Mercer County appoints Steven Guenthner; approves SRF MOU, bills and 2025 budget amendments

The Mercer County Commission appointed Steven Guenthner to a vacant commission seat and took several administrative and fiscal actions during its March 3, 2026, meeting.

Following nominations that failed for lack of a second for Travis Jordan and Chris Renner, Commissioner Gene Wolf moved to appoint Steven Guenthner; Commissioner Casey Voigt seconded, the board voted unanimously to approve the appointment, and Guenthner took the oath of office.

The board approved an SRF Consulting memorandum of understanding after Scott Harmstead (SRF Consulting) explained the proposal by phone; Commissioner Casey Voigt moved to approve and Commissioner Gene Wolf seconded. The Minutes record unanimous approval.

Commissioners approved payment of claims totaling $236,477.35; the Minutes include a vendor list for the record. HR/EM Director Alice Grinsteinner presented a Paylocity payroll and HR proposal; the Minutes record the presentation but no formal vote on Paylocity is listed.

Building Maintenance Supervisor Jim Albers and Deputy Auditor Mark Erhardt provided an update on the county's recently purchased Beulah Building (Roughrider RV property) and asked the board for direction and budgetary constraints; no final budget decision on the property is recorded in the Minutes.

Auditor Carmen Reed presented 2025 budget amendments; the board approved adjustments including a General Fund miscellaneous over-appropriation of $201,718.55 and line-item corrections: Commission Board Member Bauman -$785.99; Clerk of Court -$7,430.81; Recorder -$7,132.67; Sheriff Temporary Deputy -$37,640.64; and NDSU Extension Agent -$15,122.21. The Minutes list the individual amounts and note the board's unanimous approval of the amendments.

The meeting adjourned at 11:44 a.m.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Mercer County Government Center boardroom; meetings are available via the county's YouTube channel.