One item at the meeting was the approval of a congressional directed funding application for the West Central Regional Water Supply Project. This initiative is designed to secure a reliable water supply for the area, sourced from North Dakota, and involves testing for manganese and arsenic levels to ensure water safety and sustainability. The board’s approval of the $5,566,888 funding application was met with unanimous support. The motion included sending copies of relevant documents to multiple legislators, emphasizing a collaborative approach to securing necessary resources for the project. This project is seen as essential for the long-term water security of the region, supporting both residents and local businesses.

Another topic was the leasing of two Ford Expeditions for the Sheriff’s Office, specifically for the warrants and transports division. The Sheriff explained that the previous order for vans had encountered specification changes that rendered them unsuitable. The new vehicles are intended to provide greater comfort for officers during long trips. The approval of this lease agreement was seen as a practical move to address the division’s increased mileage and ensure the wellbeing of the officers.

The meeting also covered updates and discussions on crime victim services. The board was informed about the increasing volume of violent crimes and the consequent rise in victims needing support. Statistics were shared, including 174 new domestic-related offenses, 70 cases of sexual assault or child sexual abuse, and 94 assault or robbery cases in the past year. As part of ongoing efforts to support victims, an initiative to introduce a facility dog was highlighted, aimed at helping victims navigate the complexities of the justice process. The acquisition of this dog, initially expected within 6 to 12 months, is now anticipated to take about a year.

Juvenile justice was another focus area, with reports of rising juvenile cases, particularly serious crimes in schools involving fentanyl pills and firearms. The presence of School Resource Officers (SROs) was noted as beneficial in addressing these issues. A legal change set for August 1, 2026, will recategorize certain juvenile offenses, potentially reducing case numbers while increasing cases requiring parental involvement. This shift emphasizes a more protective rather than punitive approach to juvenile justice.

The meeting also addressed the county’s wide-ranging efforts in supporting veterans. The Veteran Service Officer (VSO) provided an update on services, highlighting the county’s support for approximately 3,419 veterans. Notably, property tax exemptions for veterans rated 70% or higher increased from 113 in 2020 to 223 in 2025. The VSO emphasized the importance of continuous support from the commissioners, despite limitations in accessing special needs grants for veterans.

In addition, the board discussed updates to agreements with federal task forces, including the U.S. Marshals Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Task Force. These updates included provisions for body-worn camera protocols and overtime reimbursement.

The board also approved the creation of a new position titled Facility Integrity and Compliance Coordinator for the West Central Regional Juvenile Center. This role is vital due to increased oversight and safety-based separation rules, requiring careful documentation and readiness for inspections. The position aims to streamline compliance efforts amidst the complex regulatory environment faced by juvenile facilities.

Finally, the board addressed the issue of grant funding for crime victim services. Concerns were raised about reduced state funding and the impact of the county’s rural designation on grant allocations. Efforts are being made to align casework with funding opportunities to secure a more equitable share of resources. The board also discussed the need for a part-time victim witness coordinator to manage the increasing workload, particularly in juvenile matters.