Commissioners Approve Purchase Of New Vehicle For Sheriff’s Department

The Grant County Commissioners approved the purchase of a new vehicle for the Grant County Sheriff’s Department during their regular meeting on January 17. A 2017 Ford Interceptor SUV will be purchased from Land Motors in Pierre for $29,542.

Money was also allocated for building repairs for the sheriff’s department building. “We need to repair and update things such as the kitchen area, locker rooms, and carpeting,” stated Grant County Sheriff Kevin Owen. “We also need to stay ahead of the curve and create an outdoor recreation area for our inmates, but there is more urgency in making building repairs.”

Grant County Auditor Karen Layher told the board there is money set aside in the general budget that could be tapped for these building projects. She said, “We could use that money to make the building repairs and also create the rec area within the same year.” Owen was asked to acquire estimates.
Community health nurse Jennifer Meyer reported new office furniture provided by the state was received. She also called attention to the need for more daycare homes or facilities in the area. “We seem to be losing more than we are gaining and this is a growing concern for young parents.”

Representatives from Poet Biorefining informed the board of an upcoming rail project to transport ethanol to and from the facility. Poet is in the early phase of its project and did not make any formal requests.

Grant County Treasurer Raynelle Mueller said treasurers across the state are concerned about proposed legislation regarding Plate- On-Demand. “All 66 treasurers in the state are against this type of legislation. This would force citizens to purchase their license plates and stickers online and then wait to receive them through the mail.” In Grant County, she reported, 2% use this service and 98% purchase them through the courthouse office and receive them immediately.

The public defender contract with Chad Nelson was approved with a 3% pay increase. Anne Zastrow was approved as a part-time library assistant. Cheryl Conrad was appointed to a three-year term on the library board.

Kevin Owen, Jeremy Steffensen, and Robert Newstrand were approved as deputy coroners. The next regular meeting of the Grant County Commissioners is set for Tuesday, February 7, at 8 a.m.