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Morton County Commission approves $629,845 motorgrader purchase, sets farm-residence exemption deadline and makes local appointments
Summary
At its Nov. 9 meeting the Morton County Commission unanimously approved buying two Caterpillar motorgraders for $629,845, set May 31 as the farm-residence exemption filing deadline under NDCC 57-02-08.9, approved subdivision and tax-credit abatements, appointed two members to the Three River Human Resource Zone Board, and authorized a county 4H coordinator position.
The Morton County Commission on Nov. 9 in Mandan voted unanimously to approve several routine and budget-related items, including a $629,845 purchase of two Caterpillar motorgraders, a deadline for farm-residence exemption requests, and multiple personnel and board appointments.
Chairman Nathan Boehm presided over the meeting, which began at 5:30 p.m. and included Commissioners Zachmeier, Leingang, Buckley and Morrell (participating virtually), Auditor Dawn R. Rhone, States Attorney Koppy and Sheriff Kirchmeier. Commissioner Buckley moved to approve the agenda as amended; Commissioner Leingang seconded and all voted aye.
Most of the commission’s votes were unanimous. Commissioners approved the minutes of the Oct. 24, 2023 regular meeting and approved bills and payroll while holding two bills that require further information. The meeting record shows the total of all county funds expended from Oct. 13 through Oct. 24, 2023 as $1,432,398.10; a detailed check list is available for public inspection at the Morton County Auditor’s Office.
On land-use matters the commission recommended approval of the final plat for the short-form Doll Second Subdivision, finding it conforms to Article 7 of the Morton County Land Use Code and to the county’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan. Commissioners Leingang and Morrell moved the measure and it passed with all voting aye.
The commission approved Homestead Credit abatements #6278–6280 and Veterans Credit abatements #6281–6282 after a motion from Commissioner Leingang and a second from Commissioner Buckley.
On tax-administration timing, the board set a firm deadline for farm residence exemption requests. Commissioner Buckley moved to establish May 31 — or, if May 31 falls on a weekend, the next working day — of the year in which the exemption is being applied for as the deadline so Morton County may comply with North Dakota Century Code 57-02-08.9. Commissioner Morrell moved to amend the motion to change the word "approved" to "considered;" the amendment and the amended motion carried unanimously.
In procurement action, the commission approved the low bid from Butler Machinery Company to purchase two Caterpillar 150 AWD motorgraders with wings at a combined cost of $629,845.00 ($314,922.50 per unit) and authorized ordering the machines for delivery after Jan. 1, 2024. Commissioner Leingang moved the purchase and Commissioner Buckley seconded; the motion carried with all voting aye.
The board also appointed Karen Rohr and Dawson Holle to the Three River Human Resource Zone Board and voted to send a formal request to North Dakota State University administration asking that Morton County be assigned a different district director. Commissioner Morrell moved and Commissioner Leingang seconded a motion authorizing the county HR director to develop a job description and post an opening for a county-employed 4H Coordinator; that motion also passed unanimously.
Chairman Boehm adjourned the meeting at 6:37 p.m. The meeting minutes were signed by Nathan Boehm, Chairman, and Dawn R. Rhone, County Auditor.
