County approves off‑sale liquor license, development grants and administrative changes

The Beltrami County Board of Commissioners on March 17 approved several administrative items, including a new off‑sale liquor license for a cooperative store, 2026 development fund grants, a parental fee policy and updates to committee assignments.

At a public hearing, Leila Roth, license center division director, told the board the off‑sale liquor application had been reviewed by the sheriff’s department and county attorney and staff recommended approval. Marcus Stricker, the cooperative manager who participated online, described his organization’s long history in the region and said the cooperative acquired the gas station/off‑sale location through court proceedings in late December: “we are here to operate the right way and … do things the right way,” he said. The board closed the hearing, moved to approve the license and the motion carried.

Separately, commissioners moved and carried approval of the 2026 development fund grants “as presented,” reflecting the allocations the board discussed during the work session. The board also voted to adopt a parental fee policy and to accept changes to committee delegates and alternates, including appointing Tim as a delegate for specified committees and adding Craig as an alternate on household hazardous waste as discussed in the meeting.

Board members spoke briefly about local projects and funding in their reports. Commissioner Gazvic noted completion of a one‑watershed/one‑plan effort and described a new plan bringing just over $1 million in work‑plan funds to the area, and he said the county is exploring thermal camera systems to reduce fire risk at its solid‑waste facility. There was no recorded public opposition to the items that required votes.

The meeting concluded with routine announcements and an adjournment vote.