State Won’t Assist With Purchase Of Buildings
The Roosevelt County commissioners have found out that the state will not assist the county to purchase the Culbertson Readiness Center and organizational maintenance shop, which are located in the former National Guard Armory.
In late March, commissioners approved a commitment to purchase the buildings in Culbertson for $1.085 million. At that time, commissioners said they were hopeful that the governor would approve some state funding to assist with the purchase. The Town of Culbertson will provide some funding for the acquisition.
Commissioner Gordon Oelkers recently met with the state’s budget director in Helena. Oelkers said he was told that the state doesn’t have funds approved for the purchase.
Oelkers said National Guard officials are planning a walk-through within the next three months. Any items the National Guard doesn’t want to move to a new facility to Malta, the county has the option to keep.
The county’s plan is to transform the associated vehicle maintenance shop into a fire hall in Culbertson. The commissioners said the three large back doors would be ideal for the Culbertson Volunteer Fire Department. The department provides fire protection services to Culbertson, Froid, Bainville, Fort Kipp and Brockton and also offers mutual aid throughout Roosevelt County.
The former Army Readiness Center portion of the property would be repurposed for Roosevelt County Fair operations, a satellite office for the county sheriff’s office and other community events such as wedding receptions. It’s possible that the space would also be utilized as an emergency operations center and emergency shelter during natural disasters or other emergencies.
Also during the meeting on April 14, a possible arrangement with Interstate Engineering to perform GIS services after Clayton Vine retires at the end of May was discussed.
John Bach of Interstate Engineering explained the proposal is to help with the transition until a new director is hired. Bach added that Roosevelt County has one of the best GIS systems in the state. Oelkers said the proposal will be at the next meeting’s agenda for possible approval.
Commissioners approved $5,586 to Will’s Office World for 17 new chairs for the county library.
Also approved was $4,872 for a 200-gallon skid sprayer for the weed department. Commissioner Robert Toavs reported the road department has started to pull shoulders in while the ground is soft in order to get a crown on roads again.
