– County Commission to form committee, Auditor app.

(CSi) The Stutsman County Commission met in Special Session on Wednesday at 8-a.m., at the Courthouse.

Commissioners reviewed the 2021 Budget, and appointed the County Auditor/COO Hiring Committee members.

With the hiring committee to fill the vacancy of Auditor/COO Nicole Meland, Commission Chairman, Mark Klose said the group would start with a job description and see if it needs any changes. They would form advertising plans, and a plan if other considerations need to be made.

The Commissioners unanimously approved.

On September 18 Stutsman County Auditor & COO Nicole Meland resigned from her position, at a Special County Commission meeting, effective October 2.

The Commissioners voted unanimously to accept her resignation, and establish a Committee Formation for Replacement/Work Distribution of the Auditor/COO position.

With the 2021 budget review, Chairman Klose pointed out that it may be possible to eliminate or reduce the increase in the mill levy.

Commissioner Dave Schwartz says the increase on mills stems from completing the emergency fund.

County Auditor Nicole Meland stated the commission intended to establish the mills at 3.97 plus using COVID funding to restore the emergency fund. She also said they could replenish the funds with reserves, which will have to be discussed at the next budget.