By Joanne Bergman The Murray County Board of Commissioners met in the final meeting of the month on April 22, 2025. Ditch bills were presented by Auditor Treasurer Heidi Winter for repair of ditch systems and the cost of Redetermination of Benefits on several systems. That cost was nearly $8600.
Fairgrounds Administrator Justin Hoffmann requested the replacement of the water heater in the race track concession stand. It was the decision of the board to go with the more expensive Marathon heater because of its longer service life.
Hoffmann also requested an amount up to $5500 for application of Calcium Chloride to all the gravel roads in the fairgrounds. The application last year worked very well with some areas retaining portions of the product these past months.
County Administrator Carolyn McDonald presented a job description for the position of Deputy Administrator/Human Resources that was given approval. The Human Resources position has been vacant for some time with few applications.
McDonald also received approval for the rehiring of two seasonal Museum Assistant. Lisa Siverson and Nancy Moberg will both be returning this season.
Economic Development Coordinator Justine Wettschreck presented two applications for Tax Abatement on new construction, both of which were approved. Robert and Kristen Rohrer will be building a new residence at 6 Cheryl Avenue with a value of $750,000. Eric and Stella Miller will be building their new home at 18 Royal Oaks, Garvin at a cost of $900,000. On April 1st, the Board had also approved the application of Darren and Lisa Saner for a new home to replace the structure destroyed by fire. The value of their home will be $499,268.87. The abatement forgives the Murray County portion of the real estate tax over the previous value of the property for a five year period.
Wettschreck also presented the application of the Murray County Cattleman’s Association for an $80,000 loan from the Revolving Loan Fund. The terms call for a ten year repayment at 4% interest with a six month deferral of payments and interest. This a part of the funding plan for a new food building at the northwest corner of the fairgrounds with spring construction planned.
The Commissioners adjourned at the end of business for a work session for education and planning.
