ABOVE: From left: Kevin Kristenson, Billeye Rabbe and Joe Loughmiller were sworn in as the new Martin County Commissioners on Tuesday.

FAIRMONT– Three new Martin County Commissioners were sworn in on Tuesday. They are Kevin Kristenson, serving District 1, Joe Loughmiller, serving District 3 and Billeye Rabbe, serving District 5. They replace newly retired commissioners Steve Flohrs, Kathy Smith and Elliot Belgard.

Commissioner Richard Koons was elected to serve as chair and Jaime Bleess as vice chair.

As it was the first meeting of the year, the board made a number of annual organizational resolutions including signed signature and depository designation, employee expenses, designation of public notice posting and out of state travel for elected officials.

The board also set the regular meeting time and date of 9 a.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

In other action, the board:

— Approved the purchase of a budgeted road broom in the state contract amount of $89,750.

— Approved the purchase of a budgeted tar kettle in the state contract amount of $97,628 and authorized the sale of the old kettle.

— Approved a seasonal highway maintenance specialist position.

— Approved the termination of contract for special projects associate Bill Fahey, effective Feb. 6, 2025. Fahey began his contract with the county on Jan. 2, 2024.

— Designated the Fairmont Photo Press as the official legal newspaper on 2025.

— Approved an out of state travel request from Commissioner Bleess to attend the NACo legislative conference in Washington, D.C. from March 1-4.