Amanda L. Riegert

Key discussions included setting 2026 levy increases for numerous county ditches, with specific percentages ranging from 5% to 50% for different ditch systems. The Board approved the replacement of a lost warrant from 2024 and authorized the approval of commissioner vouchers. A resolution establishing Absentee/Mail/UOCAVA Ballot Boards was adopted. The Engineer reported on State Aid funding increases and the adoption of a County Non-Discrimination policy for the EPA, as well as the purchase of a replacement motor grader via lease-to-own, including an extended warranty. Due to lack of agreement on right-of-way acquisition for the CSAH 24-63/163 Intersection Safety Improvements, the Board decided to schedule a Public Hearing for March 3, 2026, to discuss proceeding with a limited design or canceling the project. The SWCD Feedlot Report was accepted. Salary adjustments were approved for the County Assessor, and the resignation of the WIC Coordinator was accepted, followed by approval to post the position. An allotment of $30,000 was approved for the Social Services Emergency Housing Assistance Program. A request for a county credit card for the Coordinator was approved, and guidance was provided regarding meal reimbursement tips, allowing reimbursement up to the $68 daily limit with receipts.

The key discussion centered around the 2026 Budget and Levy. The Auditor/Treasurer provided a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the budget and levy, supplemented by handouts from the County Assessor explaining how tax capacity is calculated based on property value and classifications. Following these presentations, numerous members of the public provided comments and expressed concerns regarding the proposed budget and associated taxation levels for the upcoming year.

Key discussions during the meeting included Commissioner updates on legislative meetings concerning bonding for the Rural Water District and water policy discussions with the Sandhill Watershed District. The Board authorized sending a letter recommending that townships reinstate dumpster services for residents, and approved the subsequent signing of this letter. The board also approved the receipt of the second half of the SCORE grant funds. Action was taken to authorize the Auditor/Treasurer to sign an agreement for poll pad software and services with Knowink, and a resolution was passed to purchase poll pads using grant money. Bills totaling $239,732.62 across various funds were approved for payment. The IT Committee discussion resulted in tabling the acceptance of a quote for Microsoft Office 365 licenses and the discussion on future phone system support; however, a quote for a new county server from Morris Electronics was approved. The County Engineer presented resolutions to support the City of Perley's LRIP funding pursuit (tabled pending liability assurance) and to support the annual Grant in Aid Program Application for the Trail system, which passed. Updates included a new hire for Superintendent of Infrastructure and successful ditch repairs. Going forward, the Engineer agreed to directly notify local builders for building projects. The County Coordinator secured authorization to select interview candidates for a position, add the Payroll Administrator to the Insurance Committee, and advertise for a part-time Accounting Tech. A Special Budget Meeting was scheduled for December 22, 2025. The Sheriff's request to adjust the wage level for the Admin Assistant/Lead Dispatch position was approved. Further authorizations included signing the MN PEIP group application, granting settlement authority to the Airport Litigation committee, and authorizing the County Attorney to sign agreements for mediation services and legal services related to drainage authority. Grant dollars for parks were accepted, and new proposed contribution amounts for insurance policies were shared.

The meeting commenced with a Citizen Forum where an individual provided information regarding a new service, Hometown HOPE, replacing REACH. Key actions included the approval of department bills for Social Services and general expenses covering Revenue, Road & Bridge, County Building, Public Health, and Solid Waste Facilities. The board approved a three-month extension for a Temporary Long Term Care Worker and accepted the 2026 Community Life Services MOU agreement. Resolutions were adopted concerning amendments to previously adopted resolutions, specifically changing payment source from grant proceeds to 2025 budget dollars, and authorizing the purchase of emergency vehicle equipment and upfitting. The board approved four Hauler License Agreements for 2026 with Al's Disposal, Fuchs, Inc., Stuhaug, and Visser Trenching. Discussions covered a Township Solid Waste dumpster survey results, the content of the 2026 property tax statement cover sheet, and a report on an elevator fire. Salary and staffing adjustments were approved for department heads, and an offer of employment was extended to a new County Coordinator. The IT Committee requested and received approval for purchasing archiving software licenses, extending the current IT contract with Morris Electronics, and allowing an exception to the vacation hours carryover policy.

The meeting commenced with committee updates regarding the AMC conference, IT services, and solid waste incinerators. Following agenda approval, discussions included requests for department heads to provide quarterly reports starting in 2026, with the new Coordinator setting the schedule. A public hearing regarding a new fee schedule, originally scheduled for December 18, 2025, was rescheduled to February 3, 2026. Bills totaling $247,130.11 were approved for payment. Several administrative requests were approved, including the carryover of excess vacation hours for an A/T and a staff member, and the approval of a new annual liquor license fee of $400. The board authorized the signing of a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) for the Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force and accepted a $5 donation to the K9 fund. An agreement for the State Law Librarian office Tier 2 service was approved, as was the acceptance of a $9,868.69 Polling Place Accessibility grant, prioritized for courthouse door and lighting projects. The board authorized the Coordinator to sign and submit the LARL budget request form. Resolution 12-23-2025-01 was passed to set 2026 Elected Officials Salaries, establishing salaries for Commissioners at $23,000 and $70 per diem, County Attorney at $138,000, and Sheriff at $125,000. A job offer for the County Coordinator position was authorized to be presented to CJ Holl. Finally, the 2026 budget, with budgeted revenues of $24,420,447 and expenditures of $24,320,365, resulting in a surplus of $100,082 and a net levy of $9,006,507, was accepted, and Resolution 12-23-2025-02 for Cancellation of Debt Service Levy was passed.