Dispatchers Get Raise

Longtime employees in the law enforcement dispatch center will be getting a raise as a reward for their long service, effective Oct. 7. The Valley County Commissioners voted Tuesday to pay an extra 25 cents an hour to employees with 10 years’ service and 50 cents after 20 years. Also, those on the 11 to 7 night shift will receive a 25 cents boost.

The raise will apply to part time as well as full time dispatchers. Three people will received the raises, for an annual cost of about $2,000.

The commissioners committed $36,000 to the Long Run Fire Department building project, if the city of Glasgow allows the firemen to build on city property.

The commissioners voted to adopt the MACo policy on a sick leave pool. County employees may donate their sick leave days to others, either while working or when they retire.

Specific language was approved to grant a tax abatement to Compass Wind, the company proposing to erect a dozen wind turbines south of Opheim. Their development director, Kyle Paulson, said it was needed so the price they can offer a potential power buyer is more attractive.

The commissioners voted the tax abatement for the $40 million wind farm in August. It lasts 10 years. For the first five years, the company would pay only 50 percent of the normal taxes. Every year thereafter, the abatement would drop by 10 percent.

According to the commissioners, Compass Wind is one of two companies still under consideration to create and sell wind energy to a major Montana electric utility.