Excellence in County Government

 The Excellence in County Government Awards program honors county personnel who have shown excellence in their service to county government. Give someone in your county the recognition they deserve!

Click here to download the 2019 Nomination Form (a fillable PDF)
Deadling for 2019 Nominations is August 2.

2018 Excellence in County Government Award Winners

Commissioner

Daryl Dukart

The ND County Commissioners Association voted unanimously for the nomination of Dunn County Commissioner Daryl Dukart as their selection for the County Commissioner category for the 2018 EICG Award. Daryl was elected in 2010 and has been active with the NDCCA and NDACo from the start. He frequently answers the call when asked to help out with the Association's lobbying efforts, serving on the Legislative committee since 2012. Most notably, Daryl serves as one of two of ND's representatives on the National Association of Counties Board of Directors. In that role, he also frequently attends the Western Interstate Region's meetings and is involved with many western U.S. issues. As a NACo representative, Daryl automatically serves on the NDACo Board of Directors as an Ex-Officio member, however that does not mean he sits quietly in the corner. He is as much of a contributor as any board member, which is his way of doing everything in life. Daryl was elected to his first term, the oil boom exploded, and much of Dunn County was in the "ground zero" area that saw the most intense development. Daryl never shirked from dealing with any of the many issues, good and bad, that arose with the boom. He would have had his hands full just dealing with Dunn County problems, but stepped up to become a known leader for all of western North Dakota.

 

Official

Patricia Carroll

Pat was hired as Deputy Auditor in May of 1974, where she worked under then Auditor, Betty Svihovec, for 28 years. In 2002, Betty decided to retire and Pat was elected as Auditor/Treasurer. A position she held for four elected terms (16 years). Pat decided not to run for her position in 2018, but because of laws governing her position, she will not relinquish her job until April of 2019, or 45 years of dedicated service to Adams County. Pat’s work ethic, dedication to the job, knowledge and understanding of all that goes with her position, as well as 45 years of service, make her the perfect selection for this award. The office of Auditor/Treasurer is somewhat unique in Adams County because of the service agreements between the County and City governments that cover police protection, street maintenance, utility billings and clerical positions for the City of Hettinger and the Hettinger Park District, as well as other duties involved in service to the public.

 

Employee

Pam Amundson

Pam has spent the past 19 years serving her county and the citizens with a smile. She has worked in nearly every department of county government from the Treasurer's office, filled in for the Clerk of Court on Court Day, assisted the Tax Director with measuring and assessing properties, assisted and at times - ran the election process herself. During times of change Pam has been a consistent smile the public and fellow employees can rely on. Pam has gained experience and assisted in nearly every department within Steele County. She has been dependable, efficient, and unfailingly punctual and is always the first person at work. Her attention to detail is untouchable. Her skills do not end with her office work. Pam is the face within Steele County that the community respects. From the handling of the Sheriff's office to being the secretary on the Job Development board, she is admired and respected. Throughout her time, she has resolved conflicts and handled numerous difficult situations with remarkable patience and admirable tact. She loves people and always works hard, knowing exactly how to lift the spirits of those around her. We believe these characteristics represent all that is good in Steele County

 

Dedicated Partner

Karin Mongeon and Safety Division Employees

The North Dakota Association of Counties has partnered with the North Dakota Department of Transportation to work tirelessly to educate drivers in efforts to reduce fatalities. This partnership could not be possible without the leadership of Karin Mongeon. The 2018 EICG Dedicated Partner award goes to Karin and the DOT’s Traffic Safety team for their work. Under Karin’s leadership, North Dakota’s seat belt use has increased while its’ fatal crashes have decreased by more than 20%.

The Traffic Safety Division has been a driving force behind the NDACo Traffic Safety Outreach Program, which offers outreach and educational opportunities including the Impact Teen Driver Program. This program has impacted 3,000 teenagers – educating them about the dangers of reckless and distractive driving. They also work with NDACo to support training to prosecutors and law enforcement on traffic safety cases.

These programs and outreach to benefit the safety of all North Dakota citizens can only be accomplished due to the strong relationship between the Traffic Safety Division and NDACo. Thank you Karin for being a dedicated partner to North Dakota counties.