On Tuesday morning, the Lake Region District Health Unit presented its 2017 budget and requests to the Pierce County Board of County Commissioners.

LRDHU Administrator Allen McKay explained programs along with costs. The district health unit requested $121,581 from the county, and McKay explained that part of the reason for an increase in requested funds was that the state is no longer covering immunization costs.

The board asked if McKay would consider impacts on the budget if the county’s public health nurse were to go part-time.

Other actions

The board approved a motion to authorize the board chairman to sign a utility permit with Turtle Mountain Communications for placing fiber optic cable in Township 157 N, Range 71 W.

The board approved joint exercise of governmental powers with the Souris Basin Planning Council and adding a payment of $2,156 in dues to the 2017 budget.

The board reappointed Jason Marchus as a member of the Pierce County Weed Board.

The board approved abatement requests for Christ & Judy Heintz and Elizabeth Larson.

The board approved a special access road request for N.D. Pipeline Company for construction of the Sandpiper Pipeline. The pipeline is expected to go through Tofte, Hurricane Lake, Rush Lake, Torgerson and Walsh townships.

The board approved preliminary and construction agreements for Rugby and Silva road projects; chip seal and center line stripping for Highway 30 and the Dale & Martha Hawk Museum road.

Heart of America Correctional & Treatment Center Administrator Mike Graner informed the board that the facility incurred almost $24,400 in profit in June, bringing the year-to-date deficit to $8,978; the inmate population in July was 113.

Sheriff Josh Siegler informed the board that he had a quote for a vehicle from D&S Motors. No action was taken, as the dealership wouldn’t be able to give a trade until later in the year. Siegler also informed the board of 66 calls in July: one medical; one fire; two traffic accidents; 13 assist other agencies; six prisoner transports; 10 arrests; 19 citations; 22 papers served; one warrant served.

The board met with Don Jelsing, president of the Pierce County Fair board.

The board approved the July meeting minutes, bills, financial statements and treasurer’s checks.