The Ramsey County Commission met for a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sep. 19. After approving minutes from the September 5 meeting and this meeting’s agenda, the commission heard an update from the Fair Board regarding the new facility that will be built starting in April of 2024. Several funding sources have already been secured for this $2.9 million project, and many grants have also been applied for and will notify winners shortly. Highway Superintendent Kevin Fieldsend had several motions approved by the commission, including contracting KLJ Engineering for upcoming projects, the payment of open invoices, to order culverts, a utility permit, and to approve out-of-state travel for two members of the Highway department.
Next, the commission opened the floor to the public to comment on the 2024 budget. No one from the public was present to comment, but commissioners discussed at length the process that goes into creating and approving a budget, and how things could be amended for future years. The commission will discuss the budget again on October 3, where they will be expected to vote to approve or amend the preliminarily approved plan. Entities that have petitioned the county for funding will have this one final chance to defend their budgets before amendment; the current budget cannot be changed to allow for more money, but can always be decreased.
Under old business, commissioners discussed a proposal that would change how 911 fees are collected. There was unanimous approval to allow the 911 fee collections to shift to the North Dakota Association of Counties before commissioners discussed the ongoing FEMA and floodplain insurance question. Communication must be established with townships before the final letter back to FEMA can be drafted.
Under new business, the commission unanimously approved cancelling a check, a raffle permit for the VFW Auxiliary, to reappoint Kyle Blanchfield to the Visitor’s Committee, and to approve the Proclamation of 4H Week to occur October 1-7, 2023. Sheriff Bryan Lang will be on the next meeting’s agenda to discuss fees for civil services.
Past meeting minutes and future meeting agendas can be found at ramseycountynd.gov.
