County Commissioners Oppose 30×30 Program
Roosevelt County commissioners approved a resolution opposing the 30x30 programs during their meeting on Tuesday, July 20.
The 30x30 program aims to set aside 30 percent of the nation’s land and water for conservation by 2030.
Commissioner Gordon Oelkers explained that several meetings, including those involving MACo, have been held regarding the topic in the last few months. He added that Richland County’s civil attorney Tom Halvorson played a key role in preparing the resolution.
The resolution notes support of the 30x30 termination act that has been introduced by Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo.
The resolution includes, “We support continued private ownership of land in Roosevelt County and the private use of land in support of ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, the Enabling Act, Montana’s Compact with the United States, and the Constitution of Montana.”
Also during the meeting, the commissioners accepted resignations of Andy Ullmer from the fair board and Gloria Mason from the aging and library boards. Oelkers said officials have already received a couple of applications for the fair board.
A resolution was approved to move $31,500 in CARES funds to the public safety fund in order to fund the sheriff office’s overspent budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
Commissioners approved to renew the contract with independent contractor Tom Nichols.
Approved for annual pay raises were Jared Poland, Jake Gibby, Jerrett Smidt, Shelley Arndt, Sheila Dunn, Sheri Harvey, Leona Colvin and Drew Reum.
Commissioners approved a request from the county attorney’s office to receive assistance on a case from the Montana Attorney General’s office.
Commissioners approved setting salaries for county officials and the county attorney.
