Cottonwood County

The board reviewed various assessment data including homestead exclusion changes, agricultural sales, and market value fluctuations. A property owner's request regarding an agricultural homestead was heard and denied. The board reviewed and approved several recommendations from the County Assessor to reduce building values for multiple parcels based on adjustments for grade, condition, basement finishes, and class code reclassifications.

The board discussed and approved several conditional use permits for various projects, including a shop construction and a turkey feedlot. Personnel changes were approved regarding a jailer/dispatcher position. The board also accepted equipment quotes for air conditioning and furnace units at the public health building and approved a joint powers agreement for workforce innovation. Additionally, the board authorized a fund transfer from the Tax Forfeiture fund to the General Fund, reviewed building project updates, discussed per diem claims for broadband meetings, and established an interview committee for a Public Works Director position.

The board conducted public hearings regarding residential property tax abatements for two single-family home construction projects. Presentations were provided regarding the PowerOn Midwest initiative and updates were shared concerning zoning requirements at the Windom airport. The board accepted a staff resignation, discussed the vacant Public Works Director position, and authorized the hiring of an insurance broker to assist with an RFP for health insurance plans. Additionally, the board approved monthly warrant payments and received updates regarding Minnesota Rural Counties, crop damages, roadwork proposals, and building projects.

The board conducted a public hearing for the redetermination of benefits for various county and judicial ditches. Actions taken included the adoption of resolutions calling for public hearings on proposed tax abatements for new residential projects, approval of an interim use permit for an asphalt plant, and the hiring of seasonal staff. The board also authorized the purchase of elevator modules for the fire alarm system, approved May warrants, and provided funding for local school daycares using federal assistance funds. Additionally, the board approved a contract for roof replacement at the public health building and reached a consensus to proceed with an addition and remodeling project for the N71 campus to consolidate family services and public health offices.

The board approved a $50,000 loan from the Blandin Seed Capital Fund to the BARC Building for roof repairs at a 4.75% interest rate. Approval was granted for the County Attorney to apply for the Crime Victim Service Grant and for the adoption of amended Opioid Settlement Advisory Council bylaws. Personnel actions included the hiring of a part-time Landfill Scale Operator and several seasonal employees for parks and highway departments. Additionally, the board approved April warrants totaling $118,870.92, discussed insurance requirements for the use of a chain-linked fence area as a basketball court by the DAC, reviewed voting options for upcoming elections, and received a building update.