health insurance and approved a longevity-based discount for employees after hearing that the county’s medical plan is paying out more in claims than it collects in premiums. Human Resources Director Joetta Piercy said the insurer quoted a 19.3% premium increase if plan design is unchanged and presented alternatives that lower the county’s premium jump by changing cost‑sharing and deductibles. \"We have paid out more in claims than we have paid in premiums,\" Piercy told the commissioners, and said plan changes — higher deductibles, higher out‑of‑pocket maximums and slightly increased office and ER copays — would reduce the insurer’s proposed increase.

Piercy recommended a plan option that raised individual deductibles from $500 to $750 and family deductibles from $1,000 to $1,500, and offered a column of plan scenarios showing estimated county premium increases of 19.3%, 13%, 10% and 7%. Commissioners discussed alternatives including keeping richer benefits and having employees pay part of the premium increase versus increasing member cost‑sharing to slow premium growth. \"If you kept the current plan… the county came out and said that we could cover x percent of that increase, and then the employees would have to cover the rest,\" one commissioner asked; Piercy said premiums would likely continue to rise unless plan design changed to increase member cost‑sharing.

After discussion the commission voted to adopt the 7% county contribution increase scenario for budgeting, paired with a longevity discount program intended to reduce employee premium contributions over time. The approved longevity proposal provides a 2.5% reduction every 5 years for single plans and a 5% reduction every 5 years for family tiers, applied starting from each employee’s benefit‑eligible date. The board recorded the motion and roll call: the motion was made by Commissioner White and seconded by Commissioner Claris; Commissioners White, Claris, Franchak and Marsh voted aye and the chair voted aye. The change will take effect with the county’s 2026 budget year and new premiums, with payroll deductions beginning when the insurer’s premiums take effect in December 2025 and the budget year starting January 1, 2026.

Commissioners asked staff to gather employee feedback on the two lanes discussed (lower premiums with higher deductibles versus higher premiums with richer benefits) and to run numbers showing the net impact to typical employee scenarios. Piercy offered to provide the county’s incurred loss ratio and the share of members who met the current $500 deductible (32% of individuals and about 29% of families, she said) so commissioners can compare how many employees are affected by each option. The board also asked staff to return to the October budget meeting with final premium figures and implementation details for how the longevity discounts will be applied to payroll.","Stark County commissioners voted to budget a 7% county contribution increase for 2026 health insurance and to adopt a longevity discount that reduces employee premiums after set service milestones, following Human Resources Director Joetta Piercy’s presentation on rising claims and plan change options.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission authorizes emergency safety plan and approves contingent insulation work for livestock building

Commission earmarks $1 million for LEC repairs rather than pledge county tax levies for a loan

County cancels two back‑ordered playground items after delivered set differs from neighborhood plan

Stark County names Todd Miller road superintendent and sets salary at $100,000

Commissioners approve 7% health‑insurance premium increase and a longevity discount plan