Grant County Water Resource District approves caretaker pay increase, grazing contract and routine financial reports

The Grant County Water Resource District trustees met March 16 in Elgin and approved routine business while voting to raise pay for caretaker contractors and to approve a grazing contract for Sheep Creek.

At the meeting, Chairman Jerald Christensen, Directors Harold Gaugler and Steven Schadler and Secretary/Treasurer Julie Levorsen handled standard agenda items before moving to operational matters. The board approved the Feb. 9, 2026 minutes, a revised Dec. 31, 2025 treasurer’s report and the February 2026 treasurer’s report after formal motions and seconds; the minutes state that each motion "carried."

Why it matters: the pay change and grazing contract affect on-the-ground management and maintenance for Raleigh Dam and Sheep Creek, while the financial approvals clear payment for vendors and preserve the district’s accounting continuity.

Bills and financial items: the board reviewed and approved $1,339.22 in bills, including charges listed to Southwest Water Authority (Raleigh & Sheep Creek), an entry listed as "Mor Gran Sou" for Raleigh & Sheep Creek, a $50 rent charge to Levorsen Acctg & Tax, PC, and pay vouchers totaling $907.40. The minutes list the full bill total as $1,339.22 and record Harold Gaugler’s motion to pay the bills, seconded by Steven Schadler; the motion carried.

Caretakers and compensation: trustees discussed 2026 caretakers and approved a motion, moved by Director Steven Schadler and seconded by Director Harold Gaugler, to increase caretaker contractor compensation by $100 per month and to raise the hourly wage by $1.00 for spot checks that occur after Labor Day. The motion is recorded as carried; no vote tally was included in the minutes.

Contracts and projects: the board reviewed an updated Sheep Creek grazing contract "to current rates per terms previously agreed upon" and approved it on a motion by Harold Gaugler, seconded by Steven Schadler. The trustees also discussed updating the Raleigh emergency action plan (EAP) and considered playground equipment options for the Raleigh site, as reported by Director Steven Schadler; no formal purchase action on equipment was recorded in the minutes.

Other business and adjournment: Harold Gaugler reported on the recent North Dakota Water Users meeting. Steven Schadler moved to adjourn; Chairman Jerald Christensen seconded and the motion carried. The meeting record was signed by Secretary/Treasurer Julie Levorsen.

Next steps: the minutes do not specify follow-up deadlines or the date of the next regular meeting; items noted for follow-up include work on the Raleigh EAP and any future decisions about playground equipment and project work at Raleigh Dam and Sheep Creek.