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Grant County Weed Board approves $75,580 in bills, flags 3% salary line for review
Summary
The board voted to pay $75,580.19 in bills, including a $74,094.20 chemical purchase from Nutrien Solutions, and discussed a questioned 3% salary increase for the weed officer that will be addressed when the budget is presented to county commissioners July 16.
Grant County Weed Board members voted July 15 to pay $75,580.19 in bills and to accept the treasurer’s report, despite questions about a planned 3% salary increase for the weed officer in the 2026 budget.
Merlin Leithold, the board’s weed officer, told members the fund balance was about $168,000 before the night’s bills and that the largest single invoice was a $74,094.20 charge from Nutrien Solutions for chemicals. Income recorded that night totaled $18,811.76. Walker Sabin moved to accept the treasurer’s report and pay the bills; Justin Vetter seconded, and the motion carried.
The budget line drawing attention was a 3% raise for the weed officer next year. During the Secretary’s Report discussion, Marty Meyer questioned why a 3% increase was included, saying the state would not allow it. Merlin showed a note left by Sara before the June meeting instructing staff to include a 3% salary increase and a health-insurance rate adjustment in the draft 2026 budget. Dick Woodbury moved to approve the secretary’s report as presented; Walker Sabin seconded; that motion also carried.
Merlin described operational needs tied to the chemical purchase, noting a local product he called the "Grant Trifecta" is in high demand and is being used in the truck for quick, low-mess applications. He said spraying has been slow this season because of weather, but that contract sprayers such as Zenker have been picking up chemical for landowners.
The board plans to take the budget discussion to the Grant County Commissioners on July 16 at 11:00 a.m.; Merlin said Sara asked him to make the presentation and invited any board members who wish to attend. The board set its next regular meeting for Sept. 16, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. at the Carson courthouse.
Formal actions recorded in the meeting minutes were approval of the secretary’s report (motion by Dick Woodbury; second by Walker Sabin; carried), acceptance of the treasurer’s report and payment of bills (motion by Walker Sabin; second by Justin Vetter; carried), and adjournment (motion by Walker Sabin; second by Marty Meyer; carried).
