Koochiching County’s television system will convert its signal to digital, thanks to a federal reimbursement program.

The county had taken steps to delay the conversion, which occurs in other places in the nation June 12.

But Tuesday, the board took action to begin the process to convert its low power television system to digital and seek reimbursement of the estimated $254,000 costs from the federal National Telecommunications and Information Administration, a division of the Department of Commerce.

Lee Hervey of Voygeurs Comtronics Corp., who maintains the county’s TV system, and county Coordinator Teresa Jaksa told the board Tuesday that they are confident that most of the money to upgrade to a digital signal will be reimbursed.

Hervey estimated the county’s cost at just $2,200.

“It’s a good deal,” Jaksa said, noting that the county is guaranteed to receive at least $238,000, and expects $252,000. Earlier projections of reimbursement were set at $80,000.

Hervey said he wants to get the upgrade completed by July 13, to allow the county to seek reimbursement as early as possible. The reimbursement program makes $44 million available to low-power systems across the nation.

Commissioner Wade Pavleck said many people now rely on the county’s TV system and more may in the future as the recession wears on.

“This is great news,” he said. “I’m not sure how we could do this without money from the federal government.”

Hervey will replace 12 of the 14 county translators, and modify other equipment.

Hervey urged Borderland residents to apply soon for a coupon to obtain the converter box system, if they use older TVs which won’t receive the digital signal.

He noted that the coupon program has been extended until the end of July to accommodate the new round of funding for the digital upgrade.

Each household may apply for two coupons by phone or Internet. Each coupon is worth $40 and may be redeemed locally at Kmart, Sears and Radio Shack. Total cost of the box is about $80, said Hervey.

Veterans Memorial

In other business Tuesday, the board agreed to spend up to $3,600 to replace a plaque at the county Veterans Memorial being developed on property east of the courthouse.

The plaque to be replaced contains the names of the commissioners involved in the creation of the memorial plan, which began seven or eight years ago and was guided by a citizens committee.

Commissioners have been criticized for the size of their names in comparison to the names of the veterans being memorialized.

Board Chairman Mike Hanson said Tuesday that he and fellow commissioners were unaware that a plaque containing board member’s names was to be included.

“It was a surprise to me,” he said.

Commissioner Chuck Lepper said the plaque looks “tacky. No way we thought we’d be up there like that. It’s embarrassing for the commissioners and should be taken down.”

Jaksa told the board that she would use the money to work with other staff to remove the plaque and replace it with one that dedicates the memorial on behalf of all Koochiching County residents in remembrance of all veterans.

In addition, the board agreed to purchase six benches for the memorial at a cost of $12,600. Money for the benches, and to replace the plaque, will come from the county’s park reserve fund, which is generated by timber revenue and may only be used for county parks.

TruStar Federal Credit Union has agreed to reimburse the county for expenses involved in creating a tree buffer between its building and the memorial. Jaksa estimated the costs at $3,000.

The board Tuesday tabled action on a Planning Commission recommendation to grant rezoning and a conditional use permit for a 10-acre rock quarry, including blasting and crushing, about five miles east of Birchdale.

The recommendation is expected to be brought back to the board in two weeks for action.

Commissioners noted they heard no opposition to the plan, but said they wanted stipulations placed on operation of the quarry before taking action.

The board approved a request by the city of International Falls to place its police department under the authority of Sheriff Brian Youso for 30 days.

Commissioner Wade Pavleck asked city Administrator Rod Otterness why the city didn’t appoint an interim supervisor from within the department.

The police chief and deputy chief positions have been vacated with the retirement of Chris Raboin and Daryl Waller.

Otterness said the chief position must be filled by the Civil Service Commission, which has not yet tested applicants. In addition, he said the city wanted to keep the playing field fair.

Hanson said he’s often asked about a county-wide law enforcement agency and wondered whether the timing would be right for such exploration.

Otterness said the council is considering that option along with other ideas.