The regular meeting of the Murray County Board of Commissioners was held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Commissioner Molly Malone was absent from this meeting.
County Administrator Carolyn McDonald and Auditor Treasurer Heidi Winter presented the resolution to set the Preliminary 2024 Levy amount. The levy may be lowered but no increase is allowed prior to setting the permanent amount. On the motion of Commissioner Thiner, seconded by Commissioner Gunnink the levy will be increased by 4% netting the County an estimated addition of nearly $372,000.
The hearing to set the budget was scheduled for November 28 at 6:00 p.m.
An additional resolution was approved to commit interest earnings on County reserved funds in an amount over $500,000 to fund broadband infrastructure until 95% of the County has the service available.
Economic Development Coordinator Justine Wettschrek presented the EDA loan request of Trevor Holm, dba TVO Ventures. Holm has requested $100,000 gap financing for the purchase of the Pizza Ranch. The loan was approved on the recommendation of the EDA Committee at 4% interest on a 25 yr loan. At the end of ten years a balloon payment will be refinanced.
The final payment will be made following inspection of the dam next Spring. Murray County will be reimbursed for the full cost of the project through a grant from the Conservation Legacy Grant. Parks/Fairgrounds Manager Justin Hoffman requested approval of $15,000 for gravel to be used for roadways in the parking area on the south end of the fairgrounds. His team will provide the labor. The racing association has expressed an interest in using the dirt on the race track.
Carolyn McDonald presented a draft copy of the job description for a newly created position of Facilities Manager that was given approval.
