Jenna Stephenson

The Board of Commissioners discussed various administrative and operational items, including setting the date for the Board of Equalization meeting and receiving updates on assessor certification and systems. Key financial and operational approvals included accepting a donation for commemorative law enforcement badges, renewing the Drug Task Force membership, purchasing a new generator for the Sheriff's office, and authorizing equipment purchases for the Highway Department. The Board also reviewed proposals regarding animal control funding, addressed surplus inventory disposal, approved road infrastructure improvements, and passed a resolution establishing minimum salaries for upcoming terms.

The Board discussed public comments regarding open forum rules, local non-profits, and property ordinances. The meeting included an annual update from Southwest Health and Human Services concerning budget, staffing, and public health initiatives. Additionally, the Board reviewed a Countywide Safe Roads to School Plan, appointed a new Planning and Zoning Board member, approved the use of AIS funds for lake treatment, and accepted the 2025 Annual Feedlot Report. Other business included a discussion on a regional solid waste plan, the purchase of a new bale processor for the Highway Department, approval of the 2026 Fee Schedule, and the authorization of auditor warrants for various county payments.

The board discussed and approved a 5-year dumpster site lease agreement with the Hendricks Farmers Lumberyard and established the 2026 certified tax levy at a 5.5% increase. Final payments were authorized for paving and sidewalk projects. Additionally, the board approved a warranty deed to correct property boundaries, a registered property survey, and the annual medical examiner's contract. Law enforcement contracts for the cities of Lake Benton and Ivanhoe were approved, alongside the purchase of a new squad vehicle. Compensation resolutions for county commissioners, department head salaries, and non-union salary schedules for 2026 were also approved, with further administrative actions taken on auditor warrants, committee reports, and various departmental policies.

The Board discussed various operational and financial matters, including the approval of liquor license renewals for local clubs, the purchase of the Emily's Hope curriculum funded by Opioid settlement money, and the adoption of the Vanguard Service and Data Conversion contracts to digitize parcel records. Environmental administration updates included the approval of the 2026 AIS Workplan, the 2026-2027 MPCA Feedlot Program agreement, and potential abatement actions for property nuisance violations. Highway department and facility maintenance updates were provided, alongside approvals for additional project costs related to the Assembly Room floor and a vehicle purchase. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public discussion regarding the potential allowance of rifles for deer hunting, and the board reviewed and approved the Redwood River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan submission. The meeting also included a Truth and Taxation session to discuss budget summaries and tax levies.

The board addressed several administrative and operational matters. Key topics included the approval of funding for Lake Shaokatan lake treatment, a review of ditch redetermination projects, and updates on various highway construction and maintenance activities. The board authorized multiple final payments to contractors for completed culvert and infrastructure projects, declared equipment surplus for auction, and approved the purchase of a new lawn mower. Additionally, the board processed auditor warrants, accepted a donation, discussed the handling of taxes on the James Sorensen property, and reached a consensus to follow state guidelines regarding rifle usage for deer hunting.