By: Joanne Bergman During the Nov. 18 Murray County Board of Commissioners meeting, the board approved a letter of support and financial support to a grant that would enable Lismore Telephone to expand its fiber network two miles into the City of Fulda. The grant, if received, will allow for two hubs within the city at this time. Those hubs will give Lismore Telephone capability to expand services in two phases to 785 residents and commercial sites. The board approved financial support of 20 percent of the cost, at $36,000. They have been setting aside funds each year to support fiber network within the county. Commissioners said they are cognizant of the fact that there are other communities within the county without access to high-speed internet and that this is only a start to finding the solution.
A Joint Powers Agreement for Area II MN River Basin Pro was approved allowing twoyear terms for board members to become indefinite until terminated.
The FY2026-2027 State of Minnesota Board of Water Resources Block Grant Agreement was approved on the request of Jean Christoffels. The monies have been reduced to 20-23 levels at $89,873. The low-income septic loan funding has been reduced to $14,575 from $60,000. According to Christoffels, this is a fund that is quickly depleted each year.
Highway Engineer Randy Groves received approval to allow MNDOT use of Murray County’s salt shed. MNDOT has not completed the project to replace the local shed. In exchange for use of the shed, MNDOT will purchase salt for Murray County’s use this winter season.
Sheriff Heath Landsman received approval for the $4,650 purchase of equipment to record 911 text messages with funds from the 911 monies.
A donation of $5,000 was accepted to End O Line Park. The bequest was made by the family of Sidney Lindmark, who recently passed away. Members of his family had been teachers at the Sunrise School, which is now one of the attractions in the park.
Sunrise Terrace Manager Jessica Staples received approval for the purchase of five new dining tables to replace the original ones. The purchase of 20 new electric ranges for the apartments was put on hold for the next meeting. Service costs will be ascertained prior to the final decision.
Appointments were approved to the Lincoln Pipestone Rural Water System for four-year terms. Those appointed are Jerry Lonneman, Joseph Weber and Scott Wassink. The meeting was then closed for confidential discussion with legal counsel in regard to a pending union grievance scheduled for mediation.
