2026.
The bulk of the June 16th meeting of the Murray County Board of Commissioners was taken up by a public hearing and discussion regarding the impoundment, modification and partial abandonment of Murray County Judicial Ditch 14 – something that has been under discussion since February of this year. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources owns land in section 9 of Leeds Township and had petitioned the county to do some work on JD 14, restoring hydrologic conditions and restoring wetlands.
Commissioners on Tuesday heard an overview of the project from engineer Bill Douglas, who stated that the DNR would bear all the costs of the work. Ditch expert Bill Kolb walked commissioners through the hearing process, which resulted in unanimous approval of the project after they concluded the project and its results would be of benefit to public and private land.
Commissioners also approved a proposal of bidding and construction administration services from LHB for rehabilitation of the turntable at End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum.
LHB completed a grant-funded assessment report of the turntable in 2019, which addressed the condition of the stone retaining wall, a prevalence of standing water in the bowl of the turntable and the condition of the steel trestle-style turntable. In 2021, LHB provided the Minnesota Historical Society with design drawings, specifications and a cost estimate for repair.
With the current proposal approved, LHB will visit the site to update any changes in the condition of the turntable since 2021 and then send the project out for bids in August. The project is expected to be complete by December
County Coordinator Sharon Giese presented commissioners with a recommendation to increase wages for county seasonal employees. Commissioners approved a $1.00 per hour raise, retroactive to the beginning of the 2026 seasonal schedule.
