Jana Flaten

The meeting commenced with a discussion regarding a proposed 3% across-the-board budget increase, comparing current estimated mills (95.53) to the previous year (88.74). Updates were provided on state-received centralized utility values, noting some figures were incorrect and pending state review. A representative from the Steel County Water Board attended to request a four-mill increase, citing increased responsibilities and expenditures, particularly related to the Golden Lake project ($60,000 from the general fund) and beaver dam removal policy expenses. Discussions on departmental budgets included proposed salary adjustments for the department head, changes to the deputy's hours based on workload (scanning old documents), and increased funding for travel and memberships due to prior overages. The budget for court-appointed attorneys was increased to $2,500. There was also discussion regarding documentation preservation funding, which is separate from the general fund, and a lack of planned projects for the court facilities grant.

The meeting commenced with the approval of two sets of prior meeting minutes. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the rotation of the chairmanship, resulting in the appointment of Perry Brown as the new chairman. The commission then addressed the appointment of 2024 portfolios for various boards, including the Soil District report addition, with members largely retaining their previous assignments, except for one member taking on the Soil District role. The mileage reimbursement rate was approved to increase from $0.65 to $0.69 per mile, following the state rate. The agenda was amended to include discussions on an NFIP ordinance update and an employee sick leave donation. The Sick Leave Donation, involving 160 hours to support an employee in the hospital, was approved. The commission also approved an initial reading of the NFIP ordinance, which required updates to comply with FEMA standards. Additionally, the approval of the golf course liquor license and the initiation of building repairs (calking/sealing) were addressed. The status of phone system completion by the end of the month was noted. Discussions were held regarding the Hazard Mitigation Plan update, which qualifies the county for future grant funding, and preliminary steps for the NFIP ordinance's final reading were established.

The meeting primarily addressed weed reimbursement requests and the 2022 budget. Key discussion points centered on the financial implications of approving current weed reimbursement requests, which risked exceeding the budget for the year by approximately $4,000, potentially leading to a total budget expenditure of around $34,300 against a $30,000 allocation. The established policy of first-come, first-served reimbursement until funds are depleted was discussed in light of the current shortfall. The body also reviewed the 2022 budgets, deciding to maintain current commissioner wages and travel line items for the upcoming year while postponing detailed salary adjustments and structural budget reviews until after further analysis. A motion was passed to proceed with the established agreement for handling the current reimbursements.

This special meeting was called because a letter from the Public Health Board related to an authority request was not discussed at the previous June 4th meeting. The primary discussion involved reviewing this letter to ensure alignment before scheduled interviews. Members expressed agreement that the Public Health Board requires the requested authority to improve their department, acknowledging that the commission retains final say on certain aspects. A motion was made and approved unanimously to endorse the Public Health Board's letter of request. Discussions also included confirming logistics for upcoming interviews scheduled for Thursday, such as reserving the commissioner room and confirming attendees.

The Steele County Commissioner meeting addressed several agenda items, including two additions: a letter regarding a grant for the JDA related to community center expansion plans and a dispatch system CAD system grant proposal from the Sanford foundation. The commission approved the JDA letter of support for the community center expansion. Regarding the CAD system, the commission approved a letter of support for the dispatch center to pursue grant funding for the system, which is estimated to cost between $150,000 and $250,000, with no immediate county financial commitment required for the grant application process. Discussions also covered Lake Leases, confirming that Game and Fish received the required leader list, and planning to send out renewal letters. Additionally, the commission addressed personnel matters, approving a retroactive interim pay adjustment for an employee who took over a superintendent position in December, setting the temporary hourly rate and back pay amount. The board also discussed advertising for a new working superintendent position, focusing on where to advertise and salary expectations.