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Ramsey County approves routine highway payments and funds CDL training for one hire
Summary
Commissioners approved a suite of highway department payments, including $29,644 to Tristate Paving and $7,510 for salt, authorized payment of a $5,443.29 repair bill, and approved using $3,100 in department training funds to send one prospective employee to a 3-month CDL course.
Ramsey County commissioners on Nov. 4 approved several highway department payments and authorized training to address a shortage of commercial drivers.
The board voted to pay Tristate Paving $29,644 for paver patches on Ramsey County 4 and Ramsey County 3C after Highway Department staff reported the work was complete. Commissioners also approved three DOT-approved change orders for erosion-barrier work and authorized the chairman to sign them for submittal to North Dakota DOT.
Jason, the highway department head, asked the commission to approve a $5,443.29 repair bill from Butler for a DEF kit/filter repair not covered by warranty; the board approved that payment by roll call. Jason also requested payment of a $7,510 invoice from NSC Minerals for winter salt and a $71.60 partial invoice from KLJ for 2026 paving projects; both were approved.
The commission addressed a persistent difficulty in hiring CDL-licensed operators. Jason described a three-month CDL training program used by neighboring entities that costs about $3,100 and yields a licensed driver. Nicole Bacher, human resources, outlined options including pay differentials for licensed drivers and tuition-reimbursement models, noting practical challenges collecting repayments from low-wage employees.
After discussion of classroom hours, on-the-job pay while trainees are enrolled and budget availability, commissioners passed a motion allowing Jason to enroll one prospective hire in the $3,100 CDL program and to return with details on how the county will structure pay or payback arrangements. The motion carried by voice vote.
The highway department also reported a county vehicle damaged in a deer collision; staff recommended surplus the vehicle and place it in next years sheriff sale rather than invest in roughly $9,000 in repairs. The board moved and approved that surplus plan.
What happens next: Highway staff will enroll the trainee and report back to commissioners with the specific pay/reimbursement arrangement. The change orders will be submitted to ND DOT for payment processing.
