Patricia Lesmeister-Nelson

The board meeting addressed various administrative and departmental updates. Key discussion topics included a budget change request for the Extension department, a report on county highway updates, and a staffing update including the introduction of new personnel. The board reviewed and approved warrants, addressed expert witness and service contracts, and accepted a petition and bond for a new drainage system. A closed session was held under state statutes. Additionally, the commissioners discussed a declaration of a state of emergency regarding recent storm damage, reviewed department budget requests, and handled licensing and grant amendments.

The meeting agenda includes the administration of the oath to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization, the election of a Chairperson and Clerk, and a presentation by the County Assessor regarding the 2026 assessment, new legislation, and a tax court update, followed by the request for approval of the 2026 assessment.

The Board of Commissioners conducted a regular meeting to review various financial and administrative matters. Key discussion topics included the approval of auditor and commissioner warrants, approval of human services warrants, requests for out-of-state travel, grant amendment approvals, software and cloud storage renewals for the IT department, and the authorization to advertise bids. Additionally, the board heard presentations from the Planning and Zoning Director regarding zoning amendments, discussed the Stevens Milk Plant Pipeline Project, and reviewed various purchase of service contracts.

The Board of Commissioners discussed multiple agenda items, including the review of auditor warrants and the renewal of a liquor license for the Pomme de Terre Golf Club. The Board addressed a registration application for low-potency hemp edibles for a local business and heard a recommendation regarding the rezoning of property in Moore Township to allow for the construction of electrical infrastructure and back-up power generators. Departmental updates were provided by the County Administrator, County Engineer, and Planning and Zoning Coordinator, followed by reports from the commissioners.

The board approved a Capital Asset Policy increasing the threshold to $10,000, authorized a contract for staff Spanish language lessons, and approved the 2025 Feedlot Report. The board adopted an updated Solid Waste Management Plan to qualify for recycling grants. Additional actions included awarding a dust control contract, authorizing the advertisement for bids for a sealcoat project, and approving intergovernmental agreements for sheriff services. The board also accepted a retirement and a resignation, approved backfilling the respective vacant positions, and selected a reorganization and restaffing option following a discussion on departmental workload and case sizes.