By Joanne Bergman The Murray County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. Commissioner Meier was absent from this meeting.
Ditch Inspector Travis Radke presented repair petitions on Judicial Ditch 20 in Bondin Township and another on Judicial Ditch 20A in Shetek Township with a third petition on Judicial Ditch 14 in Chanarambie Township. On County Ditch 87 Quentin Fabro was given approval to reroute the tile line that is currently running under his home at his own expense.
The line will continue to outlet at the same location. An analysis of County Ditch 43 from Bolton & Menk was reviewed with Radke. The tile lines were installed at the proper grades; however the depth of the tile is not correct. The options discussed were: to do nothing or to replace the tile at the depth in the design. Any work on the system will require an improvement petition from the landowners. The Murray County Septic Loan Program was given an infusion of $100,000. The program provides loans to update existing septic systems at an interest rate of 4% to be paid as an assessment over a period of five or ten years. As installation Agreement was approved. This grant also provides funds to low-income families for septic tank upgrades with the amount increased in 2024-25 from $21,200 to $42,558.
A Conditional Use Permit was approved to allow Red Rock Rural Water System to expand further into Murray County. The permit allows the construction of water treatment plant in Section 20, Des Moines River Township. The $5-6Million facility will produce 100 Million gallons each year and will expand of service to South Lake. Sarah and East Lake Shetek Townships. Cost of hookups is $16,000 with an increase to $18,000 on January 1, 2024. Construction is slated to begin in a week or so.
County Assessor presented the abatement agreement of Jim and Carla Goedtke. They will be refunded the amount of real estate tax since March 8, 2023. A that time the adjoining building failed and threatened the Goedtkes’ building and they have been unable to use it since that date.
The contract for Medical Examiners Services was approved with River Valley Forensic Services, LLC under the leadership of Dr. Kelly Mills. The contract remains unchanged from previous years. The services are mandated and must continue.
A Resolution was approved declaring Murray County as a Green Light Operation. Green lights placed in windows will honor veterans who have served their nation and returned to private lives. November 6-12 are the designated dates for placement of the lights Human Resources Director Ronda Radke informed the Board of the hiring of Terry Beers as License Center Supervisor at a salary of $23.41 as of October 30. Current clerk Tessa Risacher will receive a wage increase as of the same date to $20.84.
Health Insurance costs were the next topic of consideration. After numerous meetings a $500,000 contribution will be made to the fund to offset the large increase in premiums paid by employees. Another 10% of the premiums will also be paid by the County with no increase to be paid by employees.
A continued hearing on the Redetermination of Benefits on County Ditch 42 and County Ditch 54 was held. Scott Henderson of H2OverViewers presented the data. CD 42 increased from 557Acres to 2,387 Acres with benefits increasing to $3.8M. CD 54 increased from 221Acres to 754Acres with benefits increasing to $1.3M. The Board accepted the findings.
