The Stutsman County Commission consented to exploring the possibility of a county fuel tax as a method to raise revenue needed to maintain roads in the county. The board took the action during its regular meeting Tuesday.
Commissioner Dale Marks will begin the process by seeking an opinion on the viability of a fuel tax from Fritz Fremgen, Stutsman County state's attorney.
"I know we're in the process of exploring a 1 percent county sales tax," Marks said. "Another suggestion that has been made is a fuel tax."
No tax amount or specifics of the tax were discussed and the board did not vote on the issue but did consent to exploring the possibility with the state's attorney. Any new tax by the county would need to be approved by a public vote.
Marks also received reassurance from the board concerning the county's road plan and the possibility of returning some roads to pavement after they have been recycled to gravel.
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"In talking to some people, some who haven't been very nice, I want to reassure them the intent is to overlay with pavement some of these roads if the funding becomes available," Marks said.
Commission Chairman Mark Klose agreed.
"It is the intent of the county to mill those roads and someday overlay them," he said. "If the cash is there."
In other action, the commission approved closing the Stutsman County Road Department for half a day so staff can attend the funeral for Harry Becker. Becker worked as the district blade operator for the Montpelier area and had been employed by the county for 32 years.
Becker's funeral is planned for 10:30 a.m. today at St. John's Lutheran Church, Jamestown.
Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at (701) 952-8452 or by e-mail at
