Jamie Kruize

The primary discussion of the work session concerned the decision regarding rifle versus slug hunting regulations, which needed to be finalized by May 1st for inclusion in the state of Minnesota's rules pamphlet. Participants discussed anecdotal evidence regarding fatalities and injuries related to both slug and rifle use in the county, as well as safety concerns such as shooting from roads, trespassing, and the impact of rifle usage on bullet travel distance compared to slugs. There was also discussion regarding Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) control and its relation to herd age management. Other referenced topics included informal surveys of surrounding counties' positions on the matter, the possibility of holding a public hearing, and the challenges of enforcing trespassing laws.

The meeting agenda was approved with the addition of Grant County Highway Department equipment purchases. Key actions included the approval of bills across various county funds, including a significant payment from the Debt Service Fund for the Courthouse Remodel. In Highway matters, the Board approved the 2025 Traffic Marking Final Payment, awarded a culvert bridge contract on 280th Street to Joe Riley Construction, and approved budgeted equipment purchases totaling $534,884.00, along with a 2027 Letter of Intent with Tow Master for a snow plow purchase. Environmental Services approved the Otter Tail Power Conditional Use Permit and a Single-Sort Delivery and Processing contract for recycling with Pope Douglas. Facility Maintenance approved a $9,800.00 quote to repair the boiler system at the County Office Building. Human Resources actions included approving a return to the original Deputy Assessor job description and posting, hiring a temporary part-time Finance Technician, approving to advertise internally for a Sheriff's Office Cadet position, approving the Teamster Union's MOA regarding Building Maintenance Worker's hours, and approving to freeze the Auditor's 12/31/2025 wage. Finally, the Board approved an updated County Fee Schedule to include the Dangerous Dog fee.

The Board of Commissioners approved the meeting agenda and paid various bills totaling significant amounts across several funds. Discussions included concerns regarding last-minute amendments made by AMC and a request to review the Tips, Travel, and Meal Policy. The Board reorganized by nominating Dwight Walvatne as the 2026 Board Chair and Bill LaValley as the 2026 Vice Chair. Key actions included appointing Chief Deputy Vipond as the Interim Sheriff, deciding to proceed with the State-conducted appointment process for the License Bureau supervisor role while maintaining the bureau as a county office, and approving the 2026 depository designations and the 2026 Grant County Investment Policy. The Board also approved the Grant County Credit Card Policy, designated the Grant County Herald as the official newspaper, approved 2026 committee appointments and associated dues payments, approved the 2026 Grant County Fee Schedule, approved the 2026 County Board Committee appointments, and approved the 2026 contract with Morris Electronics Inc. Additionally, the Board reviewed a letter nominating several Grant County structures for historic preservation and approved appointments to the Strategic Planning Committee.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous meetings held on December 16th and December 29th (Special Meeting). Key discussions included a motion to pay the bills, which led to a debate regarding concerns over Association Minnesota Counties (AMC) practices and travel/meal reimbursement policies, with a commitment to address the policy at a later meeting. The board proceeded with reorganizing by nominating and electing Dwight Watney as the 2026 Chair and Bill Levali as Vice Chair. Discussions followed regarding the open vacant position in Human Resources, where the board ultimately voted to appoint Jen Bud (mentioned later as Jen Colmes or Jen Flightman) as sheriff upon the current sheriff's vacation or retirement. Finally, the board addressed the future of the License Bureau, seeking a decision on whether to retain it as a county office or relinquish it to the state, due to an employee's upcoming retirement.

The work session focused on reviewing a proposal from a potential business owner regarding the transition of the Deputy Registrars Office from a county-run service to a privately held business, set to open by June 1, 2026. Key discussion points included the potential for the county to save approximately $50,000 annually by eliminating staffing costs (salaries, benefits, and pensions for two full-time employees), which currently exceed the revenue generated by the office (approximately $119,000 in sales for 15,000 transactions). Concerns were raised by board members regarding the potential reduction in service level, specifically concerning staffing levels (the proposer suggested operating with the equivalent of 1.5 full-time equivalents, with one full-time manager and one part-time employee supplemented by existing staff during absences) and the impact on the public, particularly older residents and farmers needing services like driver's licenses, vehicle registrations (boat/ATV), and passport photos. The discussion also touched upon the county's ability to provide ancillary support, such as coordination with the Sheriff's office for legal clarity on licensing weights, and the status of state approval for the transition, confirming the state retains ownership of essential assets like tags.