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Murray County Commissioners recognized the years of service for employees. Tim Kunselman 5 years, Mary Ellen Moline 30 years, Jean Christoffels 25 years, Lisa Carlson 15 years, Randy Groves 30 years, Curt Like 30 years. Not Pictured: Luke Isder 15 years and Travis Radke 5 years.
By Joanne Bergman The Murray County Board of Commissioners met on December 17, 2024. This was the regularly scheduled meeting for the third Tuesday of the month. County Attorney Travis Smith was on hand to comment on the recent action of the Board to support the Wonder World efforts to construct a new facility. The original motion was for $750,000 to be taken from the General Funds of the County to provide a loan to Wonder World. Mr. Smith advised the Commissioners that, according to statute, they had no authority to provide a loan to any private or non-profit organization. Their action is limited to providing the funds to the Economic Development Authority for a restricted purpose. The Board then rescinded the original motion from Oct. 1st to correct this error which passed unanimously. Lori Gunnink then presented a new motion to transfer $750,000 to the EDA with restricted funds for use by Wonder World for their project. No public comment was taken. Commissioner Gunnink asked if this change in funding will affect the grant process for Wonder World. Justine Wettschreck, Murray County EDA Coordinator, was able to give an update on this. She also provided updated estimates and a rendering of the design. The new estimates put them closer to $2.5 million on the project. Commissioner Malone expressed her opinion that she had been blind sided by the action, as there had been no previous discussion of the issue. She also felt “this kind of behavior does not support a healthy community, a healthy board or healthy county government”. Board Chair Jackie Meier stopped Malone and moved to a roll call vote on the motion. There were two ayes (from Molly Malone and Lori Gunnink) and three nays (from Jackie Meier, Dennis Welgrav-en and Dave Thiner). Board Chair Meier than asked Wonder World to come back with their costs and business plan to discuss again. When asked by Malone, Smith stated that the request for his legal opinion had come from the County Administrator Carolyn McDonald and Board Chair Jackie Meier. He also stated that any further request for a legal opinion must be submitted by the Board as a whole and not by any individual or individuals.
The bid opening for the Currie Highway Department Shop found Murray Township as the only bidder. The sale price of $21,800 was the minimum bid to be selected and was based on the market value of the property.
In financial actions, County Highway Engineer Randy Groves was given approval for the payment of $544,884.85 to Towne & Country Excavation for installation of a box culvert on CSAH 42. Final payment of $18,3203.24 was approved to Midwest Contracting LLC for installation of the box culvert in Cameron Township. A purchase of $13,496.70 was approved for hydraulic hose making equipment and fittings.
Parks Director Justin Hoffman requested the purchase of a Bobcat Loader at a cost of $16,731.67. The machine has been on a yearly replacement cycle.
Zoning Administrator Jean Christoffels received approval of a payment of $195,391.25 to Rupp Construction for the Rock Arch Bridge on Lake Shetek. 90% of the project costs will be reimbursed through a Conservation Partners Legacy Grant. Final completion will be completed in the Spring.
Approval was given to a final levy amount of 3% over 2024 for a total levy amount of $9,271,075. This amount will leave the County short of nearly $346,000 with that amount to be taken from the $2M reserve fund. The decrease in the levy was possible with the elimination of $250,000 for fair ground race track lighting. The project will be done with use of wind power production income.
Consideration was given to salaries for elected officials. A 5% increase across the board was approved with the exception that the Commissioners would remain at the current level of $23,152.50. Sheriff Landsman was denied his request for an increase of 8% to make his compensation more in line with others in Counties of similar size and in consideration of his years of experience.
Zoning Administrator Jean Christoffels discussed article 27 of the Cannabis Regulations. A Public Hearing was held on December 5th to hear comments. The regulations will allow only one cannabis business within the County.
