Michael Forstner

The Truth in Taxation Public Hearing focused on explaining property taxes, levy calculation, and factors influencing tax increases, clarifying that the meeting was not for individual property valuation appeals. Key discussions included the County Assessor's review of the CY 2025 assessment based on sales data and changes in classification rates. Public inquiries covered tax abatements for businesses and the potential for an abatement system for senior citizens on fixed incomes. The Auditor/Treasurer presented the proposed CY2026 budget, detailing major drivers such as debt services reallocation, wage and benefits increases, and the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which included funding for facility repairs and offsetting revenue from wind energy. The board discussed proposed cuts to reduce the levy increase from 9.76% to 5.89%. Further discussion addressed budgeting for the Elections Fund, including restricting carryover funds and accounting for anticipated costs associated with the 2026 presidential election.

The agenda for this meeting includes a call to order, pledge of allegiance, and review of the agenda. Key discussion points involve the introduction of new employees in the Assessor's Office. Unfinished business concerns revisions to the Federal EDA Grant Application Scope of Work. General business items cover the Martin County EDA Annual Report for CY2025, a Highway Department Update, consideration for renewing the Law Enforcement Contract with the City of Trimont, setting the meeting date for the 2026 County Board of Equalization, the Recorder's Office CY2025 Year-End Update, and consideration of an engagement letter for the CY2025 County Audit. A scheduled hearing addresses the continuation of a public hearing regarding a proposed ordinance limiting the use of certain types of firearms for deer hunting.

The regular meeting included several key actions and discussions. The Board approved the agenda, making one removal concerning a Housing Project Grant Agreement. Discussions and minor corrections were made to the minutes of the November 4, 2025 meeting. A Proclamation was read designating December 10, 2025, as Human Rights Day, commemorating the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Board also reviewed a presentation regarding the administration of the Housing Voucher Program by the Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC) as an alternative to the current administrator. A resolution was approved concerning tobacco licenses for 2026, specifically for Casey's Retail Company General Store #3005. The Board approved a written contract for the administration of the Hauler-Collected Service Fee program and received and filed the CY2024 Financial Audit Report, which resulted in an unmodified opinion. Furthermore, the Board approved a resolution authorizing the pursuit of 2025 Local Road Improvement Program funding for the CSAH 26 Resurfacing Project. Approvals were granted for the certification of Individual Septic Treatment Systems (ISTS) loans for 2025 and acknowledgement of the 2026/2027 MPCA Feedlot Program Delegation Agreement Work Plan. The CY2026 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan was approved, as was the resolution to Submit, Adopt, and Implement the Blue Earth River Watershed Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. Significant time was spent reviewing and approving revisions to Employee Benefit Leave Policies, including updates to Paid Time Off (PTO) accruals and Bereavement Leave, leading to the discontinuation of the Twelve (12) Day Sick Disability Bank benefit policy. The Board approved the CY2026 Pay Matrix for Non-Union employees with a 3.0% general wage adjustment and established the CY2026 Salaries for Elected Officials. Compensation, Per Diems, and Expenses for County Commissioners for CY2026 were also established. Finally, the Board approved the discontinuation of new enrollments in the Unum Long-Term Care Plan and approved the resolution fixing Ditch Repair and Maintenance Levies and Assessments payable in 2026.

The primary discussion centered on year-end funding for the South Central Minnesota Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (SCMMCHRA) due to a financial shortfall, attributed to poor management and unexpected administrative fee reductions from HUD. The Board considered the process for administering Section 8 Housing vouchers and the necessity of covering operational deficits until the HRA transitions. Key concerns involved potential staff layoff costs (accrued vacation pay) and ensuring continued rental assistance for the 215 allocated vouchers. The commissioners determined that the county should provide $30,000 from the Local Housing Trust Fund to ensure SCMMCHRA's solvency until the beginning of the year, after which voucher administration is planned to transfer to Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC), which is deemed more financially stable. The Board approved this year-end funding resolution.

The agenda for the meeting includes several key items for consideration. Discussions involve the County Attorney addressing a revised contract addendum for the GHEC School Resource Officer (SRO) and agreements for temporary construction easements and water service replacements. The board will review applications for 2026 Solid Waste, Recycling Haulers, and Facilities Licenses. General business items include considering the renewal of a legal service agreement, reviewing zoning permits issued in 2025, considering the renewal of the law enforcement contract with the City of Northrop, MN, and considering an amendment to the Jail Food Service Contract. Other topics include considering a subscription for IT Management Platform Software, a hire for a Branch Outreach Librarian, a revised hire date for an Appraiser, revisions to a Federal EDA Grant Application Scope of Work, and reviewing findings and advertising for bids for the Courthouse Mural Project. A Public Hearing is scheduled regarding a proposed ordinance establishing a shotgun use limiting the use of certain firearms for deer hunting. Financial items include approving warrants, highway bills, and ditch bills, and reviewing 2026 allocations requests and year-to-date financial reports.