Oliver County weed board affirms county responsibility to control noxious weeds to 33 feet from road center; cost-share program to continue

The Oliver County Weed Board voted to make the county responsible for controlling noxious weeds to 33 feet from the center of county‑maintained roads and debated how to run the county’s longstanding cost‑share chemical program.

Board member (speaker 1) moved that “the county is responsible for 33 feet off the center for noxious weed control on roads that are maintained by county blades.” The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote after members clarified the change applies to noxious‑weed treatment during normal spraying windows, not unlimited or continuous blanket spraying.

The vote follows a season‑review discussion in which members said contractor Scott had sprayed main roads last year and estimated what it would cost if the county scheduled spraying earlier in the season. One member described a past bill as “around 8 or $9,000” (approximate), and another said Scott had indicated “15,000 would not get it” as an early planning estimate; both figures were presented as rough estimates by speakers.

Board members repeatedly referenced state law as the legal framework for the board’s authority. Participants read from the Century Code language describing county board responsibilities to implement programs for the control of noxious weeds and to provide for control along county and township roads.

Alongside the motion, the board discussed maintaining its cost‑share program for landowners, which supplies restricted‑use chemicals at subsidized cost. Members debated distribution logistics: whether to offer a compressed 2‑day pickup window, a weeklong pickup window, or staged orders (initial order with a June reorder). Wilbur Ellis was mentioned as a past chemical supplier used for deliveries.

The board discussed secure short‑term storage options for chemicals, including using a secured Conex shipping container, and whether a board member or the county shop could host pickups. Concerns included security, staffing and the burden of home pickup or delivery for people who cannot make scheduled windows.

On staffing, an unnamed board member offered to serve as the weed control officer for one year at $28 per hour plus mileage with a $2,500 cap; that nomination was discussed and tabled for the next meeting so members can collect details and confirm whether the appointment will be formalized.

Votes at a glance: the board approved nominations for president (Dorothy) and vice chair (Kendall Price) by voice vote; approved prior minutes and the financial report as presented (voice vote); adopted the 33‑foot noxious‑weed responsibility motion (voice vote); and adjourned by motion later in the meeting.

The board scheduled follow‑up work for its next meeting: finalize cost‑share outreach letters, confirm delivery/storage arrangements, collect budget details for contractor spraying, and consider the proposed weed control officer appointment.