JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Stutsman County Commission met in a special session Tuesday, Aug. 2 regarding American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to be allocated to different projects.

Stutsman County Auditor Jessica Alonge stated the county has approximately $4.02 million to spend and have already allocated roughly $310,101 of that.

Projects funding has been approved on includes maintenance in the Treasurer and Recorder office, design for the Sheriff’s Department building, campground electrical and paving projects, and IT upgrades.

Emergency Manager Andrew Kirking discussed his request for radios for volunteer first responders in Stutsman County at a cost of around $184,204.80. Agencies that would get upgrades include Fire Department’s in Cleveland, Courtenay, Jamestown and Jamestown Rural, Kensal, Medina, Pingree, Streeter, and Woodworth along with Medina Ambulance.

The commission also discussed purchase agreement for the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office potential new storage building. Sheriff Chad Kaiser says his offer was countered by Bjorn Ringdahl for the building at 502 1st Ave. S.

Kaiser says the counteroffer also called for them to lease back the main floor, upper level, and 1/2 of the shop area for 1 year at $4,583.33 a month.

Kaiser says their previous bid to build a storage building is still good until Aug. 4.

Commissioner Steve Cichos says he would suggest rejecting the counteroffer and continue discussions on the building purchase. Commissioner Ramone Gumke added he has conflict, but doesn’t agree purchasing a building with maintenance needs was necessary.

The commission declined the counter offer and moved to continue negotiations.

Commissioners also agreed to meet Friday in another special meeting to further discuss the 2023 preliminary budget.