Commission approves $23,500 internship pilot with UND cost share

County staff asked the commission to approve a pilot internship program in partnership with the University of North Dakota (Nistler College). The pilot would fund four internships (two for the summer and two for the fall semester) to support county workloads in tax-equalization/GIS, human resources, elections/finance and public-administration marketing.

Staff requested a budget amendment of $23,500 from cash carry forward to fund the pilot and said UND approved a $9,100 cost-share contribution. The county would fully fund the GIS internship because of anticipated higher workload for GIS software transitions; the other internships would be cost-shared.

Commissioners asked about measurable outcomes and sustainability; staff said the pilot will be reviewed annually to assess student experience, county benefit and program sustainability. The commission approved the budget amendment by unanimous vote.