It's time for Burleigh County to get its house in order

Burleigh County has some decisions in front of it right now. Here’s where I stand:

All counties face unexpected issues. But governing should not feel like a constant game of whack-a-mole.

The concern is when leadership goes looking for issues instead of focusing on the core responsibilities of county government.

The push to remove Burleigh County from the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District is a clear example. This is not a time-sensitive issue, yet it has been elevated to urgent and intense levels, creating unnecessary conflict.

At a time when Burleigh County should be focused on getting its own house in order, this feels less like a priority and more like a diversion.

Burleigh County should be a careful steward of taxpayer dollars. Yet we have seen actions that have led to a move away from cost-effective partnerships, such as the shift from working with Bismarck Parks. By the portfolio holder’s own acknowledgement, this will likely require more staff, equipment, and taxpayer dollars to accomplish the same work previously contracted for substantially less.

That is an expansion of government.

There are also discussions about moving away from the Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health partnership. Operating a standalone county public health department could cost about $1.2 million annually just to meet required services, a nearly 70% increase from its current agreement with the City of Bismarck.

At the same time, there are ongoing questions about internal stability, particularly in key functions like finance. Relying on consultants is a short-term patch that comes at a higher cost.

These are not isolated issues. They point to a broader problem: how Burleigh County is prioritizing its time, resources, and relationships.

Burleigh County doesn’t need more distractions. It needs discipline and focus.

It’s time to get our house in order.