The Murray County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Tuesday, June 04, 2024. All board members were present for the meeting. Travis Radke’s ditch inspection report included four petitions. These included one each on CD 80,CD 40, CD 57 and CD 75.
Bonnie Christiansen covers ten counties for the MN Extension Service. She, along with her co workers, each briefly described the focus of the programs offered. Notably, there has been an increase in interest in passing on farming enterprises.
Luke Schryvers, CEO, Murray County Medical Center, presented his monthly report. The vacancy in the ER will be covered by both Jennifer Hillested and Paige Freeman. An outeach provider has been interviewed to be available monthly to provide OB/GYN services. Efforts have been undertaken to provide Chronic Care Management to enhance care coordination and improve the overall patient outcomes within our communities. Two grant requests were not selected. Legislation will provide additional funding for the EMS providers. Financially April was a strong month with 28 patient days to acute care. This is an increase of 92 days year to date. The increase also increased expenses, however. For the month there was a negative net income of $69,189. May numbers are also expected to be strong.
Zoning Administrator Jean Christoffels presented the CUP of R.A. Muecke Sand & Gravel to operate a gravel mining operation in Sec 1, Belefast Township. They will be required to create a pond for the landowner with a perimeter at a gentle grade and sloped.
Pelican Bay Addition Development Contract was approved to allow the owner to sell lots prior to completion of the roadway and infrastructure. Doug Rupp is developing 29 lots and two outlots on 66.09 acres in Section 24, Lake Sarah Township.
Seven students serving as interns in Murray County through the Southwest Private Industry Council were introduced to the Commissioners. The projects aim is to retain students following graduation from their programs. The interns are placed at the medical center, the Sheriff’s office, an investment office and with an electrician.
The staff of the Murray County Historical Museum has requested the hiring of Janet Timmerman as a consultant through September at a cost not to exceed $12,000. Staffing shortages over the past year allow the cost. Timmerman will assist Director Nick Demuth with grant writing and prioritizing projects. She will also assist and train the Collections Assistant.
The Southwest Minnesota Adult Mental Health Consortium, an 18 county Joint Powers entity, requested a funding commitment from each county. This will be placed in a fund reserved to cover expenses between billing and grant funds being received. Murray County is 2.9% of the population within the consortium and was asked for $22,886 to be placed in the restricted fund. Without the commitment, the County will be solely responsible for a consumer stay at an Intensive Residential Treatment Center at a cost of $50,000-$70,000 for a 90 day stay.
