County Adds Attorney’s Services On Retainer

The Roosevelt County Commissioners agreed to have Laura Christoffersen be on retainer for the county attorney’s office to handle some civil cases.

County Attorney Thomas Bleicher explained to commissioners that the services will probably be needed only three or four times a year.

“She has more expertize in handling certain civil matters,” Bleicher said.

Commissioners said the county has used Christoffersen’s services in the past, but a formal agreement hasn’t taken place before now.

Commissioner Robert Toavs expressed concern regarding if any conflicts of interest could occur because Christoffersen is the city attorney for some eastern county communities. Bleicher said he doesn’t see that as becoming a problem.

Commissioners noted there’s enough funding in the budget especially since the county doesn’t have a deputy county attorney on staff. Bleicher said he doesn’t feel the county needs a deputy based on the office’s current workload.

Commissioners approved the motion to have Christoffersen on retainer by a 3-0 margin.

With the start of the fiscal year, commissioners approved resolutions to set salaries for elected officials in Roosevelt County.

Elected officials will see an increase of $2,600 to their salaries. The increase amounts to $1 an hour or 2.3 percent for employees in deputy positions. The base salary for the clerk and recorder’s position increased from $71,237 to $73,837. Other elected officers’ salaries are based on the clerk and recorder’s salary.

Laurie Evans was appointed to the library board and Gary Macdonald was appointed to the tax appeal board.

Pay raises were approved for Maestro Martinez and Angela Cole of the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office.