Commissioners Discuss Oil, Road Work

During the Roosevelt County commissioners’ meeting on May 26, Commissioner Gordon Oelkers reported that oil activity continues to increase on the east side of the county.

He said two well pads, which will hold four wells each, are being constructed in the Culbertson area.

“It’s going to be busy,” Oelkers said.

He also said that county officials across the state are preparing for Senate Bill 117, which will impact mill calculations and levy requests. Roosevelt County will see about a 2 percent decrease in its budget. The amount isn’t as large of an impact that faster-growing counties in the state will experience.

Commissioner Robert Toavs reported that the road department has been working on cattle guards, culverts and other maintenance jobs.

During public comment, it was asked whether commissioners considered offering outgoing GIS director Clayton Vine additional funds to stay on for a few months after his announced retirement date of May 30, rather than paying Interstate Engineering to temporarily perform GIS services. Commissioner Toavs explained that once the resignation was received, he asked Vine if he was sure about retiring at the end of May, and Vine gave a positive response. Oelkers added that Vine has been working with Interstate Engineering with the transition.

Commissioners received the resignations of Jenna Presser as IT director and April Wills as Bainville Museum board member.

Hired were seasonal workers Bennie Sullivan for the fair, Tracie Smith for Extension and Kalia Featherston for Extension.

Rehired were Rochelle Romo for the Bainville museum, Montie Page for curator of the Wolf Point Area Museum and John Plestina as assistant curator of the Wolf Point Area Museum.