By: Joanne Bergman The Murray County Board of Commissioners met on September 16, 2025, in a regularly scheduled session. Zoning Administrator Jean Christoffels received approval of request for an additional $250,000 towards the Septic Loan Program. To date that program has distributed #176,600 in 2025 for 12 systems, with eight additional requests waiting to be processed. The monies are loaned to update septic systems with repayment at 4% on either a 5- or 10-year repayment plan.
A contract for two AIS billboards along highway 59 in the amount of $10,374 was approved. The boards are changed every six months urging boaters to Clean Drain and Dry to protect Murray County lakes from aquatic invasive species.
Parks Director Justin Hoffmann received approval for the rental of the 4-H building to the Grain Exchange for an annual pool tournament at which alcohol will be served. Proper paperwork has been received for the event. The request of the Cattleman’s Association to install a heater in their new building at their own expense was approved. This will allow the storage of equipment and cleaning up of equipment following an event.
Building Facilities Manager Nathan Wurpts was given approval for the installation of an air conditioner for the highway department’s sign shop. It is needed to reduce moisture condensation that is causing rusting of metal parts. Mike’s Plumbing submitted the low quote at $5,500 with electrical service to be an additional cost. Wurpts also received approval of his request for the purchase of a late model vehicle to cost less by the than $45,000 to replace two older vehicles that have been sold due to age and condition. The vehicle will primarily be used by Environmental Services using AIS funding.
His next request was also approved for software updating of the system that controls heat, cooling and ventilation of the buildings. The cost of $8993 plus annual updates will keep the systems currant.
Another request from Wurpts, the purchase of a lawn tractor with mowing and snow moving implements at a cost of $21,865.89, was also approved. The only quote he was able to obtain was from Kibble Equipment.
Human Resources Director Sharon Giese informed the Commissioners that a cookout is planned for September 23 at the recommendation of the Wellness Committee as a Thank You to the staff members. She also received approval of her request to hire former deputy sheriff Toubua Lee as an intermittent employee to fill vacant schedule slots as he is able. This a short term solution to allow time for recruitment and hiring of a new deputy.
Travis Radke, Ditch Inspector, explained the request of Mark Beech for a $225.89 compensation for land he was unable to plant due to maintenance work on the ditch on his rental land. He states that he receives no benefit from that ditch. His claim was denied as their is no current precedence for making such payment. It was suggested that Beech should speak with the landowner who pays for the maintenance of the ditch.
Rebuilding Together MN Program Director Emily Osterkamp explained the program that aims to assist disabled and low income individual with housing repairs. Murray County budgeted $84,736 towards the program for 2025. To date $43,653 have been spent on two homes in Iona and two in Fulda for ramps and roofs. They currently have numerous applications under consideration.
The Public Meeting held for input on the DNR new policy to allow rifles for use in deer hunting drew several individuals to the board room. Comments were taken both for and against the policy. Opponents commented on the longer distance of rifle shells creating a danger to individuals in the hunting area as opposed to that of shotgun shells. Proponents felt that better training of young hunters and the increased accuracy from rifles will lessen the dangers. The Commissioners will take all comments under advisement and will make a decision later as to whether Murray County will ban rifles and limit hunting to shotguns.
