Cavalier County shifts County 6 engineering to federal aid, asks townships to document rain damage

Cavalier County commissioners voted on Sept. 17 to rescind a prior decision to pay construction engineering for the County 6 overlay from the Prairie Dog Fund and to pursue federal aid for engineering, with the county responsible for a 20% match.

The change was made after a presentation by Jeff Daley of KLJ and county road staff, including Road Supervisor Terry Johnston and Road Foreman Sheldon Romfo. The motion to use federal aid was made by Nick Moser and seconded by Stanley Dick and recorded as carried.

The board discussed recent heavy rainfall and whether to declare an emergency for road damage. Emergency Manager Karen Kempert reported that surrounding counties had not reported damage; the commission directed townships to document any damages and submit documentation to Road Supervisor Terry Johnston so the county could pursue an emergency declaration later if needed.

The board reviewed the current $140-per-hour snow-removal rate and made no change. Commissioners also discussed comp time balances and the status of shop cameras; Romfo said he would meet with employees who have unused comp time. The board agreed to place seasonal snowplow position pay and expectations on a future agenda and directed operators to meet with commissioners to discuss compensation and duties.

The funding decision for the County 6 overlay could change project timing depending on federal aid availability; the minutes record the board’s direction but do not include a project schedule or federal-aid application details.