The Beltrami County Board rescinded a new contract for county-performed maintenance on township roads after hearing several comments both before and during the meetings Tuesday.
Supervisors from four townships approached the lectern during the regular meeting to address the increased costs associated with the contract after townships set their agendas for their annual meetings, which, as Chairman of Birch Township Scott Burns explained, is a process the County Board should know well.
Commissioner Tim Sumner originally objected to adding the item to the agenda, as the board typically does not immediately react to citizens with business, but felt the contract process at the last meeting was rushed.
Commissioner Craig Gaasvig, who offered the motion, said the rates would be increasing but keeping them at the previous rates, for now, gives the townships some time to look at other options.
Staff was directed to schedule a work session this summer for more communication with the townships.
