The Ward County Tax Equalization Office is looking to rid itself of relics of the past.

Director Noreen Wilkie mentioned to the Ward County Commission Tuesday that her office wants to free up storage by removing numerous old suitcases once used to hold paperwork for township assessors. Wilkie explained the tax equalization office used to prepare the paperwork needed for the assessors, who would pick up their suitcases before beginning their annual reviews.

The need for the suitcases went away with the advent of computers. Also, only one township still has a local assessor, Wilkie said.

Ward County has 57 townships. Wilkie said the number of suitcases in storage hasn’t been counted, but there also are city suitcases in the collection.

The commission directed Wilkie to offer the suitcases to the township. Kirkelie Township Chairman Derrill Fick spoke to indicate there may be interest by townships in having the suitcases to hold records that could be passed to new township officers with election changes.

Suitcases not claimed could be made available to the Ward County Historical Society or auctioned, according to commissioners.

The commission also held a public hearing prior to granting a special use permit for a proposed Basin Electric Cooperative transmission line that would cross the southwestern corner of Ward County. Orlien Township had requested an agreement ensuring any road damage during installation would be repaired, which Basin Electric had provided by the time of the hearing. Cameron Township already has a road haul policy requiring township approval in advance, and Basin Electric stated it will work with Anna and Ryder townships as well.

The county’s policy around new subdivision developments also was discussed with Tyler Neether of Town & Country Credit Union. Borrowers looking to acquire lots in developments that haven’t yet constructed any infrastructure typically have difficulty getting adequate loans. Neether explained lenders cannot lend money based on future value of a developed lot when there is no guarantee the infrastructure will be built.

The commission voted to approve a zoning ordinance change on first reading that requires developers to have funds in escrow or a letter of credit to guarantee the infrastructure will be done or to enable the county to finish that work if the developer withdraws. The change also requires that developers offer a one-year warranty on infrastructure workmanship. The ordinance would apply to developments of three or more lots.