Petroleum County commissioners approve new permit fees, plan Aug. 26 bid review for courthouse renovation

The Petroleum County Commissioners convened Aug. 6, 2024, in Winnett and approved several routine procedural items and new permit fees while discussing ongoing road work, gravel pit permitting and a forthcoming courthouse renovation bid review.

Chairman Sigrid Pugrud presided over the meeting that opened at 9 a.m.; Commissioners Craig Iverson and Paul McKenna voted to approve the agenda and to accept the June 24, 2024 minutes, and both motions carried. The session ran through departmental reports, budget items and project updates before adjourning at 2:46 p.m.

Roads and gravel pits: Ray Rowton, speaking for the Road Department, said contractors had completed requested work at the Cat Creek gravel pit and that the county was satisfied with Loomis’s work. Rowton said water storage tanks owned by the Algrens need to be moved farther from the north wall. He reported the county is still awaiting review from DEQ on the Eager and Cat Creek pits and that the Gilfeather pit application had not yet been started; Rowton said he will have Nick begin that permitting process. Rowton also raised a concern about a new slide on Allen Hill and outlined plans to address repairs later in the fall. The board noted that gravel pit permitting expenses will be covered by Mineral Royalties and directed that the Gilfeather permitting be budgeted.

Grants, staffing and courthouse generator: Sheriff Dan Linder said he is pursuing various grants to fund equipment, personnel and a new courthouse generator. As a Tier II county, he said Petroleum County may be eligible for a new grant next year. Linder told the board that two candidates for part-time employment who are POST-certified were interviewed and that a potential future grant could offset part-time staffing costs.

Commission business and floodplain notices: Commissioners discussed budget items and acknowledged receipt of annual appraised values. They agreed to send compliance letters next week to landowners with parcels in county floodplains. The board approved new permit fees (motion by Commissioner Craig Iverson, seconded by Commissioner Paul McKenna); the minutes do not specify the fee amounts.

Treasurer and clerk items: Treasurer Pam Bevis said MACO financial advisor Nancy Everson will visit the county Aug. 22–23, 2024, and reviewed county policies on checking accounts and cash. She also noted staff training on a new motor vehicle program scheduled to begin in March 2025 and that an employee computer will be replaced. Deputy Clerk Jeanne Wheeler reported that the clerk’s office will purchase a new printer and that payroll and claims were signed.

Courthouse renovation: Robie Culver joined by Zoom to discuss the courthouse renovation. The commissioners and project contacts discussed the cost of preserving existing electrical hookups to accommodate a backup generator. The board set Aug. 26 to review renovation bids with Shane; Brad Kahler was listed as absent from the Zoom contacts.

Votes at a glance - Motion to approve the meeting agenda with additions: moved by Commissioner Craig Iverson, seconded by Commissioner Paul McKenna — carried (see minutes). - Motion to approve June 24, 2024 minutes: moved by Paul McKenna, seconded by Craig Iverson — carried (see minutes). - Motion to approve new permit fees: moved by Craig Iverson, seconded by Paul McKenna — carried (amounts not specified in minutes). - Adjournment: meeting adjourned at 2:46 p.m.

The commissioners set a meeting on Aug. 26 to review courthouse renovation bids; other items, including DEQ review of gravel pits and potential grant awards, remain pending.