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.