ATLANTA - The Montmorency County Board of Commissioners approved a personnel addition of four people to the sheriff department, specifically one detective position and a night sergeant position during its meeting on Wednesday.
A candidate for the detective position already has been selected, and comes with the recommendation of the prosecutor.
"This has been a need long before the millage passed," Sheriff Don Edwards said. "It's hard for deputies to be working a case and get called off to go take care of a traffic violation. It's very imperative we get these positions filled."
The Department of Natural Resources sent a resolution of support for a statewide equestrian initiative for an equestrian campground. The campground would be located just outside of the current campground on state land and would be a rustic area with trails for horses.
"This might bring more people around," Commissioner Daryl Peterson said.
The month of May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, therefore the board approved a motion to allow blue ribbons to be hung on the trees in front of the courthouse to raise awareness for the county during May.
In other business:
* a machine to vent exhaust was approved for purchase at $220.48
* a motion was approved to allow participation to those who qualify for the helping homeowners pay delinquent property taxes program handled by NEMAH
* Server Pro software will be purchased at $69 for unlimited scanning and email conversion at the courthouse
* temporary extended hours for some courthouse workers to complete extra work were approved by the board
* the board secretary will receive a three percent pay raise for helping with budget work
* there will be a public hearing on the new budget after department heads have an opportunity to preview the proposed budget changes.
Nicole Grulke can be reached via email at ngrulke@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687. Follow Nicole on Twitter @ng_alpenanews.