Election costs and voting discussed with County Commissioners
Addressing the issue of the cost of elections at the March 29, 2016 Clearwater County Board meeting, County Auditor-Treasurer Al Paulson said the county has only $50,000 left in the election equipment fund.
"Ten years ago Clearwater County received $250,000 from the Federal Government to make election equipment affordable. Now that equipment is ten years old. and in need of replacement," he said.
Paulson said that a bill was being submitted before the Legislature some time last week to fund new election equipment in all Minnesota counties.
Minerva Township Clerk Susan Sunderland was present at the meeting and expressed views in Minerva Township about voting. Mail-out ballots were an issue, which are not the same as absentee ballots. Mail-out ballots are sent to residents, who then return them to the Clearwater County Auditor.
Regarding mail-out ballots, Ms. Sunderland said, "We don't want them."
Minerva wants to use their own Town Hall, versus having mail-out ballots.
"We built these town halls for a reason, and we should use them for elections. It is part of our right to local government," said Ms. Sunderland. They do not want to lose that right.
The equipment is expensive, costing $2,000 to hold the primary and general election in Minerva, including cost of judges and training for them.
Susan Sunderland plans to go to St. Paul on April 5 and ask the Legislature for funding, and to discuss other issues such as Lesard-Sans attempt to acquire land in the County.
Paulson said different townships share in the elections and use of equipment, and election judges are required to do the work. Then the ballots are sent in. Clearbrook has five townships sharing one election machine; Gonvick has four sharing one machine; and four others share one in Shevlin.
"We are willing to share with other townships, but with the cost of a new machine, we may not have that option," Ms. Sunderland said.
Only Minerva and Itasca are townships which remain by themselves.
Ms. Sunderland also discussed the issue of ATV trails which is covered in a separate article.
Land Commissioner Bruce Cox and Kim Christenson were present at the meeting and brought motions to be considered.
The Board granted authorization for employee overtime for the Land Department and Campground during the field season when needed. This is to administer reforestation, site preparation, spraying, road work and operation of the campground outside of normal working hours.
The following seasonal wage scale was approved: Maintenance/grounds/office attendant will receive between $12.08 and $15.22 per hour; security personnel will receive between $18.79 and $22.96. The manager will have the right to hire within the range depending on experience and qualifications.
Commissioner Dean Newland asked how he came up with this wage scale? Cox explained that it has been there a long time, was set up previously, and is aligned with the scale. Commissioner John Nelson said that this is cheaper for the county.
An $8 fee for reservation dates changed or dropped from reservation at the County Campground will be charged per site. This is due to the many changes made each year which causes a great amount of paperwork, plus often leaving sites unrented due to the limited amount of time to make them available.
"This will discourage them from make changes in the reservations, but we will not charge for adding a day." Kim said.
Environmental Services Director, Dan Hecht brought roadside spraying contracts as discussed at the last Board meeting. An agreement for Roadside Spraying, 2016 was approved between Clearwater County and B & P Weed Control in Bemidji in the amount of $80 per mile for a total of $6,220.
Agreements were approved for Roadside Spraying between the county and Roy Abraham, Noxious Weed Control at the hourly rate of $125 and not to exceed a total amount of $6,000; and Roadside Right-of-Way Spraying between the county and Roy Abraham, Noxious Weed Control at the hourly rate of $105, not to exceed a total amount of $15,000.
Commissioner Arlen Syverson abstained from voting on these agreements due to conflict of interest.
Sheriff Darin Halverson was authorized to accept and sign the 2016 Minnesota Boat and Water grant in the amount of $1,458.
Commissioners present at the meeting were Daniel Stenseng, Dean Newland, John Nelson, Neal Illies and Arlen Syverson.