Dunn County commissioners considered and voted on several administrative and legal items at their Jan. 2 meeting, approving a liquor license renewal, board appointments, stipend adjustments and motions related to a legal demand and county indemnity.

Cowboy Station liquor license
The commission approved an annual beer and liquor license for Cowboy Station (operator: Cliff Baumbeck) for 2025. The motion to approve was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote. No further conditions were added at the meeting.

JDA board appointments
The commission approved two unexpired-term appointments to the Joint Development Authority (JDA) as presented by county staff. The appointments were recommended by the JDA board and motioned and seconded on the floor; the motion carried by voice vote.

Continental Resources indemnity and Scott Bice demand
Following an executive session on legal matters, commissioners discussed a demand letter filed by landowner Scott Bice and an indemnity offer from Continental Resources related to Continental's unauthorized use of Bice's dirt. The commission first moved to accept Continental’s offer to indemnify, defend and hold Dunn County harmless for claims arising from Continental’s unauthorized use of the dirt; that motion was seconded and approved by roll call (Commissioners Heizer, Olsen, Pelton, Kleiman and Dalzo voted yes).

After further discussion of options in the demand letter, the commission voted on an alternative proposed by Mr. Bice — acceptance of restoration in the form of materials and services. The board approved the alternative that would provide two miles of fence at a location of Bice's choosing; the motion passed on roll call (four voted yes, one no). County counsel and commissioners discussed attorney-fee considerations and the scope of the alternate remedy before the vote.

Stipends and administrative approvals
Commissioners approved monthly stipends for county extension agents that align a portion of their pay with county-equivalent positions (amounts adjusted for COLA), approved vouchers presented by the auditor and authorized staff follow-up on potential property for a public safety building (committee to gather more information). The vouchers passed on roll call vote; the stipend and bookkeeping items carried by voice vote.

Other administrative business
The commission tabled appointment action for the housing authority to the next meeting to allow staff to confirm candidate details and continued discussion of possible land acquisition for a public safety building by directing the building committee to gather additional information.