Justin O'Bert

The meeting agenda was approved with the addition of discussing the employment separation of the Lead Transfer Station Operator. Financial matters addressed included the approval of the January summarized payment listing and payroll/ACH payments, along with the approval of Courthouse and Highway claims and the voiding of several warrants. Key actions included approving the employment separation and backfilling the position for the Transfer Station Lead, and adopting a resolution to enroll part-time Sheriff deputies in the PERA police and fire plan. The Board also approved a resolution to adopt the State Airport Fund Grant Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, which corrected the agreement number from a previous resolution. Further discussions involved approving the county's response letter and amended lease draft concerning the Law Enforcement Center lease terms. Authorization was granted for the Environmental Services Director to enter into the FY 2026 and 2027 State of Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources Block Grant, and an associated agreement with the Koochiching Soil and Water Conservation District for grant implementation. Committee updates covered progress on extending the ATV trail, support for a fellowship position from the City of Littlefork, the book mobile adding a new stop, and ongoing funding requests for the Ash River Trail Sanitary Sewer Project.

The County Board meeting agenda included standard county business such as financial claims approvals for the Courthouse, Highway, and Public Health and Human Services departments, and approving 2026 membership dues. Human Resources business involved approving the employment separation of a Public Health Nurse and approving the 2026 Committee List and AMC Voting Delegate Appointments. Public Health and Human Services items focused on renewing several Purchase of Service Agreements with Northland Counseling. The Auditor/Treasurer section involved considering the acceptance of an Election Grant from the MN Secretary of State. The Land and Forestry department considered the repurchase of tax-forfeited property. The Highway Department planned to authorize the purchase of a sweeper attachment for the front-end loader and approve a Limited Use Permit with MNDOT. Additional discussions during the Committee of the Whole session included a Wetland Presentation, review of an Ambulance Subordinate Service District Resolution and Public Notice, and reviewing the City of International Falls' response to the Law Enforcement Center Lease Offer.

The board approved the agenda, which included the addition of recommending an appointment to the Arrowhead Regional Corrections Advisory Board. Key financial actions included approving Courthouse claims amounting to $450,977.11 and authorizing a signature for the 2025 Audit Engagement Letter. The board approved recommending Willi Kostiuk to the Arrowhead Regional Corrections Advisory Board. A public hearing concerning the establishment of an ambulance subordinate service District was scheduled for February 24 at 5:30 p.m. Furthermore, the board approved an MPCA Consent Agreement Timber Sale, authorized the Land Commissioner to seek bids for a new 2026 Pickup Truck, and approved the renewal of a Joint Powers Agreement with the MN DNR for the Rainy River Boat Landing. The Land Commissioner was also authorized to seek quotes for attendants for the Spring Fishing Season, and the Highway Engineer was authorized to seek bids for a sweeper attachment. Committee reports covered ongoing work regarding the LEC contract, Ambulance Funding, the Ash River Trail project funding, available housing allotment, and Joint Powers efforts for ATV club trails.

The meeting commenced with the 2026 election of the Board Chair, where Commissioner Ricky Roche was elected Chair, and Commissioner Dale Erickson was elected Vice Chair. Key actions included the approval of the agenda and ratification of 2025-year end claims for Courthouse and Highway departments. The Board approved summarized payment listings and payroll/ACH payments for December, and voided several warrants. Appropriations for 2026 were approved for various entities including the Arrowhead Regional Library and Historical Society. The Board set the 2026 standard mileage rate at 72.5 cents per driven mile for business use and adopted a resolution establishing minimum salaries for elected officials for the next term. Other approvals included authorizing a bond recording, adopting a resolution approving a State Airport Fund grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, approving liquor and tobacco licenses, approving a change order for the jury room remodel, awarding the legal bid for 2026 publications, approving the 2026 Emergency Management Contract, and approving the revised Koochiching Cyber Disruption Response Plan.

The meeting agendas covered proceedings for both the Koochiching Development Authority (KDA) and the Regular County Board. Key items for the KDA included the election of the 2026 KDA Board Chair and Vice Chair, financial business such as accepting accounting and paid invoice reports, budget review, and approval of insurance and budget allocations. The Regular County Board agenda focused on electing the 2026 County Board Chair and Vice Chair, ratifying year-end payments, approving various December financial summaries and payrolls, setting the 2026 mileage reimbursement rate, adopting resolutions regarding minimum salaries for elected officials and an airport fund grant agreement, approving licenses and bids, and authorizing bond recording. Business for the Sheriff Department included approving an Emergency Management Coordinator Contract, and for Information Services, approving an update to the Cyber Disruption Response Plan. Following the main board meeting, a Committee of the Whole meeting was scheduled to review 2026 committee appointments, consider AMC appointments, and discuss a Joint Powers Agreement for boat access.