Sheriff Budget came into play. Wells County Sheriff texted on Slide one that he was not going to attend the meeting. One of the Commissioners motioned to reduce his budget by 5%.

Discussion after a supportive second, brought up the following:
1. Unwilling to communicate and attend the meetings
2. New deputy added with no prior communication
3. People pay his salary
4. He could have sent or text his data report or sent a deputy
5. People are asking Commissioners, how come you are not holding him accountable?
6. If he is not doing his job, then he is stealing from the taxpayers
7. New States Attorney should look at this and tell the Commissioners if it can be done.

In the meantime, vote failed at 3 to 2. Why do we have rules and Laws and they are not followed?

A citizen attendee told the Commissioners to attend Kris Ann Hall meeting in Dickinson in order to learn what the Sheriff duties are. Dale S. filed his formal complaint against Larry S. on the Waterboard. Discussion on the complaint.

Township needs approval to be paid by county for Bridges and more. ND Century code dictates county to pay 60% for culverts. Since payment is regulated, could they use prior approval as a way to be sure the standard of installation is followed verses the cheapest way on the market?

The Federal government gave all bridges to the county. Even the ones that they installed on annexed land. Now the repair of these old bridges become the expense of the county verses the Federal government; however, the government regulates a standard on how they are repaired.

Letter from Federal Government requirement of signatures of the Commissioners. What money they are getting from Federal and State will not be enough for the responsibility.

Elections were covered. 530 absentee ballots were sent out and 513 were returned and counted. Harvey had 1000 voters turn out. Wells County had 85% of active voters vote.

Foreclosure of property was touched on again. Auditor states that people have the right to own property, but they also have responsibility on the property they own.

Wells County came to a settlement on the Eddy Co. and Foster Co. human services funds owed. Wells will be reimbursed for some of the funds after deal was made in the amount of over $98,000. Arrangements for most direct costs will be paid by each county verses Wells Co. paying all.

Convention updates. Auditor would like to create a Public Information page on their site. He said he is wanting to overcome all the BS uptown coffee shop misinformation that floats around.

New Employee Retirment Plan

Township bring True North Bills alot affecting County Commissioners budget. The auditor advocates for more control of township spending and expenses stating that he can not keep up with them.

Topics that came up:
1. Is the Water complaint really about the land flooding or a motive to remove head of the Waterboard?
2. Is the increase in culverts due to the little bridge eliminations?
3. Weight limitations from combines driving on roads instead of loading on trailer causing road damage along with farm trucks.
4. Make changes in County policy for township to communication of construction & installation of culverts to be approved by Commissioners prior to work being done. This will include bridges removal as well.

All of these will be done at the County standard to assure durable length of time before repairs. The States Attorney will review and write.

Citizen vs waterboard gets intense! Dale S. from Manfred Township continues to address Commissioner over disgruntled issues with the Waterboard and its leadership. Dale states that 2 waterboard members benefiting from decisions made by the Waterboard along with personal gain.

Words of Lawsuit sparks Diaglog between Manfred township representative and Chairman of Waterboard at high volumes.

Issue discussed: County drain #1 and the extra water flow. Waterboard said the railroad contributed to extra water flow when they took permit away from the waterboard. The citizen wants fairness to be put on waterboard formula by requesting to remove Larry S. from the waterboard.

Dale approached the Commissioners because the waterboard is appointed positions. The Commissioner's chairman attempts to diffuse the emotions by suggesting for citizen to get on the waterboard agenda to discuss his complaint and to take it to their attorney. In the discussion, it was brought up that North Dakota Century code says all petitioners will pay for the cost of the lawsuit? So that is saying if you sue the waterboard, you will pay their cost to defend the suit against them. How fair is that? One sympathized Commissioner attempts to present the argument of the citizens of the township to the waterboard and explaining that law protects them, and they use that law to their advantage.

It was brought up again about the waterboard culvert policy agreement of county pays 60% by Century Code. This is a forced policy and they are asked to sign. Question, no agreement has ever been signed, does it matter if signed or not? The agreement will be sent to States Attorney of the county for review of these questions.

Brian A. Continues. Minutes not as informative as they could have been. Discussion on list of bridges that will need to be replace and the project plan is suggested by a citizen. Just adding a mill levy will not be enough to fix all the upcoming bridge expenses. Brian was telling commissioners that he does not believe the people of the county are aware of the problem the county commissioners are facing based on the vague minutes provided. Brian also suggested that Cramer should be contacted about the environmental surveys that are repeated often unnecessarily. These changes in legislation can reduce wasted cost.

Brian also addressed the overweight project. The informative discussion covered roads, bridges and more that have weight and speed restrictions that are not being followed. Many of whom are farmers trucks. The weight abuse shortens the life of these projects costing the taxpayers more money. It was suggested to enforce these restricken. Commissioners state they have discussed these very things. Brian said the minutes do not reflect that therefore, the people would not have the knowledge of that. Pass the information on to the Sheriff Dept. Dale S. address the Commissioners, and they replied, this is a waterboard issue.