The Weston County Commission voted to authorize the chairman to sign a letter of support for the Osage Improvement Service District after hearing staff and counsel discuss the district’s paperwork and a fast-approaching deadline.

Commissioners heard that the county had submitted an earlier letter and was responding to a request from the State Land and Investment Board (SLIB) for additional information. Commissioners discussed whether the district and a related water district existed in current paperwork and whether approval could prejudice future questions about district status.

One commissioner said the state land office appeared satisfied with the current documentation and moved to authorize the chairman’s signature so that the county would not jeopardize existing funding for the ongoing project. Another commissioner said staff and the county attorney should follow up to confirm the district’s legal status for future projects.

The motion was moved, seconded and approved in roll call; one commissioner recorded a dissenting vote during the final voice call on the motion. The board requested staff and the county attorney to provide follow-up on the district’s legal status and to update commissioners.

This item was discussed as a time-sensitive request connected to a project that commissioners described as a continuation of previously funded work. The county recorded the motion and vote and directed staff to follow up.