-
Nancy Pieske and Dennis Welgraven
The Murray County Board of Commissioners opened the March 15th meeting by acknowledging the retirement of Nancy Pieske following thirty six years in the Extension office.
Economic Development Director was given approval of an $16,000 EDA loan to the Feed Shak. The loan was supported also by the Fulda EDA and USDA loan program.
Auditor Treasurer Heidi Winter presented to subordination requests. The action will allow the loan holder first place on the mortgages with a special assessment by the County to ensure payment of the septic loan.
Chief Deputy Heath Landsmann presented the City Contracts for signatures. The small cities of Dovray, Currie, Chandler, Hadley, Lake Wilson and Avoca are assessed by population for law enforcement coverage. The sheriff’s deputies enforce City Ordinances with the cities retaining the fines. Iona’s contract still needs to be approved by the City Council before coming to the Commissioners. Each deputy is assigned to work with a city to become familiar with ordinances and city personnel.
Jon Bloemendal presented the End of the Year Worksheet, Feedlot Report and Year End Review from MN Pollution Control on feed lot inspections. There are 435 feedlots of various sizes within the County. Locations vary each year, however, the number remains fairly consistent. The feedlot inspection budget is $48,150 a year with Murray County contributing $24,690.
County Assessor Marcy Barritt discussed increased property values as tax statements will soon be mailed. Agriculture values will increase 10-15% based on sales from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021 to reflect higher sale prices and to remain within State statutes to assess at 90-105% of value. In Slayton and Fulda, home values will rise 20-30% for those same reasons. There are fines attached for not following assessment guidelines, according to Barritt.
Jean Christoffels, Zoning Administrator, presented the CSAH 13 (Valhalla Road) Environment Assessment Worksheet. A Public Hearing had been held on March 7 to receive comments on the proposed project. There were no negative findings. This is the first step of many that will be needed if the project is to move forward. The entire project is dependent on State approved funding with no designs or permits to be completed until funding is approved.
Christoffels also led discussion in regard to wind production taxes. It was just recently learned that Murray County will be short $439,000 in those taxes for the current year a 30% loss of revenue. The question was asked as to why Murray County turbines remain unused while newer ones in Nobles County are running. The answer probably lies in the fact that the newer towers are more efficient and cheaper to maintain along with not being as highly assessed on production. The the older ones located in Murray County are thus being curtailed during periods of low usage. The topic will remain under discussion until more conversations can be held with other County officials.
Human Resources Director Ronda Radke reported the hiring of two new deputies, Derek Van Dam and Touhoua (Tommy) Lee following successful completion of all the required pre employment tests. The two positions have been open for some time with no qualified candidates. Two meal servers, Joyce Lupkes and Chantal Redar have been hired to work at Sunrise Terrace on weekends at $19.03 per hr. They will work individually alternating weekends under the supervision of the Sunrise Terrace Director. Carol Veldhuisen, the current director has submitted her resignation as of April 29. Jail Administrator Donna Mollema has resigned as of March 4.
Following the business portion of the meeting the Commissioners held a Work Session to discuss the process of hiring a new County Administrator. It was their decision to proceeds immediately with advertising to reach out for a candidate. A review of the job description will be made prior to hiring to determine any changes that may be needed. It is hoped it will not be necessary to bring in an interim.
