By Joanne Bergman The Murray County Board of Commissioners met in regular session with members present on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
The contract with Tri Minn to provide financial software for use in county offices was approved in the amount of $8,245.22. Murray County is one of the users of the program with a total premium of One Million dollars shared with others.
A Subordination request on a septic system loan was approved that will allow a lender to come before Murray County. Auditor Treasurer Heidi Winter explained that the improvements being financed on the property would increase the value to cover the septic loan.
Parks Manager Justin Hoffmann, along with Ag Inspector Jon Bloemendaal informed the Board of a plan to begin removal of ash trees from County parks and the fairground over the next ten years in expectation of the invasion of the Emerald Ash Bore. Trees of various varieties will be planted to replace them. A plan of gradual removal and replacement will be used to allow parks staff to water and care for the newly planted trees.
Jean Christoffels received approval by the Board to submit the Cottonwood-Middle Minnesota Watershed Plan to the Board of Water & Soil Resources (BWSR). There are thirteen counties involved in the creation of the plan. She also was given approval on an order of 5000 Maps of Murray County Parks at a cost of $12,880.31. The maps are placed in kiosks throughout the park system. They are made of waterproof non tearable paper with the addition of QR code for this printing. The purchase will be paid with Aquatic Invasive Species monies with a total of $468,965 in the fund.
Another contract for software was approved with Counties Providing Technologies. The system has fourteen options used by County offices. The contract extends two years until December 31, 2026.
Approval was given to the Murray County Health Insurance and Employer Contribution for 2025. The action covers both County and hospital employees with a 10% increase overall. 2025 Ancillary Benefits were also set for 2025 with no increases, with the exception of dental insurance.
A date of November 26 was set for the Budget Hearing at 6:00 p.m. The preliminary budget was approved for 2025 with a 6.75% increase with a total budget increase of $607,239. The budget will continue to be reviewed and revised until the hearing date, but may not be increased beyond the current approved rate.
Emergency Management Director Carl Nyquist provided updates in regard to FEMA’s actions in Murray County. The Fulda Senior Center will be the go-to site for in person registration and information to receive payment of damages occurring between June 16-July 4. Damages may be claimed as a result of flooding, heavy rain, wind or hail during that period. Payments have been swift with $115,000 paid during the first week. This is the first time FEMA has offered assistance in Murray County according to Nyquist.
