by April Scheinoha
Reporter
Pennington County’s elected officials have received a pay raise. At its meeting Tuesday, June 28, the Pennington County Board approved the pay raises.
Effective Friday, July 1, the salaries are:
• County attorney – $125,000, an increase of $6,000
• Sheriff – $107,000, an increase of $3,200
• Auditor-treasurer – $97,797, an increase of $4,497
• Recorder – $77,321, an increase of $4,021
Effective Tuesday, Jan. 3, salaries for county commissioners will be $23,358, an increase of $858.
Commissioner Darryl Tveitbakk, who serves on the Personnel Committee, said step increases were due for the auditor-treasurer and recorder in July. In 2023, those positions will become appointed positions as part of previous agreements.
Tveitbakk further noted that commissioners previously approved a minimum salary of $50,000 for the positions of sheriff and county attorney. Regarding the former position, he indicated the minimum salary may come into play since Sheriff Ray Kuznia is retiring in January. Deputy David Olson and Chief Deputy Seth Vettleson are running for that seat.
Commissioners abated $2,402.56 in delinquent taxes and penalties for buildings at 423 Davis Ave. N. Thief River Falls Public Works Director Travis Giffen asked commissioners for the abatement in order to facilitate the demolition of buildings on the property.
Giffen explained Trandem Enterprises owns the buildings on the land, which is owned by Canadian Pacific Rail. Trandem purchased the buildings in 2015 and paid the delinquent taxes at that time. Since then, the taxes haven’t been paid, and the buildings are a public health hazard. CP Rail was willing to demolish the buildings at a cost of $100,000 if the county were willing to abate the delinquent taxes.
Giffen has inspected the buildings, finding a collapsing roof and falling shingles. A concrete back wall is also a concern.
A contractor plans to remove a pole shed starting this month. The ceiling of the middle building will then be removed. Giffen expected a subcontractor would remove the south building and the concrete walls of the middle building this fall.
County Board approved an easement in order for the Minnesota Department of Transportation to install a permanent snow fence at the roundabout north of Sanford Health. The snow fence will be installed on the northwest side of the roundabout. County Engineer Mike Flaagan said the fence should help combat snow from drifting onto the roundabout in windy conditions.
County Coordinator Kevin Erickson informed commissioners about a review by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. On Tuesday, June 7, the POST Board reviewed records regarding mandated employee training and department policies. The sheriff’s office passed the review.
The next County Board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, July 12 at 10 a.m. at the Justice Center.