Regular Work Day for County Commissioners
 | Author:
Nancy Marks
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
Regular Work Day for County Commissioners
MT 43 News Staff
The County Commissioners spent Wednesday, August 23, approving contracts for courthouse equipment along with sheriff’s and airport contracts.
Disaster and Emergency Services Supervisor Brittney Willis presented information for purchasing an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) for the courthouse. The commissioners approved the purchase from AED Authority company for $2,966 with a five-year service contract listed at $215 quarterly. The life-saving equipment will be placed near the Treasurer’s windows Willis said. She indicated she would ask if there would be a local service person. Trained personnel to operate the defibrillator in case of emergency would come from the sheriff’s office, according to Sheriff Nick Rauser who was present. Payment for the purchase would come from Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funds.
Clerk of Court Valerie Hornsveld presented three bids for the purchase of a new copier for her office and the offices of the Victim’s Advocate, the County Attorney and the Municipal Court office. They share the costs of paper. Maintenance and toner for the copier is included in the monthly charge. Hornsveld recommended the bid from Fisher Copiers for $5,446.67 plus $30 per month. The commissioners voted to approve her recommendation. The commissioners will assign PILT funds to cover the copier.
Sheriff Rauser presented an updated contract with the City of Townsend to provide law enforcement services to the city. Townsend City Council members approved the contract at their August 15 meeting. The annual contract is for $355,514. Of the sheriff’s office calls, 26 percent are from in-town calls. He updates the council quarterly on changes or service events covered by his officers. The commissioners approved the 2023-2024 contract.
Rauser indicated his office was still giving tours of the detention center and offices. Commissioner Randolph asked if he had approached the high school about taking high school students through the tour.
In other business, the commission approved the five-year Capital Improvement Plan for the City-County Airport. According to Commissioner Darrel Folkvord, Airport Board liaison, the reconstruction plan remains the board’s number one priority. The airport will be closed sometime in 2024, but he said the board would know more when the bid for the project is let. Next would be a wildlife security fence project and new snow removal equipment. The board will begin a runway resealing project in 2029.
Commissioner Lindsey Richtmyer asked Folkvord if the airport would have enough water for future use. He indicated they may consider another well if payment for drilling can come from a grant.
Public Works Supervisor TJ Graveley’s presentation for solid waste changes was postponed.
