The Ramsey County Commission met for a regular meeting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 6 (delayed from the usual Tuesday due to the 4th of July). After approving minutes from the previous regular and special meetings, the commission voted unanimously to pay the county’s bills, to approve the monthly financial report and treasurer’s checks, as well as to approve the meeting’s agenda.
County Treasurer Lisa Diseth was present to ask the commission what action was wanted on the $2 million in COVID funds that were in a CD about to expire. After discussion, the commission voted unanimously via roll call vote to roll $1 million of these funds into another CD, and to place the other $1 million into a money market account. The commission then voted to approve the reorganization of the board of Ramsey County Organization & Annexation to deal with transportation issues. Payment for tractor rentals in the amount of $12,000 was approved, as well as $485,465.50 for various road projects, all of which were under their bid amounts. These payments were approved unanimously via roll call vote.
Representation from the Ramsey County Water Board was present and had some discussion about culverts and water flow in the county. No action was taken by the commission. There was also no action from the commission regarding standing committees for various county associations convening in October of this year. The commission did approve a site authorization for Lake Region Community College Foundation and a homestead tax credit abatement. Commissioners also approved a solicitation for public comments regarding the stretch of Highway 2 that had proposed j-turns to alleviate some dangers; the j-turns were rejected, but the danger remains and a letter will be drafted to NDDOT for some action moving forward. Sheriff Bryan Lang was present to give an update on personnel updates as well as a heads up on an upcoming expense for new tasers.
Commissioner portfolio highlights included the hiring of a new Public Health Administrator, who will begin in the position before the month ends. County budget presentations and discussions will begin at the next meeting on July 18.
Past meeting minutes and future meeting agendas can be found at ramseycountynd.gov.
