The Grinch Visits 1st Grade at MCC

By Joanne Bergman The Murray County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 with all members present.

County Attorney Travis Smith was present to discuss the activities of his office. He has seen an increase in the complexity of some of his cases. There has been an increase of time in settling of cases, especially for trials, with a change in the judicial system. Sex-texting has increased among young teens with a need to handle the cases so that they are labeled as sex offenders with the lifetime consequences of that notation. Smith’s salary along with those of other elected officials will be discussed and finalized at next week’s meeting.

Emergency Management Director Carl Nyquist received approval of a Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant. This is an update of the previous grant with his time the only match required. It thus has no impact on his budget. Nyquist has completed the required 200 hrs of coursework and was presented with his HSEM Directors Certificate.

The bid opening for the Lime Lake Dam Project was held with nine firms presenting bids. The apparent low bid came from Henning Construction of Adrian and was well below the $367,700 estimate. The award will be finalized at next week’s meeting.

Jean Christoffels presented the 2023 AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) plan and budget. The budget was lowered by Ten Thousand Dollars to $136,000 with a change to increase the education awareness portion due to the unknown extent of the infestation of Lake Shetek. A grant in the amount of $333,000 has been received to transform the Lake Sarah Outlet to a Rock Arch Rapids. The grant requires a 10% County match and expires June 30, 2025. Legal services on zoning matters were once again approved with Scott Anderson, Jay Squires and their associates at the continuing rate of $5000 a year.

Ditch Inspector Travis Radke had only one repair petition. That was in Section 18, Holly Township to repair a blowout.

Chief Deputy Heath Landsmann requested approval to replace the motor on the Jon boat used for aeration, placement of buoys and water rescues. A 2003 used unit will be replaced at a cost of $9,590 with a 60hp unit. The cost will be shared with the Parks Department. The Board approved the budgetted purchase of a new 2023 Silverado pickup as squad vehicle at a cost of $44,990 to be delivered later in 2023. A 2014 Dodge Durango was placed on the surplus equipment list. A gift of $800 from the Bjorge family was accepted. The family made the donation in memory of their son William Bjorge who passed away as a result of a tragic accident at the Murray County Fair in 2002.

Highway Engineer Randy Groves received approval on three agreements. One will continue funding of Federal Aid on certain road projects. Two others will finalize forms needed to receive payment for flood repair projects made in 2018. A bid opening was set for replacement of a Lowville Township bridge in 2023. This had previously been set as a 2024 project.

County Administrator Carolyn McDonald received support on a Community Supervision Resolution. This supports a resolution made at the AMC Conference to petition the legislature for an increase in funding for the correction programs. The County share of Opiod Settlement monies in the amount of $58,565.61 will be directed to Public Health for education programs.

County Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Winter presented the final levy amount for consideration. The 2023 budget of $8,655,308 will increase by $345,685, a 4.16% increase. This does include the 5% salary increase given to employees. Changes can be made to decrease the budget until December 27 when final approval will be needed.