Commissioners Say Potential Freezing Of Funds Shouldn’t Impact County Programs

The Roosevelt County Commissioners said that the potential federal freezing of funds including grants shouldn’t have an impact on the county’s budgets.

Even though some areas such as the health department and sheriff’s office receive grants, commissioners explained that the great majority of these grants come from the state level and not the federal level.

Commissioner Robert Toavs said his understanding is that any approved grants will stay in the pipeline and will come to entities. The freeze, however, could impact new grant requests.

Also during the meeting on Jan. 28, commissioners tabled the agenda item regarding action on a county road use agreement. The county attorney’s office is working on a resolution on the matter. Commissioners are concerned about county roads suffering damage from an increase of trucks carrying large loads. Commissioners said a new frac sand pit on County Road 1009 near Bainville will handle six tons of materials.

Former commissioner Gary Macdonald was appointed to the aging board.

“Gary will be good at that,” Commissioner Gordon Oelkers said. “A lot of it has to do with finances.”

Commissioners approved the hiring of Tyson Nelson for the county jail.

Commissioners are still looking to find someone to serve as custodian for the county building in Culbertson. An applicant was on the agenda to be hired, but she changed her mind about the position prior to the meeting.