Turtle Lake approves $3,500 monthly pay for mayor to perform auditor duties

The Turtle Lake City Commission on Jan. 12 approved monthly compensation of $3,500 for Mayor Dianne Zenker to perform the combined duties of Mayor and City Auditor, citing North Dakota Century Code 40-14-04, which allows a council by majority vote to dispense with an appointive office and assign its duties to other officers.

The motion to authorize the compensation was made by Commissioner Rick Schwalk and seconded by Commissioner Tim Britton; the roll call vote was unanimous. Commissioners noted the auditor position remains vacant and that bank signature updates will be held until the Auditor role is filled.

At the same meeting the commission designated Tru Community Bank and Dakota West Credit Union as the city's depositories; that motion, made by Commissioner Tim Britton and seconded by Commissioner Rick Schwalk, passed unanimously. The commission said it will delay changes to bank signatures until the auditor vacancy is resolved.

Commissioners briefly discussed an ordinance regarding empty commercial buildings and a suggestion from attendee Charlie Divson (transcript shows variant spellings of his name) to consider a flat monthly salary; Mayor Zenker said she will research options and revisit the topic at the February meeting.

The commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2026.