Residents raise Roscoe vehicle and tree-removal concerns; commissioners discuss nuisance program and funding

During the public forum at the Oct. 29 Keith County meeting, county staff member Cody reported ongoing local maintenance concerns in the village of Roscoe and broader questions about tree-removal funding.

Cody said three new homes have received permits this month and that he would provide a draft of the comprehensive plan to commissioners. He relayed a Roscoe complaint in which a neighbor asked the county to intervene because of many vehicles at a rental property; Cody reported that the complainant did not want to sign a formal complaint and that, during the follow-up, the complainant was told by a West Central representative that the county was giving him nuisance money—Cody said, "and that that's not a true statement." The exchange prompted discussion among commissioners about whether the county should pursue nuisance enforcement broadly (which would require pursuing all similar instances) or take a more limited approach.

Commissioners noted Keep Keith County Beautiful donated a roll-off for one week for cleanup and discussed tree-removal funding options. Staff said some prior efforts used a county nuisance program or special projects money; commissioners suggested competitive bidding for larger tree-removal jobs, exploring tree-removal contractors out of Arthur, and possibly using the special projects account to fund targeted blocks of work.

No formal policy change or motion was made at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to continue monitoring Roscoe conditions and to bring options back if a funded, bid-based cleanup is proposed.

Quote from the meeting: "3 homes are going to be built from permits this month so far," said Cody, and later, regarding the West Central statement, Cody said, "and that that's not a true statement."