Lon Aune

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the agenda and prior meeting minutes. Resolutions were passed to authorize payment for Auditor and Commissioner warrants, and to approve per diems for commissioners. Commissioner reports were shared, followed by a meeting with the Social Services Director regarding DHS/AMC updates. The Board approved contracts for the Tri-Valley Heartland Express (T.H.E.) Bus and Tri-Valley Rural Transportation Collaborative (RTC). Authorizations were granted for case activity bills and director actions. A major decision involved approving compensation adjustments for salaried and hourly employees due to the 27-pay-period year in 2027, with provisions for reverting to 26 pay periods subsequently. The Annual Safety Report was presented, leading to the approval of the 2026 Safety Policy. A Building Maintenance Needs Report was also shared. The Auditor/Treasurer presented several items, including the approval of the 2026 Con Con Disbursement Resolution, approval for highway resolutions concerning aggregate base and bituminous milling/overlay treatments, and setting the date for the County Appeal and Equalization meeting. Final resolutions authorized the County Auditor to call for bids for specific highway projects (Aggregate Base, and Bituminous Milling, Overlay and Culvert Treatments).

The meeting agenda included an open forum session, approval of the agenda, consideration for the payment of bills and per diems, and reports from commissioners and committees. Key discussion items for the day included the Social Services Director's update, presentation of the Annual Safety Report by Rodger Haugtvedt, and a comprehensive Auditors Report by Scott Peters. The Auditor's agenda involved consideration of resolutions for 2026 Con Con Disbursement and Highway Resolution for CSAH 2 Aggregate Base, as well as consideration for resolutions related to bituminous milling, overlay, and culvert treatments involving multiple SAP numbers and Beltrami County. Furthermore, discussions covered 2026 Ditch Assessments, setting a date for the County Appeal and Equalization meeting, the 2026 Forfeited Tax Update, and the Assistant Veterans Service Officer Update, alongside the 5-Year Financial Report.

The meeting agenda was approved with additions. Key discussions included a resolution authorizing payment of Auditor Warrants and Per Diems. The Public Health Director provided a Bi-Monthly Update covering topics such as the Community Health Assessment, substance use prevention grants, and respiratory virus monitoring. The Social Services Director presented the Local Advisory Council Annual Report and approved a reduction in hours for an Eligibility Worker pending completion of an internship. The Highway Engineer addressed updates on bridge projects in Donnelly and Middle River, and discussed 2026 highway projects. The Assessor's Office presented the Yearly Clerical Errors Report for 2025. The Sheriff's Office provided a Year End Report detailing stable traffic stops, the nearing completion of the Jail Remodel Project, and equipment discussions. The Board approved the 2026 Final Levy & Budget Resolution. Furthermore, a Pine To Prairie Drug Task Force Joint Powers Agreement was approved, and compensation increases were approved for the County Park Manager. Finally, resolutions were passed to cancel lost warrants and reissue new ones for Grand Plain Township.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the election of the 2026 Board Chairperson, Commissioner Miller, and Vice-Chairperson, Commissioner Bring. The Board awarded bids for the 2026 County Paper publications and approved several resolutions, including authorization for payment of Auditor and Commissioner Warrants. Meeting schedules for 2026 were set, as were the mileage and meal rates for the year. A resolution established approved depositories for Marshall County in 2026. The Board set the 2026 Beaver Bounty at $100.00 and the Gopher Bounty at $1.00, and approved the 2026 County Committee appointment list. Reports were given by the Highway Engineer regarding road maintenance, drainage conferences, and construction plans. The Environmental Services Administrator received approval for the 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant and reported on committee function discontinuations. The Sheriff's department received approval to hire a Dispatch-Jailer position, and Jail project timelines were updated. Various financial reports were presented by the Auditor/Treasurer, including the approval of a County-wide Sick time donation for an employee and approval of a Rural Business Enterprise Grant Application. Resolutions were passed to cancel a lost warrant, set the fee for Retail Sales of Lower Potency Hemp Derived Products at $100 annually, and set 2027 Minimum Salaries for certain elected officials at $90,000, along with setting the 2026 County Commissioner Committee Per Diem rate at $75 per meeting.

The meeting agenda was approved with additions. Key resolutions included authorization for payment of bills (Resolution 12-16-01) and approval of per diems (Resolution 12-16-02). The Public Health Director provided an update covering topics such as the Community Health Assessment, cannabis and substance use prevention grant, and respiratory viruses. The Social Services Director reported on the Local Advisory Council Annual Report, and the Board approved reducing an Eligibility Worker's hours temporarily. The Highway Engineer discussed updates on bridge projects and potential 2026 projects. The Assessor presented the Clerical Errors Report, and the DMV Manager provided a Year End DMV Report showing increased volume and revenue. The Sheriff provided a Year End report, noting the Jail Remodel Project completion pace and discussing equipment needs. The Board approved the 2026 Final Levy & Budget Resolution (Resolution 12-16-03). A Pine To Prairie Drug Task Force Joint Powers Agreement was approved. Compensation for the County Park Manager position was increased. Resolutions were passed to cancel two lost warrants and reissue new ones (Resolution 12-16-04).