July 7, 2026, Wells Co. Commissioner Meeting, Part 5 of 7
Dike removal by Hurdsfield Dam reported by Larry Skiftun.
Discussion on all township meetings. Note: Issues were brought up by the public at the Hurdsfield meeting.
Road Dept. Report: Eight blade operators are out in the county; Will be doing Dura Patching around the county and Hwy 71 by Jim Buckmiller’s farm; Brent reported that he will make an example of Harts in Chaseley Township due to outspoken at township meeting in Hurdsfield. Harts were not happy with the blading performance; Brent stated that HE WILL MAKE IT HARD FOR THAT TOWNSHIP. (Is this not retaliation? Is that illegal or ethical?); however, the Wells Co. Commissioners do not agree with Brent’s position on the matter. They would like to meet with the Chaseley township board.
KLJ engineers, Logan Berg, gave update on Hwy1 bridge. Construction is ahead of schedule. He mentions the Prairie Dog funds buckets are all full from the state. Wells county will get $600,000.;
LTS telecommunication project line; CUP application is needed; digging in a fiber optic line. Permit was approved.
Portfolio
Brian Miller – Sheriff has a new hire.
Stan Buxa – nothing new with taxation; however, Jana has been busy with zoning. Auditors’ office is still using Renae. Stan asked Dan, the auditor, if he wants an assistance?
Danny Maxwell – Nothing to report
Dennis Dockter – The road department needs to work on their own Public Relations.
Bryan Lautt – The fair went off well. The rodeo lost money and dualling pianos also; 4H gains funds when it comes to the fair. The sheep roast brings in the South Africans in and they spend a lot of money; there was an incident during the races of damage to spectator’s vehicle. The sheriff was not contacted by fair board. The insurance of the county may have a claim of great dollars due to the Fair board negating to report the incident to the Sheriff.
Elections: Dan reported his disappointment with the level of voter turnout.
Dan, Auditor, reports: LED Lighting proposal for Courthouse and Festival Hall but none for KTL. Decision on hold for KTL’s is provided; NDCCA is looking for people for their board. He proposed to Commissioners to consider representing Wells County interest; Wells County budget 2027, Waiting on budget proposal by the dept. The County plans on going to the people for more money due to the Caps. Additional $140,000 for departments budgets; Dan will put in a proposal for raise increase to 3% or 4% for County Employees; Dan stated that the road Department appears to be slacking.
Chaseley township board will be requested to the next meeting.
***(Please note we have a road dept. Head wanting retaliation against Harts in Chaseley Township, Commissioners require township board presence, does anyone working for the County care for the people of their county and exercising their right of speech? Are we the servants of the county or are THEY the SERVANTS of the people in the county?)
