Commissioners Approve Pay Increases

By Bill Vander Weele

The Roosevelt County commissioners approved the recommendation from the compensation board regarding raises for elected officials during their weekly meeting on Tuesday, June 30.

The recommendation called for an annual increase of $3,500 a year for elected officials.

In addition, commissioners approved a cost of living increase of $1 an hour for non-elected and nonunion employees.

Commissioner Robert Toavs noted that union employees received a two-year contract for $1 an hour raise last year.

“All employees will get the same cost of living increase,” Toavs said.

Commissioners approved a 10year contract costing $634,612 for an Axon package to provide the sheriff ’s office with a virtual reality suite. By purchasing the entire suite instead of items such as tasers, body cams and other items separately, the county saves about $342,000 during the 10-year span.

Toavs said the package will also save on travel time for officers and will allow for additional training sessions.

The rehiring of road department employees Roger Chambers and Rod Luft was approved. Wesley Weeks was hired to be a reserve deputy for the sheriff’s office.

After the Wolf Point Community Organization and Montana Democratic Party’s platform recently approved resolutions to express their opposition against the proposed Bridger pipeline, county commissioners were asked their feeling about the pipeline that will impact nine counties.

“We’re still looking at all options, making sure things are technically sound and they are taking care of the landowners they are going through,” Commissioner Gordon Oelkers said of his personal feelings. “I’m not speaking for anybody but myself. We’re still gathering information.”

Oelkers said that Bridger officials recently shared information during an oil and gas meeting. Officials said they will go under Dry-Redwater water lines and not cause problems at two river crossings.