Keith County approves USDA Wildlife Services agreement for up to $16,449 to address wildlife damage

The Keith County Board of Commissioners approved a one‑year service agreement with USDA Wildlife Services to continue wildlife‑damage mitigation work in the county, with staff citing a potential fiscal exposure up to $16,449.40 for the contract year.

Jeremy (USDA Wildlife Services) told the board the agreement could represent up to 500 hours of service, but the county is billed only for hours actually provided; the figure presented to the board for contract budgeting was $16,449.40. Services include responding to livestock predation and property‑damage complaints, addressing beaver and muskrat issues, and special‑permit actions for protected avian predators when those actions are justified.

Commissioner Anderson moved to authorize the chair to sign the service agreement; Commissioner Irvin seconded. The motion passed on roll call with all voting “yes.” The board noted that Jeremy’s office provides phone advice between deployments and that seasonal demand can create waitlists during peak periods.

Jeremy said the program’s new supervisor, Ryan Powers, plans to contact county leaders about pursuing state funding options so county contributions could be supplemented to sustain broader service across multiple counties. Board members asked staff to send a signed copy of the agreement to USDA and to coordinate any follow‑up meeting requests.

The board recorded the motion as approval of a service contract; staff will complete signature and distribution steps.