The Murray County Commissioners on Tuesday passed resolutions to move forward the process of using general obligation bonds and notes to finance the purchase of new X-ray equipment and the construction/ remodel needed at the Murray County Medical Center to make it fit.
According to MCMC CEO Luke Schryvers, the conversation regarding new X-ray equipment has gone on for some time and bids have been received. Although the hospital is in a strong financial position, it was advised that funds not be depleted.
George Eilertson of Northland Securities was on-hand to walk commissioners through what the process would be to secure general obligation bonds and notes. The G.O. Capital Improvement bonds can be used to finance the remodel, and this process requires a public hearing. A resolution was passed to set that hearing date for September 1, 2026.
For the equipment purchase, G.O. Notes will be used. Neither of the G.O. finance options will affect the county levy – hospital revenue will be used to pay the debt service.
Schryvers received approval for a request to purchase a new ambulance. There is an ambulance rig replacement account to fund the purchase. The oldest ambulance is a 2014, and Schryvers said the vehicle is struggling.
Commissioners approved a conditional use permit for Scott & Marcy Berglund, who plan to expand their ag service business. Approval was also given for a conditional use permit for The Towers, LLC. This particular CUP request was remanded back to the planning and zoning commission earlier this summer for reconsideration after new information regarding the tower was received. After a second discussion of the CUP, planning and zoning recommended approval of the project.
There have been several discussions recently regarding storage options for the Sheriff’s Office equipment stored at the old highway department facility. The facility recently sold at auction. The items stored there need to be moved to a climatecontrolled building.
The Building Committee evaluated several options, including the recycling center and the impound lot building, deciding the impound lot made most sense due to existing security and the proximity to the impound lot. Facilities Manager Nathan Wurpts had requested quotes from contractors to insulate and update the building.
Interim County Engineer Nick Bergman met with commissioners, updating them on various projects and discussing expectations for hours and board meetings.
