JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Stutsman County Commission moved to approve Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge and the landowners to continue a land purchase agreement.

The 315 acres of land owned by Kent and Sherry Florhauge would be added to the refuge as public-access land. Commission Chair Mark Klose expressed concerns about losing the tax revenue from that land.

Commissioner Steve Cichos added that at this point, it’s just part of the process to move to appraisal. If this leads to a purchase agreement, the commission will get to see final numbers before giving final approval.

Commissioner Cichos gave approval to move forward with the appraisal. The commission voted 4-1 with Klose voting in opposition.

It’s estimated the appraisal will take approximately six months.

Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor Jim Fettig later approached the commission regarding the purchase and installation of a new heat pump.

Fettig added he would conduct as much in house work as possible to keep cost down. The commission unanimously approved the request.

Sheriff Chad Kaiser brought forth the request to advertise for bids for a building project. The building would be used to house equipment, vehicles, and holding inmates for transport if the correction center needed a backup.

Sheriff Kaiser says there has been miscommunication and the building will not be used to permanently house inmates.

Four locations were proposed as alternate spots for the Sheriff’s Office storage. Sheriff Kaiser said at this time, he just needed approval to begin the bidding process.

Decisions could then be made by the end of May. The commission approved to bid the project with final decisions being made next month.

County Auditor/COO Jessica Alonge also requested appointment for absentee poll workers for the upcoming June primary.

The motion was unanimously approved.

You can watch the full Stutsman County Commission meeting below: