Morton County commissioners on July 10 approved special-assessment districts to repair and pave roads in multiple subdivisions, including Prairie Ridge Estates (project 2589) and Yellow Rose/Howlin Wolf Estates (project 2588). Both motions passed on roll-call votes with all commissioners voting yes.

Why it matters: The actions set a path to advertise bids and construct multiple subdivision road projects this summer and fall; the county indicated it will advertise for bids immediately and open bids August 6, with a hoped completion date of Oct. 15.

County planner John (presenter) summarized that notices were published as required by North Dakota Century Code, courtesy letters were mailed to affected residents and no written protests were filed by the protest deadline. For Prairie Ridge Estates the commission moved to establish a special-assessment district for "patching overlay with hot bituminous pavement" (project 2589) and for Yellow Rose/Howlin Wolf Estates a similar special-assessment district was approved (project 2588). Both were approved by roll-call votes showing Commissioner Buckley, Commissioner Morrell, Commissioner Tokash, Commissioner Zach Meyer and Chairman Behm voting yes.

County staff clarified how assessments will be calculated: the special-assessment resolution and later the special-assessment commission will determine final assessments, and the county noted the assessment methodology is set up "per lot"; chip-seal work will be completed three years after construction but owners are not assessed for the chip seal until that work is done.

Ending: County staff said they expect to advertise tomorrow, accept bids Aug. 6, and complete construction by Oct. 15, subject to bid results. The commission took no separate action on financing at the July 10 meeting; the approvals set the process in motion.