By Joanne Bergman The Murray County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on May 2, 2023. They gave their approval to a gambling permit to allow the Shetek Sportsmen to hold a raffle at Key Largo on October 14, 2023. Action was taken to accept the 2023 Snowmobile Trail Assistance Program dollars. Murray County acts as the pass through of the funds to the Slayton Driftbreakers Snowmobile Club. The funds are used to maintain the trails throughout the County. Approval was given for the use of a new credit card through MnWest Bank and the cancellation of a previous card. Signers on the card include Mary Ellen Moline, Jason Lohrenz, Sheriff Heath Landsman and deputies Bryan Bose and Chris Lewis.
Ditch Inspector Travis Radke outlined a list of drainage ditches in need of petitioned repairs.
Murray County Medical Center CEO Luke Shryvers presented his monthly report of activities and finances. Recruitment of an additional provider has continued with interviews of three candidates. Recruitment efforts have become more urgent as Dr. Steve Snow has submitted his resignation. A residential move to Madison SD has proved to be a difficult commute. It is hoped that he will remain on staff until a replacement is found.
MCMC was one of the 15% of hospitals recognized across the country as providing an “Outstanding Patient Experience”. The excellent work of staff members is responsible for this award.
Urology services will once again be available on a monthly basis provided by Dr. Gillett from Sioux Falls based Urology Specialists. Diagnostic medical sonographer, Maleah Aggen, is now certified for vascular testing so an outside service will no longer be needed.
Financially unrestricted cash was increased by $757,000 with the moving of formerly restricted COVID funds. While acute admission numbers have remained steady in comparison to the past year, the length of stay has fallen dramatically by 85 days. Net income for the month of March was a negative $42,379. Year to date loss is at $4,162. March and April are normally slow months for activity, according to Shryvers.
Bonnie Christiansen, Regional Extension Educator, along with Kim Hause, Murray County 4-H Educator, requested consideration of the addition of another .50 FTE 4-H Educator beginning on January 1,2024. The 4-H program has grown with additional members, volunteers and programs. Nobles County will be asked to also increase the 4-H program to a .50FTE position with that person to be shared with Murray County. The cost of the position will be $40,324 in 2024.
Sheriff Landsman requested the purchase of two items for the newly acquired squad vehicle. Both items are budgeted items and include truck drawer system at $1,349.99 and the radar at $2,350. The Boat and Water Grant at $2815 was accepted.
Parks Director Justin Hoffman presented the request of Hospice for a car show and to serve beer on the fairgrounds on July 29. Hospice will be responsible for insurance coverage for the event.
Zoning Administrator Jean Christoffels presented a Conditional Use Permit to allow the addition of three camp sites in Section 11, Leeds Township. This will expand Camp Summit to ten sites. Owner Peter Van Velzen was present. A CUP was also approved to allow Aaron & Bridget Kluis a new feedlot in Section 32, Fenton Township. Along with the CUP they were allowed a two year extension for completion in 2025 in hopes of better construction costs.
Human Resources Director Ronda Radke informed the Commissioners of the hiring of Jeffrey Swanson as Highway Maintenance Worker thus filling the staffing of that department.
