Morton County got the $1,000 check back from the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce that it had sent for its membership dues in 2008 - the problem being that annual membership dues are $5,000.

Because of its tight budget, Morton commissioners have cut back its contributions to the chamber and the Bismarck-Mandan Development Association from $5,000 to $1,000. In returning the check, the chamber noted it was against bylaws to accept the money in lieu of membership dues.

"I'd hate to see us lose the chamber, they do a lot of good things and I think it's beneficial for the county," commissioner Matt Erhardt said.

"I know the chamber is an organization for businesses funded by businesses," commissioner Mark Bitz said. "I think we should accept the refund and encourage our businesses to be members."

Kelvin Hullet, president of the chamber, said in an interview with the Tribune that all public entities pay the same price for chamber membership.

"The policy at the chamber is that we have a dues schedule,"Hullet said. He said it wouldn't be fair to accept a lesser amount from Morton than from other public entities.

Commission chairman Dick Tokach said at the meeting that the county had paid its dues every year and it provided them a voice in what's going on. He added that the chamber is trying to bring business to Bismarck and Mandan, though the commission does have to consider the rest of the county, too.

Bitz suggested that the commission take the $1,000 and split it up among the county's other organized cities like New Salem and Hebron.

"We should send the $1,000 back to the chamber with a letter of explanation about our budget restraints,"Erhardt countered. "Once we have some extra money, we'll provide the full dues."

Tokach again noted that the chamber's bylaws prohibit it from accepting anything but the full amount.

"The decision has already been made," commissioner Andy Zachmeier said. "We budgeted at $1,000; they sent it back. We can try to negotiate, but it's done for this year."

Erhardt disagreed and made the motion to return the money and request the chamber director to appear before the commission to work out a solution.

"We owe them that courtesy," Erhardt said. "We just can't close that avenue; somewhere along the line, we're going to need the chamber."

Commissioner Jim Boehm provided the second, and the motion passed on a 3-2 vote with Bitz and Zachmeier voting no.

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