Commissioners weigh ARPA priorities for courthouse security, roads and sheriff fleet

During discussion at the Dec. 16 Griggs County commissioners meeting, board members and staff reviewed a list of potential uses for remaining ARPA/COVID funds and other one‑time sources and prioritized which projects the county should obligate first.

The most detailed discussion concerned a proposed courthouse door‑access and camera system estimated at about $182,539. Staff explained they had earmarked roughly 44 doors in the county building, identified 20 doors that would be considered part of the court system, and anticipated applying for a court facility/state grant that could cover roughly 75% of the court’s share (staff estimated a possible $57,009.77 state match if approved). Commissioners asked staff to submit the project for state review and to keep the county’s internal project list updated to allow re‑obligation if the grant is awarded.

Roads and equipment: commissioners debated using ARPA or other COVID funds to buy road equipment such as a two‑way hydraulic blade and replacing aging belly‑dump trailers. Road supervisor Wayne (identified in discussion) and multiple commissioners described aging equipment (one trailer described as roughly 50 years old). Commissioners discussed internal road reserves (referred to as a road special projects fund) and “prairie dog” funds the county receives periodically; staff advised some state allocations have spending requirements and must be obligated by 2026. No final obligation for road equipment was adopted at the session; commissioners signaled a desire to prioritize a modest immediate equipment purchase if the department has budgeted funds available.

Sheriff vehicle: the sheriff and commissioners discussed the sheriff’s next replacement patrol vehicle, including a police‑package Ram pursuit versus other options and potential engine choices. Participants estimated the turnkey cost fully equipped at approximately $98,000; commissioners explored alternatives to avoid depleting the sheriff’s internal vehicle savings and whether ARPA funds should fund the full purchase or only part of the difference. There was no binding vote to obligate ARPA funds for the vehicle during the meeting; commissioners discussed options for blending budgeted vehicle reserve funds with a partial ARPA contribution.

Reserves and budgeting: commissioners debated the county’s policy on reserves and whether it is prudent to hold general reserves while some infrastructure projects remain uncompleted. Staff explained how carryovers and transfers into the road special projects fund have been used in prior years and noted that some funding buckets (e.g., HB1505 state allocations, prairie dog funds) carry timing or reporting constraints. Several commissioners urged maintaining a reserve for emergencies such as major storm or flood damage that could qualify for FEMA reimbursement.

Other items: staff and commissioners discussed improving meeting technology (microphones, cameras and tablets) so the county can meet a citizen measure requiring meetings to be recorded and posted; the board later voted to proceed with the AV package in a separate motion. The meeting closed the ARPA agenda items with direction to staff to keep a prioritized internal project list and return with formal MOUs and, as needed, updated cost figures.

No formal obligations for courthouse cameras/door access, road equipment purchases or the sheriff vehicle were recorded at this meeting; those projects remain on the county’s internal priority list and are contingent on grant awards, budget carryover decisions and future board actions.