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Griggs County to hold public hearings on plan to explore merging auditor and treasurer offices
Summary
Commissioners voted July 6 to adopt a preliminary resolution and set public hearings to consider consolidating the county auditor and treasurer into a single office, citing potential efficiency gains; the action begins a public process that could include a referendum or petition.
Griggs County commissioners voted July 6 to adopt a preliminary resolution to explore consolidating the county auditor and treasurer into a single elected office and to schedule multiple public hearings on the proposal.
The motion to adopt the preliminary resolution and set hearings was made and seconded during the meeting; the roll-call vote on the motion was unanimous in favor. Chair (speaker S3) said the measure is a starting point for public input and not a final decision.
Jamie (speaker S6), who presented the consolidation plan, told commissioners the county’s resignation of its auditor created an opportunity to evaluate whether combining administrative financial functions would improve efficiency and stability. "This is not about changing for the sake of change," Jamie said, urging careful review and public engagement. He cited 15 counties that have combined the offices and recommended public hearings and published notices before any final action.
Commissioners and staff described the mechanics and legal paths: the commission may adopt a resolution to merge the offices, or citizens may place the question on the ballot through an initiative petition that requires signatures from a percentage of recent electors. Jamie said the public will have multiple opportunities to comment at hearings, and residents retain the right to petition for a referendum if they oppose the commission’s action.
The board set preliminary hearing dates and publication plans: a morning hearing July 20 at 9:00 a.m.; an evening hearing July 27 at 7:00 p.m.; and a dual session on August 10 (9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.). Notices will be published in the local paper for two consecutive weeks and posted on county channels.
Supporters at the meeting argued consolidation could reduce parallel administrative workflows and lower long-term costs; opponents asked for maximum transparency and favored placing the question directly before voters. Commissioner Rod (speaker S12) and others urged robust public outreach.
Next steps: staff will publish the required notices and share the proposed plan ahead of hearings. The commission emphasized that any final change would follow the hearing record and applicable state rules governing county offices.
