DAYTON—On Monday, July 20, the Columbia County Commissioners considered whether to place an advisory ballot before voters in November to assess the people’s interest in becoming part of the State of Liberty. Earlier in July, they were approached by a Liberty State representative, urging them to do so.

During a work session on Monday of last week, the commissioners decided not to proceed with that.

Commissioner Ryan Rundell said he cast his vote as more of a “not yet” vote rather than a straight “no.”

When asked about the decision, Rundell said an issue as significant as this needs more of a sample size than what one small county can provide.

“I did not feel that our citizens should pay for a survey with a small sample size, when the group, themselves, could conduct a statewide, or an east-side survey via other means,” Rundell said.

It could have cost the county about $1,500 to place the advisory vote on the ballot, according to County Auditor Anne Higgins.

Commissioner Chuck Amerein had been in favor of the advisory ballot, but Commissioner Mike Talbott was not.