COMMISSION TALKS BRIDGES AND TAXES

   The Marshall County Commission met Tuesday morning and addressed a variety of issues, including tax payment plans, infrastructure projects, and employee bonuses. The board approved payment agreements with three individuals—Wesley LeBlanc, Dana McFarlane, and Jenna Collins, who represented Carol Jacobson’s property—to prevent the county from taking properties under tax deed proceedings. 
    The commission reviewed the highway department’s bridge inspection report, which found that of 24 bridges inspected, 11 were in poor condition, one was fair, and 12 were in good condition. Commissioners discussed possible actions to address the findings. 
    They also opened bids for a project in White Township to install a box culvert as part of a bridge improvement grant, which requires the county to cover 20% of the $1.17 million cost. BX Civil and Construction Inc. submitted the lowest bid at $1,171,768, which was accepted.
    Highway Superintendent Dustin Hofland informed the board that he is coordinating with the state on a road detour east of Roslyn, which will direct traffic onto Marshall County roads during construction. The commission signed an agreement with Sargent County, assigning responsibility for a bridge on the state line to Sargent County. A resolution was also passed to delete a bridge northeast of Langford from the county’s records, as it no longer meets the criteria to be classified as a bridge. In Stena Township, a closed bridge was discussed, with the board considering the feasibility of installing a temporary structure while weighing potential state permission requirements, liability concerns, and impacts on future grant eligibility.
    The board approved the sole bid of $800 from Rick Hofland for a 2015 Ford Explorer surplussed by the Sheriff’s Office. Jennifer Ringkob, 4-H educator, provided an update and presented a memorandum of understanding between SDSU and the county. The county’s cost share for the program is $11,525.
    Emergency Management Director Logan Roehr outlined plans to use remaining funds and grants to purchase radios. He also gave an update on the Hillhead radio tower, with the plumb and tension project costing $3,500. On behalf of the Marshall County Ambulance service, Roehr requested $1,400 to install a camera and speaker in the ambulance shed to enhance EMT training, a proposal the board approved.
    The commission voted to grant $1,000 bonuses to full-time county employees, with part-time employees receiving smaller bonuses. Highway employees, who received raises earlier this year, were excluded. The board also approved a $5,640 budget supplement for the county’s modernization and preservation fund.
    The Marshall County Commission met Nov. 27 with representatives from Comstock Construction to discuss cost-saving changes to the courthouse and law enforcement center project.
    The commission approved bids for bid package two, awarding contracts to the lowest bidders for a total of $6,873,901, with modifications to reduce expenses. Cost-cutting measures included pursuing a grant for the camera and door lock system, which helped lower the bid, opting for more affordable flooring, removing tuckpointing for the existing courthouse, and eliminating some built-in furnishings from the plans.
    The commission aims to keep the combined cost of bid packages one and two at $9,035,040, excluding architect fees and the cost of furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
    Auditor Megan Biel said the list of contractors awarded in the second bid package is available for public review at her office, 1611 Vander Horck Ave., Britton.
    The board also approved a redesign maximum fee of $30,000 for ISG, pending documentation to be reviewed by State’s Attorney Victor Rapkoch.