Sarah Bremmon

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Public comments focused on wind energy infrastructure, with some supporting it for economic benefits and others raising concerns about property values and visual impact, prompting a request for a three-quarters mile setback and independent bonding requirements. The Commission approved payroll and detailed claims across various service categories. Several reports were noted, including the Treasurer's cash examination as of January 1, 2026, and fee reports from the Register of Deeds and Sheriff for December 2025. The Commission recessed briefly to convene as the Weed Board and then as the Planning, Zoning and Drainage Board, approving a plat for the Ben Johnson Addition. Discussions included the services provided by the Watertown 911 Communications Center, approving Resolution #2026-02 regarding highway load limit restrictions during spring break-up, and approving two culvert replacement applications under the Small Structures Grant Program. Approval was given for the occupancy of the Right-of-Way for Lake Region Electric. The Commission authorized advertising for sealed bids for road machinery rental rates, road oil supply, hot mix, and gravel, with bid openings scheduled for February 13, 2026. Travel for Highway Department training was approved, and an Executive Session was held for personnel matters. Authorization was given to advertise for a Highway Department open position. A retroactive wage increase for a Sheriff's Department employee was approved, and Resolution #2026-01, adopting the Day County Hazard Mitigation Plan, was passed. A decision regarding legal action by AAA Collections Inc. was tabled, and a Public Hearing for a malt beverage license for 12 Spot Diner was scheduled for February 17, 2026. Courthouse and Highway Department closures for President's Day were noted before adjournment.

The key discussions and actions taken during the meeting included reviewing correspondence regarding a proposed Air Quality permit and summarizing the commissioners' perceived successes for 2025, such as staying within budget and working on the 2026 budget. The board approved payroll and various audited claims, including significant services and supplies expenditures. A major focus was year-end contingency transfers totaling $137,160.00 across multiple departments, including Ambulance and Emergency Management. The commission also approved declaring a 2003 Ford Ambulance as surplus with an initial asking price of $12,000.00, authorized a Memorandum of Understanding for Search and Rescue services for 2026, and approved updating the fire alarm system panel for $8,400.00. Following an executive session concerning personnel matters, a salary increase for the State's Attorney for 2026 was approved, and the purchase of three battery backup units for the Sheriff's Office phone lines was authorized.

The meeting began with the adjournment of the 2025 commission business, followed by the nomination and unanimous confirmation of the 2026 Chairman and Vice Chairman. Commissioners reviewed open meeting laws, and correspondence regarding the Wildlife Damage Management 2025 Annual Report was noted. Public comments addressed goals for 2026 and concerns about potential electricity/water usage from an AI-Center, as well as a request for quarterly financial statements for Ambulance Services. Key actions included approving board appointments for various committees for 2026, designating legal newspapers and official depositories for 2026, and setting travel allowance and meal reimbursement rates. Salary schedules for elected officials and employees for 2026 were approved for publication. Further business involved authorizing staff for county credit card usage, approving payroll, processing audited claims, approving a new hire for the Ambulance department, adjusting the State's Attorney salary, authorizing a sign move to control jake braking on Hwy 12, approving a purchase for the Sheriff's Department, discussing jail inmate housing income rates, accepting bids for Tires and Fuel for 2026, approving a State Aid Agreement, transferring funds for a boiler project, and approving payment for museum moving expenses. The meeting was recessed and later reconvened.

The proposed agenda for the meeting includes the organization of the Commission for 2026, covering nominations for Chairman and Vice Chairman, a review of Open Meeting Laws, correspondence, and public comments. Key actions involve making numerous appointments to various boards and committees, such as the Northeast Council of Governments, Weed Board, Safety Committee, Community Action Program (NESDCAP), Local Emergency Planning Committee, and Fair Board/4H. Further new business items include authorizing credit card use, approving payroll and claims, publishing 2026 Salaries, appointing members to the Webster Housing and Redevelopment Commission, and authorizing the Auditor's office to process special bill runs. Financial matters include approving the Treasurer's Investment Policy for 2026. Departmental topics include a New Hire for Ambulance, Salary Clarification for the States Attorney, a Dishwasher Purchase and Jail Cost Review for the Sheriff, and a Bid Letting for the Highway Department. Discussion items cover facility closures for Martin Luther King Day, a State Aid Agreement for VSO, and Fund Transfers for Capital Outlay and Museum Moving Expenses.

The Commission addressed public comment regarding the reopening of 149th Street. Key actions included approving the payroll for the period ending November 29, 2025, and approving various audited claims for services, repairs, supplies, and utilities. Reports were noted from the Treasurer and the Register of Deeds for their respective areas, including year-end cash examinations and fee receipts for November 2025. The Board approved overtime needs for the Jail, Sheriff's Office, and Highway Department for 2026, and approved the purchase of a Tonneau Cover. The VSO provided an end-of-year report, noting significant funds received by Veterans. The body recessed to convene as the Planning, Zoning, and Drainage Board to approve several plats. Further actions included approving applications for 2026 Bridge Improvement Grants, authorizing procurement bids for fuel and tires, approving part-time hires for the Highway Department, approving the resignation of a Highway employee, approving the hiring of a full-time Day County Auditor, approving part-time help for the Auditor's Office, approving the 2026 Annual Fair Board Lease Agreement, approving a general wage increase for most County employees, approving an interest transfer, amending a resolution regarding county levies due to TIF increment value, and appointing a Highway Superintendent for 2026-2027.