Ward County commissioners decided Tuesday to re-advertise for a planning and zoning director at a higher salary after discovering their original pay scale may have been too low.

The county received three applications after advertising the position at a range of $61,360 to $74,437. However, one applicant dropped out, and the one offered the position declined because the salary offer was below her existing pay.

The commission determined that finding a director with both a college degree and work experience will require more money.

Commissioner John Fjeldahl said he is unwilling to “underfill” the position by selecting a candidate who might have experience but no degree. Commission Chairwoman Shelly Weppler countered that finding the right person is the priority, regardless of education. However, the advertisement called for a degree and work experience. Tax Director Ryan Kamrowski, who will oversee the planning and zoning director, encouraged the commission to stick with position requirements.

“We are here to fill positions with qualified individuals, not just to fill positions,” Kamrowski said.

The commission changed the pay range to $74,433 to $78,201 and voted 3-2 to re-advertise. Voting for the change were Alan Walter, Fjeldahl and Weppler. Opposed were John Pietsch and Jim Rostad.

In other business, the commission met with Emily Yanish, program manager for short-term care with Youthworks in Bismarck, regarding attendant care for youth who have contact with law enforcement and need short-term supervision until placed into other care or returned home. Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, which had been providing Ward County’s attendant care since the 1990s, discontinued its contract at the end of May. Sheriff Robert Roed said, without attendant care services, he has had to pull an officer from patrol when necessary to supervise youth at the department.

Yanish said Youthworks can provide attendant care around the clock and youth counseling three days a week. The commission approved contracting with Youthworks, beginning in January.

Yanish said Youthworks would consider establishing a presence and additional services in Minot, similar to services offered in Bismarck and Fargo. Youthworks services beyond attendant care are largely funded with state, federal and other grants, but Cass, Burleigh and Morton counties also contribute to the Fargo and Bismarck programs.