Local government to tighten hiring amid revenue concerns
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
McKenzie County Commissioners exercised fiscal caution in a vote last week to immediately implement a soft hiring freeze for County positions, requiring all department heads to seek board approval before filling any vacant or new positions. The decision was driven by concerns over the future trajectory of the county’s primary revenue source: the Gross Production Tax (GPT) from oil production.
The November 18 meeting’s financial discussions began on a high note with the presentation of the Treasurer’s Report, delivered by County Auditor/Treasurer Erica Johnsrud, which highlighted a successful tax sale. “We did complete the sale of the five remaining tax properties we had today,” Johnsrud informed Commissioners. She noted that this outcome is typical: “we usually sell them all.” Johnsrud clarified the process for dispersing the funds, emphasizing that the county only recoups what is owed, a common point of confusion for the public. “The county retains what is due in taxes…The former property owner then receives a letter regarding any excess dollars available, having ninety days to file a claim…we do not retain anything but property taxes that are owed on the property. Not even one penny,” Johnsrud stressed.
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