Veterans Service Officer reports to county commission

On Jan. 2, Kathy Steinbach reported to the Eddy County Commission regarding the services she has provided to date as Veteran Services Officer.  

Steinbach began her position on June 1, and since helped vets to gain medical benefits, process appeals to the Department of Veteran Affairs, obtain burial markers and request copies of discharge papers.

She stated how humbling it is to meet veterans and listen to their stories, which has proved essential in understanding needs and building trust. Steinbach says she would like to see more young veterans, but understands that walking through the door can be the hardest part. In fact, many of the older clients she serves are accessing their benefits for the first time, as they seek assistance with the cost of glasses, hearing aids and dental insurance.

Steinbach told commissioners that she would like to see transportation options for veterans, as getting to a VA clinic in Grand Forks or Fargo is a cumbersome and difficult trip to make, requiring several bus stops. Commissioner Neal Rud stated in years past, the veterans position primarily served as a taxi service for vets.  

Steinbach added, “The VSO position has evolved with the technology.” Many older vets don’t have access to the technology required to submit paperwork, so they benefit greatly from the assistance Steinbach provides. To contact Kathy Steinbach, call (701) 947-2434 ext. 2023.

Auditor Patty Williams provided the year end financial report, citing that all line items were within budget. Expenses for the veteran service officer and county extension agent were higher than initially projected, but was expected with training and travel costs. Areas such as community service, jailkeep and technology are always variable, but are often buffered with extra funds to accommodate fluctuations.

There were also areas of income that were higher than projected. The county was awarded more from the Division of Emergency Management grant than expected. The county recorder and sheriff collected more service fees than budgeted, and sales of county property contributed to the increase in revenue as well.

Commissioner Dave Gehrtz asked about the line item for 24/7 Monitoring. Sheriff Paul Lies explained that this line items accounts for the $50 ankle bracelets and $28 drug patches used to track individuals on probation or undergoing court-ordered drug and alcohol monitoring. Lies reiterated that this is not a revenue source for the county, as the users pay the fee for the devices to the county, but from there, the county pays the state. It remains the best option to monitor sobriety.

Sheriff Paul Lies reported on his department’s activity during the last quarter of 2018, which included 47 incidents and 31 arrests. Lies clarified that minor offenses such as traffic violations are usually dealt with via citation.

Recently, the Sheriff’s office conducted an ALICE training with teachers at New Rockford-Sheyenne School to prepare for the event of an active shooter or critical incident. Lies said that the skills taught in this training program can benefit teachers and students in other settings as well. In time, he would like to lead an age-appropriate training for students.

Brady Richter of Pleasant Prairie Township approached the commision regarding cost of snow removal. Richter cited that the completion of summer roadwork including the pulling of shoulders and laying of gravel have taken a toll on the township’s budget. Commissioner Glenda Collier informed Richter that townships can receive a maximum of 18 mills, however some townships receive much less. In fact, the commissioners confirmed that Pleasant Prairie Township only receives 11.85 mills and suggested that during the next township meeting, the board move to increase its levy to 18 mills.

Two individuals took their oath of office at the meeting: Patty Hilbert took the oath of the Eddy County Recorder, and Paul Lies took the oath of the Eddy County Sheriff.

The Eddy County Commissioners also made and carried out motions for the following actions:

 • Sign the fairground lease agreements for the Eddy County 4-H events in 2019. This will include July 8 - 16 for 4-H Achievement Day; Sep. 6 - 9 for 4-H Roundup and Sep. 18 - 24 for Steam Threshers.

 • Follow the state’s increase for mileage reimbursement from .545 cents per mile to .58 cents per mile.

 • Authorize the appointment of Arlene Holtz to the Central Prairie Social Service District Board.

The next meeting will be held Jan. 15 at 9 a.m.