Like everyone else in these tough economic times, the Ramsey County Commission is looking for ways to cut expenses.
One proposed way to reduce expenses involves reducing the number of precincts from eight to four and having one place in the county for everyone to go to vote on election day.
The polling place previously used in Edmore is not handicap accessible, therefore, if it were to be used from here on in, renovations must be made to comply with federal law. The money for those renovations, as well as the cost for those election workers, could be saved if that polling place is not used.
As the popularity of voting by mail increases, the commission is looking at reducing the number of polling places to one. Those who live in the city would vote in the Memorial Building, for example, and those who live out in the county would vote in the Armory.
All voters would have to either utilize the vote by mail option or come into Devils Lake, the County Seat, to cast their ballots.
This was one of the major items discussed at Tuesday morning’s regular meeting of the Ramsey County Commission.
Although the proposal met with the commissioners’ approval, given the savings to the county, they voted to table the issue until the next meeting allowing the voters who live around the county to let their voices and opinions be heard first.
Other business
The meeting began with a reorganization election. Commissioner Joe Belford stepped into the president’s chair and Commissioner Barry Gage into the vice president’s. In those new roles, the two will switch portfolios, as well.
County Agent Bill Hodous reported on the conditions of the crops around the county saying, “Thank goodness for November!”
He told the commission that only about 30 percent of the corn remains to be harvested and reminded them of the Lake Region Roundup coming in January.
County Highway Superintendent Kevin Fieldsend reported on the Woods Rutten Road project, how to accomplish repairs on a bridge and guard rail and projects that they needed to switch around that will be partially funded by FEMA.
Veterans Services Officer Earl Hanson said he had no news on the proposed veteran’s clinic and nothing else to report on.
Emergency Manager Tim Heisler informed the commission about two three-inch pumps his office had been given. He suggested that one of them be given to the town of Crary, the other would remain at the County Highway Department. The commissioners agreed to contact Crary’s mayor to draw up an agreement that would allow them to do that.
A hearing on a resident’s request to close a section line followed a review of the list of county expenditures and a brief recess.
When everyone’s questions were satisfied, it was a unanimous vote to close the section line since the public had access through the Woods Rutten Road. During negotiations to obtain the necessary right-of-way to expand the Woods Rutten Road, the landowner agreed to cooperate in exchange for this closure.
A bidder got the 2004 Crown Victoria for $236.
Steve Moe, IT specialist for the county, was granted permission to upgrade his equipment and each commissioner gave a brief report on his portfolio responsibilities.
The next Ramsey County meeting will be Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m.
(Louise Oleson can be reached at news@devilslakejournal.com)
Devils Lake, ND —
