Morton County Commission approves multiple subdivisions, tables one abatement and requests legal opinion on church-owned parcel

The Morton County Commission on Feb. 12, 2026, approved a slate of subdivision final plats and related zoning map amendments and took several administrative actions before adjourning at 6:24 PM.

Chairman Nathan Boehm opened the regular meeting at 5:30 PM at the Morton County Courthouse. Commissioners Zachmeier, Tokach, Morrell and Buckley (participating virtually) and Auditor Dawn R. Rhone were recorded as present.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the final plat of Monte's Ranchero's Sixth Subdivision, finding the plat documents changes and relocations to utility easements and complies with Article 7 of the Morton County Land Use Code and the county's 2045 Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Zachmeier moved the measure; Commissioner Tokach seconded, and "all voting aye, motion carried."

In a separate, unanimous vote, the commission approved the final plat of Harmon Village 24th Subdivision and a zoning map amendment from Agricultural to Residential. Commissioner Buckley moved the item virtually and Commissioner Zachmeier seconded; the commission found the subdivision conforms with Article 7 of the Land Use Code and the 2024 Comprehensive Plan.

The body likewise approved short-form final plats and associated zoning changes for the Starck Subdivision (Agricultural to Estate), Lee Subdivision (Agricultural to Estate, with the addition of a WAPA easement), and North Pasture Subdivision (Agricultural to Estate). Those motions were moved and seconded by Commissioners Zachmeier, Morrell and Tokach, and each passed with unanimous votes.

Commissioners also approved the long-form final plat for Maverick Estates Second Subdivision and a zoning map amendment from Agricultural to Residential. The commission recorded that the plat conforms to Article 7 of the Morton County Land Use Code and the county's 2045 Comprehensive Plan; the motion passed with all voting aye.

On taxation matters, Commissioner Morrell moved and Commissioner Zachmeier seconded to table abatement 7178 until the next meeting; the motion carried unanimously. The commission approved abatements 7180—6 and 7183—67184 in separate motions, also by unanimous vote.

Commissioner Zachmeier moved and Commissioner Tokach seconded a request that the State Attorney issue an opinion concerning the ownership and taxability of parcel 45-014110. The motion notes the parcel is recorded as owned by the Evangelical Lutheran Bethlehem Congregation of New Salem, which the commission said no longer exists, and that no church has been constructed on the parcel within 10 years as required under North Dakota Century Code 57-02-08(9)(c). The commission approved the request, voting unanimously.

The commission appointed Jesse Karabensh to an unexpired term on the Lower Heart Water Board through Dec. 31, 2026; the appointment was approved unanimously.

The public comment period required by NDCC 44-04-20.1 was opened at 6:23 PM and closed immediately with no public comments recorded.

The meeting record notes total county funds expended from Jan. 28 through Feb. 12, 2026, equal $15,317,159.66; a detailed list of expenditures is available for inspection at the Morton County Auditor's Office during regular business hours. The commission adjourned at 6:24 PM.

The actions above reflect formal motions and recorded outcomes as entered into the meeting minutes; the commission did not take additional public testimony on the listed plats or abatements during the meeting.