Morton County Commission - 2026-02-12

Approved final plat for lot line adjustments and parcel consolidation into four lots in NW quarter of Section 8, Township 138 N, Range 82 West, north of County Road 139A. Applicant: Estate of Delmar Schlinker. No zone change required as already zoned residential. Utility easement changes were incorporated.

Approved final plat for 13 lots on 25.73 acres in West Half of Section 12, Township 140 North, Range 82 West. Applicant: W.W. Ranch LLC. Zone change from agricultural to residential. Missouri West Water confirmed service capacity. Roads already constructed from previous phases.

Approved final plat for 1.75 acres in Northeast Corner of Section 11, Township 137 North, Range 84 West. Applicant: Lee Ingalls. Zone change from agricultural to estate. Part of land swap with adjacent Lee Subdivision. No development planned.

Approved final plat for approximately 11.99 acres in South Half of Section 2, Township 137 North, Range 84 West. Zone change from agricultural to estate. Two lots created due to existing right of way. WAPA utility easement note added to plat as requested by planning and zoning.

Approved final plat for 14.47 acres in Southwest Quarter of Section 14, Township 137 North, Range 85 West, approximately six miles southeast of Almonte and east of County Road 85. Applicant: Kelly Bethke. Zone change from agricultural to estate. Land to be transferred to neighboring landowners for sheep pasture.

Approved final plat for 24 lots on 41.26 acres in Southwest Corner of Section 14, Township 137 North, Range 85 West. Applicant: Boulder Homes LLC. Zone change from agricultural to residential. Developer will construct roads for phases two and three, with gravel surfacing for phase two. Roads will meet new wider county standards appropriate for future pavement.

First reading of resolution to lift moratorium on carbon dioxide direct air capture facilities in Morton County. Moratorium was originally adopted 07/11/2024 via Resolution 30-2024-02. Subcommittee developed zoning standards over six meetings. Land use code amendment adopted 10/09/2025. Second reading and public hearing to follow after 20-day publication notice.

Property tax abatement 7178 tabled to allow applicant Mr. Holzer opportunity to speak. Two competing valuations exist: one per Morton County review and one per owner requested market analysis.

Approved abatement 7179 for 2025 to correct missed farm residence exemption. Property owner had submitted application on time but exemption was not applied.

Approved homestead abatements: 7180 for Morton County 2025, 7181 and 7182 for City of New Salem for years 2024 and 2025.

Approved veterans abatements: 7183 for Morton County 2024, 7184 for mobile home tax year 2026.

Commission referred parcel 45-0141100 (10 acres south of New Salem) to State's Attorney's office for review. Parcel was deeded to Evangelical Lutheran Bethlehem Congregation in 1911 for church construction that never occurred. Congregation no longer exists. Adjacent landowner has been farming the land unknowingly. Options include quiet title action or tax foreclosure process.

Appointed Jesse Carabench to fill unexpired term on Lower Heart Water Resource District Board following Ryan Jockers' resignation. Term expires 12/31/2026.