The Murray County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on April 2, 2024. Auditor Treasurer Heidi Winter presented the bills for ditch repairs. Included in those bills was $41,666 for petitioned repairs on Judicial Ditch 10. There was also an additional legal fee of $667.50 in an effort to obtain payment of expenses to repair County Ditch 11. The collapse of the tile had caused damage to Highway 30 near Lake Wilson.
The Board was asked to consider the use of Reserve Fund monies to cover the costs of two projects: the picnic shelter replacement on East Lake Sarah Park and the Fairgrounds Bingo Stand addition and repairs. Each of those project bids exceeded the estimated cost by approximately $30,000. The Board did approve the use of Reserve Funds. The balance of that fund will remain as budgeted with additional revenue coming from the wind tower taxes.
Bids were opened for the replacement of a Cameron Township bridge. Of the seven bids received Midwest Contracting LLC submitted the low bid at $365,801.85 and was accepted by the Board.
Luke Schryvers, CEO of the Murray County Medical Center presented his monthly report. Interviews for an additional physician continue with ongoing conversations with those candidates. ER Provider Denay Kelly has resigned with applications already considered. A new Advertising Director is being sought following the resignation of Amber Sorenson. February was a busy month with acute admissions up by 17 from 2023. Surgeries were up by 24 compared to 2023. ER visits and Clinic visits were also up. Cash on hand was at $9M on February 28th with a positive net income of $294,000 year to date. Cash will be dropping during the month of March with the cyber incident with the claims processing firm of Change Healthcare/Assurance. Medicare claims cannot be processed until they are once again online.
Zoning Administrator Jean Christoffels presented the Conditional Use Permit for the additional of six campsites in Sundquist County Park. The park is located on 12.97 acres in Section 16, Lake Sarah Township. There are currently 14 camp sites and 3 tent sites in the park. The new sites will include concrete pads and electrical pedestals. Findings show there is adequate water and sewer available to service the addition. On the recommendation of the Planning Commission the CUP was approved.
Chistoffels along with Sarah Soderholm requested the use of $5000 of the Aquatic Invasive Species funds to participate in a video ad campaign educating the public on the subject of AIS. The Board approved the expenditure.
At the request of IT Manager Jason Lohrenz a Broadband Committee was designated for discussions, planning and grant proposals. Commissioners Molly Malone and Dennis Welgraven volunteered to serve with approval given by the Board.
Eric Jones of Schaap Sanitation discussed a new recycling shed contract to run from April 1 for three years. With new methods of collection with the use of the garbage trucks versus the pickup and trailer method, Schaap’s have reduced the cost by $1477 a month. The savings were passed along to the County with the new contract.
Terry Nelson of Woodstock Communications was on hand to update the Commission on the progress of Broadband installation within Murray County. The west half of Slayton and the rural area adjoining will be completed in 2024. Lake Sarah Township and the area west of Lake Shetek are also slated for 2024 completion. Installation in the east half of Slayton is planned for completion in 2025. A grant is proposed for 75% of the costs on installation in Skandia and Lowville Townships. Nelson asked for 12.5% support from Murray County ($485,000) as matching funds to be included in the grant proposal. If successful the installation will be completed in 2026. The Board has identified Broadband availability as a primary need for development within the County.
The End O Line Park and Museum Supervisor will be Jacob Halverson. He will begin work on April 18 according to Human Resources Director Charlotte Seager.
