County Approves Resolution To Sell Wolf Point Properties

Roosevelt County Commissioners took a step in addressing the abandoned properties located on First Avenue South in Wolf Point during their weekly meeting Aug. 5.

Commissioners approved the resolution to have the county treasurer issue tax deeds to the county for where the county is the possessor of the tax lien and no assignment has been made. Owners listed of the properties are Rose Neumiller Green and Green/R& R Rentals.

Commissioner Gordon Oelkers said the county will not clean up the buildings, but will put the lots up for sale.

“This is the option to purchase them for taxes owed,” Commissioner Robert Toavs said.

Oelkers added, “That corner has been a blight for Wolf Point for quite a long time.”

Taxes owned for the corner lot are $14,929.37. Taxes owed for the property to the south of the corner lot are $6,408.18.

During a meeting in March, Tori Matejovsky, executive director for the Great Northern Development Corp., and Wolf Point Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture president Nicole Miller spoke to commissioners about possible steps to improve the community’s appearance. At that time, Toavs said that he sees community involvement as being a key factor to improving Wolf Point’s appearance. “This is not falling on deaf ears,” he said.

Also during the meeting last week, commissioners approved purchasing a replacement spare translator for the Poplar TV district. Cost is $7,500. The TV District Board has funding in its budget for the purchase of the replacement unit.

Commissioners also approved a variance to allow MDU to make an update on their equipment, which would include some on county property. Oelkers explained that MDU is adding to their substation located north of Poplar. Commissioners aren’t concerned that the addition will occur on a floodplan because the only damage done would be to MDU’s own equipment.

Toavs said the move would help MDU to transmit power to area residents.

“The risk is worth the reward for taxpayers,” he said.

An agreement between the county and city regarding the Justice of the Peace position was approved. The city and the county use the same county facilities and personnel for the Justice of the Peace Court and the City Court. Annual cost is $19,092.18 for the city and the county each.

During commissioners’ reports. Doug Marottek said he is interested in joining the Northern Tribes’ DUI Task Force.

Annual pay raises were approved for road department employees Ed Kalal and Jonah Riediger along with dispatch employee Alex Sutton.