RICHLAND COUNTY TOWNSHIP OFFICERS
Annual Meeting
April 4, 2005

Chairman Ginsbach called the annual meeting to order at 7 P.M. with 26 townships represented.

The secretary's report was dispensed with.

Treasurers report was given by Allen Braaten. Beginning balance of $2998.91, Expenses of $!800. Ending balance of $1155.20. A motion was made and seconded to approve the treasurer's report.. Motion carried.

Steve Ginsbach reported on legislation currently pending in the legislature that affects townships. Most of the bills have been killed at this time that would have impacted township government. Steve also gave a short history on the origin of the organization, and the need for a dues increase to $100 dollars per township per year to help support lobbying efforts of the state association. A dues increase will be voted on at the state annual meeting in December.

Terry Marohl and Dave Pauly led a discussion on tax issues related to valuation of rural residences and the farmstead exemption. The issues they are concerned with are related to equitable valuation on rural properties.

Perry Miller, Chairman Richland County Commissioners introduced Jason Weber, Sheriff's Deputy, and the new drug dog recently acquired. Miller also invited the Township Officers to the open house next week April 11 and 12 to tour the new renovated dispatch center. Signs for the county buildings are also being installed to assist people in finding county offices.

Commissioner Dan Thompson addressed the Tax Equity issues and stated that the county is forming a Tax Advisory Committee. Thompson asked for a nomination from the Township Officers for someone to serve on this committee. Doug Loff and Sam Arndt were nominated and elected by a show of hands vote to the committee was Doug Loff.

Commissioner Bryan Flaa reported on tax legislation currently being acted on and also that there will be a tour in August or September on how glaciers shaped the area and soils in the southwest area of the county with Sargent County and possibly Roberts County in South Dakota.

Harris Bailey, Auditor, requested that as Townships return their budgets they also return a list of current township officers so that lists are up to date. This is especially important for Emergency Management as they need to know who to contact in case of disasters or emergency situations where Townships Officers need to be notified.

Gary Ruhl reported for the Richland County Sheriff. Ruhl reported on recent activity and the continuing problem with methamphetamine.

Ginsbach reported on activities of the Richland County Weed Board. He asked that Township Officers report any new noxious weed infestations. He also stated that Richland County will be part of a five county program effort to control weeds in gravel pits.

There was no old or new business brought before the group.

Election of directors was held with nominations of Lester Johnson from District 1, Allan Braaten from District 2, Allen "Tex" Goerger from District 3 and Arnie Anderson from District 4. A motion was made and seconded to cast a unanimous ballot for the four nominations. Motion was seconded and carried.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Dale L. Siebert
Secretary

Township Minutes Home

Dale L. Siebert
Extension Agent/Cropping Systems
Richland County Extension
418 2nd Avenue N.
Wahpeton, ND 58075
701-642-7793