A security camera system upgrade for Heart of America Correctional and Treatment Center has been completed, according to information told to the Pierce County Board of Commissioners at their regular meeting March 2.

The commissioners listened as Jail Administrator Mike Graner updated them on the project at their regular monthly meeting in the Pierce County Courthouse.

Graner also reported the population at HACTC averaged 83 inmates for February, with a high of 91. The facility’s population as of March 1 stood at 88. The jail saw 41 bookings for the month with 35 releases. Four of the inmates at the facility in January were from Pierce County. Three of those inmates remained in custody as of March 2.

Records provided by Pierce County Auditor-Treasurer Karin Fursather indicated Graner reported a $46,376.67 deficit for the jail.

Graner also reported 24 of 25 staff positions were filled, with one corrections officer on leave for military duty. Another officer had turned in a letter of resignation effective March 10.

The Commissioners approved bills, financials and hourly timesheets for the facility.

Commissioners also voted to impose load limit restrictions on all county township roads.

According to information provided by Fursather’s office, restrictions limit loads on single-axle vehicles to 12,000 pounds or less, while loads for tandem-axle vehicles are not to exceed 12,000 per axle. Speed limits on the township roads are 45 miles per hour while load limits are in effect. Speed limits in an area 2 ¢ miles from Highway 3 to Selz are 35 miles per hour while load limits are in effect. Load limits for that area are not to exceed 12,000 pounds for single axle vehicles. On tandem-axle vehicles, loads are not to exceed 12,000 pounds while limits are in effect.

Commissioners also reviewed a letter from Abby Ritz, financial analyst for engineering firm AE2S. The letter requested “a certification of significant community support for the city of Rugby infrastructure improvement project,” according to records provided by Fursather. The project to improve the city’s water and sewer infrastructure will be partially funded by a grant through the USDA Rural Development program. Commissioners approved the request to have Board Chair David Migler sign the certification.

The board also reviewed and approved three property tax abatement applications submitted by county residents.

The commissioners also approved a proposal from Environmental Abatement Services, Inc. to remove and dispose of asbestos from a county-owned property.

Fursather told the board Pierce County Fair Board member Dondi Sobolik and his wife, Khole had requested that the county install signs directing travelers on U.S. Highway 2, N.D. Highway 3, Golf Course Road and Truck Bypass Road to the Pierce County Fairgrounds. The board did not vote on the request, according to meeting records.

In other business, the board approved minutes, financials and bills from their regular February meeting. The commissioners next meet Tuesday, April 6, at 8 a.m. at the Pierce County Courthouse.