One notable issues discussed was the notice of intent to sell land associated with the Fargo-Moorhead Flood Diversion Project. The properties, totaling 22.37 acres with an appraised value of $111,000, were identified as excess following the establishment of a joint powers agreement between the city of Moorhead and Clay County in 2019. This agreement aimed to streamline property acquisitions necessary for the flood diversion project. The board considered whether to express interest in acquiring these lands, with one member emphatically stating, “I don’t think we have any reason to want that land.”

The board deliberated on the financial implications and procedural aspects of the potential acquisition. Commissioner Mojo was particularly vocal, asserting that the land should be returned to public hands, as the diversion authority had already utilized what was necessary. He expressed reservations about the process and whether it aligned with established policies. The discussion ultimately culminated in a motion to formally decline the acquisition of the properties, which was seconded and passed without opposition.

The board’s decision to refrain from purchasing these excess lands highlighted a broader interest in fiscal responsibility and adherence to established protocols. By choosing not to acquire the properties, the board affirmed its stance that the land should be made available to the public or previous owners, in keeping with the notion that these lands were indeed surplus to the county’s needs.

Another topic of discussion was the staffing requirements at the county’s withdrawal management detox facility. The board approved a motion to hire two RN positions, a decision driven by the need to maintain the facility’s operational capacity and ensure the quality of care provided to clients. This decision came amid concerns about staffing reliability and the potential loss of revenue if only one nurse was on duty at any given time.

The conversation surrounding the hiring of RNs also touched upon the professional development of current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) working towards their RN qualifications. The board weighed the importance of providing advancement opportunities for existing staff against the immediate need for qualified RNs to meet the facility’s staffing demands. The representative overseeing the facility highlighted the necessity of having RNs available, noting that while LPNs could fill in, they could not deliver the same level of service as registered nurses.

To address these staffing challenges, the board agreed on a backfill option that would allow for the hiring of variable hour LPNs if internal candidates were promoted to RN positions. This approach aimed to balance the facility’s operational needs with the development and retention of internal talent.

In addition to these primary discussions, the board reviewed committee assignments for the upcoming year. Notable changes included Commissioner Ebinger stepping down from the personnel issues committee, with Commissioner Mojo assuming the chair position. Commissioner Campbell, along with another board member, was recognized for ongoing efforts related to flood mitigation legislation.

The board also received an update on the West Central Regional Water District’s recent meeting, which focused on a project requiring additional court hearings. Concerns were voiced about the availability of funds for this and other ongoing projects, highlighting the need for regional collaboration to secure necessary funding. The potential involvement of neighboring counties, such as Wilin County, in water quality initiatives was discussed as a means to bolster funding opportunities and enhance project outcomes.