Morton County commissioners weren't pleased about communication efforts involving resolution of a lawsuit in which the county, along with the Morton County sheriff, were sued by a sheriff's deputy.

Deputy Cody Steele was returned to canine duties after having had them taken away. Steele filed a lawsuit against Sheriff Bob Erhardt and the county for relieving him of those duties. The lawsuit was settled more than a week ago, according to Steele's attorney, Michael Geierman. Auditor Paul Trauger told commissioners at Tuesday's meeting the suit had been dismissed.

"I'm finding it really aggravating that a lawsuit in which the county was involved was settled and we as commissioners weren't informed," Commissioner Bob Christensen said. "I didn't like having to be informed by the media. When it was settled, we should have been called into an executive session. We were in a similar situation a few years ago and we were apprised of everything that was happening."

Commissioners Dick Tokach and Jim Boehm agreed with Christensen.

"In a way I agree with you," Tokach said. "Last time we went through a lawsuit with North Dakota Insurance Reserve we were apprised of everything. This time when the lawsuit was turned over to Insurance Reserve we were told we didn't have anything to do with it. We were told it was out of our hands and we shouldn't comment on it. We still should have been informed of the process."

"You're right, we should have been notified," Boehm said. "We didn't know anything about the terms of the settlement. Somebody should have called."

Commissioners said Insurance Reserve attorney Gary Thune, who handled the case, should have been forthcoming with information as the details were worked out for returning Steele to his dog-handling duties.

Christensen said he's heard that the sheriff's department is looking at possibly getting another dog, and wanted to know if there is any truth to the matter. Commissioner Matt Erhardt, who along with Commissioner Mark Bitz holds the sheriff's department portfolio, said there is money available to do so, but neither he nor Bitz had signed off on any request, which also would need the OK of the entire commission.

In other action, the Morton County Commission:

* Heard there has been no interest shown for appointment to the Morton County Park Board. The board is made up of commissioners along with two citizen appointments. Bitz asked that requests for an appointee be sent to the various city park boards in Morton County.

* Heard Trauger is still trying to find a candidate to handle county coroner duties. The county is offering $500 a month plus $50 a call to a qualified candidate.

* Heard from Emergency Manager Tammy Lapp that courthouse security using proximity cards to open doors is still being researched. Lapp said the system will cost about $31,400.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@bismarcktribune.com.)