Keith Berndt

The Board of Commissioners discussed various administrative and operational matters including the review of the 2023 county audit, approval of a new GovAP contract for automated accounts payable, and the authorization of a security upgrade for a camera system and door logger. Key agenda items covered the update on a tax forfeiture sale, an overview of the organix recycling program, and emergency management initiatives. The Board addressed infrastructure requests, including the addition of street blocks to the state aid system and a utility easement. Furthermore, they accepted a retirement notice, approved labor contracts and a memorandum of understanding, and discussed safety concerns regarding a local roadway. The meeting concluded with an open session discussion regarding employment allegations and a decision to conduct a formal hearing via the Salary and Staffing Committee.

The Board meeting included a public hearing regarding the CSAH 24 and 63/163 improvement project, where a revised plan was approved. Key business items included an update on a new organics recycling program, the purchase of a new IT server for the sheriff's department, the renewal of security backup software, and an appointment to the Youth Extension Committee. The Board also discussed the method for recording public comments at future meetings, heard citizen concerns regarding a methane pipeline, and held a closed session to discuss pending litigation, resulting in the decision to engage external legal counsel.

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 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.

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.