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Beltrami County commissioners reappoint highway engineer Bruce Hasbargain after 3-2 vote
Summary
Beltrami County commissioners voted 3-2 to reappoint Bruce Hasbargain to a four‑year term as county highway engineer and to set the position at pay grade 23, step 9 after debate over market pay and retention concerns.
Beltrami County commissioners voted 3-2 to reappoint Bruce Hasbargain as county highway engineer to a four‑year term beginning June 2026 and to place the position at pay grade 23, step 9 following a contested discussion about pay and retention.
Jordan, a county staff member who presented the compensation analysis, told the board that a 2024 compensation study and subsequent market movement left the highway engineer position “outside of the appropriate market” and recommended an option that would move the position back toward the comparable‑county average. "I would recommend that option 3 should be the option that you consider this evening," Jordan said.
The motion was made by Commissioner Carlson and seconded by another commissioner. Supporters said the county relies on the engineer’s specialized skills and grant‑writing results. Commissioner Carlson argued that the engineer brings substantial revenue to the county and said he would “hate to think” the county would lose him to higher pay elsewhere. Chair noted the county saves money when the engineer writes grants in‑house rather than hiring external grant writers.
Opponents raised equity concerns, noting that the proposed adjustment is much larger than the 3% increase granted broadly to county employees. One commissioner asked for precise salary figures; when staff pointed to a packet hourly rate of $83.78, participants estimated the recommended adjustment would amount to roughly a $19,000 annual increase (the board’s speakers described that calculation as approximate).
After final remarks and a formal call of the question, the motion passed by voice vote with a 3‑2 tally. Commissioners recorded that, if Hasbargain declines the offer, the board would revisit the appointment and could consider other options, including further discussion of pay or a closed session if personnel issues require it.
The board’s action formally reappoints Bruce Hasbargain and establishes the compensation placement recommended by staff; board members asked staff to follow up with Hasbargain about acceptance and to return to the board if the offer is not accepted.
