MINUTES
Of the
MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Of the
BUFFALO RAPIDS IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 2
Terry, Montana
February 12, 2025
The Tenth Regular Meeting of the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 at Terry, Prairie County, Montana, was held on the Twelfth day of February, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
There were present and participating at the meeting:
Barry Rakes
Jackson Dion
Lance Kalfell
Also present and participating were: Tim Kortum, Secretary, and Jessica Schott, Treasurer.
President Barry Rakes called the meeting to order at 1:23 p.m., stating that all necessary and advisable business be conducted during this time and that notice had been received by each Board Member.
Thereupon, President Barry Rakes announced that legal notice had been given and a quorum was present so that the meeting was legally and lawfully ready to transact business.
The Minutes and Resolutions from the January 14th, 2024, Regular Board Meeting were approved without corrections and, or additions, on a motion made by Lance Kalfell and seconded by Jackson Dion at 1:24 p.m. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
Jessica Schott presented current budget figures which included payroll and expenditures through February to all Board members for their review. A list of invoices to be paid was submitted and a form for the Prairie County Treasurer to transfer funds in the amount of $49,167.01, to cover payroll and invoices were signed. February 15th estimated payroll: $13,988.38, February invoices: $20,885.89, and February 28th estimated payroll: $14,292.74. A second transfer authorization was presented to transfer $6,230.12 from the Equipment & Emergency reserve account to District 2 Cash O & M for the vehicle shop furnace replacement expense. This transfer authorization was approved on a motion made by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion at 1:30 p.m. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
Ms. Schott then presented the investment statement, which was signed to invest the remaining monthly District No. 2 cash balances in the amount of $727,899.64 with the Prairie County Investment Pool. Warrant numbers from January 16, 2025 to February 13, 2025 range from 28781-28825.
Jessica Schott then presented to the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District
No. 2 Board the revised worksheets for the estimated annual carry-over for the
2024 operating year. At 1:40 p.m. on a
motion made by Jackson Dion and seconded by Lance Kalfell, it was RESOLVED,
To transfer $15,200.64 from District 2 Cash O & M to the System Rehab reserve account to reflect the estimated 2024 net income. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
An additional transfer authorization was presented to transfer $15,200.64 from District 2 Cash O & M to the System Rehab reserve account to reflect the estimated 2024 net income.
A revised budget for 2025 was presented to the Buffalo Rapids
Irrigation District No. 2 Board for approval.
Upon review and some brief discussion, at 1:43 p.m. on a motion made by
Lance Kalfell and seconded by Jackson Dion, it was RESOLVED,
That the 2025 Budget be approved. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
The treasurer's report was approved at 1:50 p.m. on a motion made by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
At 1:51 p.m., Tim Kortum reported to the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that all pumps pulled for servicing were complete, and the column painting was complete as well. Mr. Kortum also mentioned that the rebuild of the pump at Agri Industries is coming along well. He reported that he expected the demand for water to come earlier in the season than normal due to the addition of so many new pivots in each division.
Mr. Kortum also stated that he had received a quote for reconditioning/rewind of the Fallon River pump motor from Prairie Mountain Electric in Bowman for about $16,000, which is less than budgeted.
Tim Kortum then informed all present that a new overhead door and opener for the Pump Shop had been ordered and would be installed later in the Spring when the weather was warmer. He also said that the work on the new lowboy trailer would begin when better weather becomes consistent.
Mr. Kortum again suggested looking into a grant for a pipeline conversion on Lateral 3.1 in Fallon. He will investigate pipe sizes and materials needed to begin creating a budget and communicate the interest with Scott Aspenlieder at Performance Engineering.
There was then a brief discussion between all present regarding the possible addition of Health Savings Accounts for all full-time permanent employees, and the possibility of forgoing Dental insurance in lieu of the Health Savings Accounts. Ms. Schott stated that she had received the renewal rate notice from Associated Employers for the Health Insurance, and that there would be no change in premium for the 2025-2026 policy term. She reported that she would get quotes for increased deductibles on the health insurance policy, as well as a quote for Dental insurance from Associated Employers.
Ms. Schott then briefly reported that all necessary reports, employee tax documents, and District No. 2 IRS and State tax filings for 2024 were completed in January.
Lastly, Jessica Schott announced that the audit for fiscal year 2024 had been scheduled with Strom & Associates to begin on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:18 p.m. on a motion made by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
ATTESTED:
________________________________ ____________________________________
Tim Kortum,
Secretary Barry
Rakes, President
Comments