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LaMoure County commission accepts preliminary 2026 budget, authorizes opioid-settlement signature and approves bridge contractor
Summary
At its Aug. 5 meeting the LaMoure County Board of Commissioners accepted a preliminary 2026 working budget that projects $9,890,336 in expenditures, authorized the chair to sign an opioid settlement agreement, approved bridge work and utility permits, and appointed a member to the Weed Board.
LaMoure County commissioners met Aug. 5, 2025, at the LaMoure County Courthouse and approved several administrative measures, including acceptance of a preliminary 2026 working budget and authorization for the chairman to sign the county's opioid settlement agreement.
The board, led by Chairman Keith Heidinger, accepted the preliminary 2026 working budget on a unanimous roll call after Commissioner Bruce Klein moved to approve and Commissioner Bob Flath seconded. The county projected total expenditures for the general and special revenue funds at $9,890,336; officials noted the figure "may be over the 3% cap" and must be reduced before the final budget is approved. The board set a public budget hearing for Sept. 16 at 10:00 a.m. and scheduled final approval for Oct. 7.
On operational matters, Road Superintendent Darrick Nitschke reported meeting with Bryan of KLJ Engineering to plan flex-funding projects for 2026 and a 2027 projection. The board approved two utility-boring permits from Dakota Valley (motion by Commissioner Jason Weigel, second by Commissioner Wayne Wald) and approved Gladen Construction for the Grand Rapids and Adrian federal-aid bridge replacements (motion by Commissioner Wayne Wald, second by Commissioner Bob Flath). Nitschke said the road crew is completing chip sealing and will then grind bad spots on County Road 65.
In separate action, Commissioner Wayne Wald moved and Commissioner Jason Weigel seconded a motion authorizing Chairman Heidinger to sign the county's Opioid Settlement agreement; the motion carried with all voting aye.
Commissioner Bruce Klein reported a vacancy on the county Weed Board and moved to appoint Dave Wald; Commissioner Bob Flath seconded and the appointment passed unanimously.
Tax Director Denice Porter presented a late application from Kent Plessner seeking an omitted-property assessment for inundated acres; Commissioner Bob Flath moved to deny the request, Commissioner Bruce Klein seconded, and the board denied the request.
DES/911 coordinator Kimberly Robbins notified the board that a Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for Aug. 7 at 7:30 a.m. Robbins said the notice of intent for the State Homeland Security grant is due by Aug. 6 at 5 p.m.; the county would apply toward shatter-proof film for Public Health glass doors and a camera at LaMoure County Memorial Park. Commissioner Jason Weigel moved to submit a notice of intent, Commissioner Wayne Wald seconded, and the motion carried.
The board reviewed a letter from FEMA about the floodplain and discussed multi-hazard surveys Robbins provided, including ideas discussed for hazard mitigation such as burying power lines and making storm shelters available at campgrounds. The board reviewed a separate letter on township zoning and moratoriums and took no formal action.
A request from Zion Lutheran Church to waive the Memorial Park canteen rental fee for a family benefit was denied; anonymous donors covered the fee. The board reviewed and approved county vendor bills; Commissioner Bob Flath moved to pay the bills as presented and Commissioner Wayne Wald seconded.
The meeting recessed for a short break at 9:51 a.m., reconvened at 10:03 a.m., and adjourned at 10:47 a.m.
Next steps: the public budget hearing is set for Sept. 16 at 10:00 a.m., and the final budget decision is scheduled for Oct. 7.
