[0:08] God.

[0:11] We will call this meeting to order. Note the presence of a quorum with all

[0:15] commissioners present. I would ask you to please stand. Before the pledge, we

[0:21] would like to have a moment of silence for the uh 343

[0:26] firefighters who lost their lives in the tower. uh the first responders and all

[0:31] the victims of 9/11.

[0:43] Now, if you please join us in the pledge.

[0:48] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to

[0:53] [clears throat] the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,

[0:57] indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [clears throat]

[1:05] » Thank you. And on Friday, uh, the Aken Fire Department will have their

[1:09] customary display [clears throat] of 343 flags, uh, denoting the number of

[1:16] firefighters who lost their lives in 911. Um, along with the aerial ladder

[1:21] truck and the flag. Um,

[1:29] » and also happy anniversary, Dave. >> Thank you. This is Dave Mkey's oney year

[1:36] anniversary. >> Feels like 10 [laughter]

[1:40] » or zero. I I don't believe a year has gone by so fast.

[1:45] [clears throat] >> So, happy anniversary.

[1:47] » Well done. >> First item then uh would be approval of

[1:51] the agenda. >> Dave, anything?

[1:54] » Uh nothing to change on the agenda. Just a note for uh those who are watching,

[1:58] the screens in the room are not working, but the live stream is working. Okay.

[2:04] Uh, entertain a motion. >> So move, chair.

[2:06] » Motion on the floor to set effect approving the agenda by Commissioner

[2:09] Carney. Support. >> Support.

[2:11] » Motion supported by Commissioner Levesci. Any discussion?

[2:14] » All [snorts] in favor say I. I. >> Oppose. Same sign. Motions carried.

[2:18] Agenda is hereby approved. On citizens public comment. Are there any comments

[2:24] or requests from visitors this morning? Yes, sir. If you could please state your

[2:28] name and uh where you live. >> Sure. Absolutely. Good morning. Charlie

[2:33] Christensen, C H R I S Ten Sen 30535283rd

[2:39] in Glenn. Um, I know most of you. I'm currently on the board of adjustment and

[2:46] on the planning commission. I'm here today,

[2:50] unfortunately, to hope you consider giving us a pay

[2:55] raise on the commissions that I sit on. Currently, the board of adjustment makes

[3:01] $60 per meeting. The last two meetings that we've had, we've started two hours

[3:08] early because there's just a lot of requests for these boards. And as the

[3:16] board chairman of this particular committee, I come in and meet with the

[3:21] county at least an hour and a half, two hours. We spend a lot of time

[3:27] making very important decisions that at first when I became a member never

[3:33] thought they were going to be this important, but they are. Um, I believe

[3:38] it's been at least three or four years since we got a $10 meeting raise. Uh, I

[3:45] currently am a supervisor on Glen Township and we make $120 per meeting.

[3:51] That actually is sort of low when it comes to a lot of townships in this

[3:55] county. There's many townships that are making over $200 for a meeting and here

[4:02] I sit at the board of adjustment and the planning commission making $60. I just

[4:07] think it's not fair. Now, will I quit or resign? Absolutely not. Cuz I love those

[4:14] meetings. But I'm also looking for the future that I know it's been very tough

[4:20] if some me to try to get some members to sit on these boards. And again, I'm just

[4:28] looking for the future. I think and I hope you consider at least raising the

[4:35] meetings. I would also like to see the site visits raised. We currently get $10

[4:41] per site visit. And many times I'm way up in Jacobson Hill City area and it

[4:49] takes me an hour to travel up there and an hour just to get right back to where

[4:54] I started just to see a site for $10. I personally go and look at every site. I

[5:01] feel like every board member should go look at every site instead of relying on

[5:06] some GPS satellite. So, I like that. But I think $10 is actually low, too. Yes,

[5:14] we do get compensated for mileage, but everybody knows the price of gas and the

[5:19] price of oil and the price of tires and the price of a car probably makes out of

[5:24] a wash. So again, I hope you consider it. I know money's tight. As a

[5:29] supervisor in Glenn Township, we always try to watch our money, but again, I

[5:34] hope you consider somehow putting some type of raise for those meetings. I

[5:39] appreciate it and have a wonderful day. >> Thank you for your input, Mr.

[5:43] Christensen. >> Are there any other comments or requests

[5:47] from visitors this morning? >> Uh, third and last call for any citizens

[5:54] public comments or requests. Hearing none, we will proceed to the

[5:59] consent agenda. And I would entertain a motion.

[6:04] » I'd make that motion, Mr. Chair. We have a motion on the floor by Commissioner

[6:07] Levisa approving the consent agenda. Is there support?

[6:10] » Second. >> Motion supported by Commissioner

[6:12] Westerland. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor say I.

[6:16] » I. >> Oppose. Same sign. Motions carried.

[6:19] Consent agenda is hereby approved. On the land commissioner Dennis Thompson.

[6:24] Welcome DJ. Good morning. >> Morning DJ.

[6:36] I just looked up at the screen. I've done that a hundred times knowing it

[6:39] doesn't work. All right. So, what we have uh in front

[6:45] of us is a a request for con funds. Uh and this actually is coming from the uh

[6:51] Aken Airport Commission. So, I had uh a couple things that I put together. You

[6:56] can see uh part of the packet is the official ask uh that came in from the

[7:01] airport commission requesting 51,000 uh4250

[7:08] to satisfy a 2.5% local share requirement for construction

[7:12] [clears throat] of the new terminal building.

[7:14] » I know Commissioner Weedle, you are on the airport commission. You understand

[7:17] the >> Yes. And John Williams.

[7:18] » Yep. Yep. And John as well. So um and then I put together just a memo. you

[7:24] should have that as well. We've talked about the con funds uh a couple

[7:30] different times. I don't know if I ever kind of did a summary or or put anything

[7:34] together exactly on uh how how they came about and exactly

[7:40] where the funding is is coming from. But uh of the funds that actually come in to

[7:46] the con, they are actually split. So third it's only 30% that goes into the

[7:52] account that we are talking about here. This the environmental trust or the uh

[7:57] county development fund uh which under uh state statute is uh money is the

[8:05] direction of the county board for spending that and it states for the

[8:09] rehabilitation and development of the portion of the county within the

[8:12] conservation area or within the con area. So pretty loose uh definition of

[8:19] of where that money can go to uh development and and rehabilitation. So

[8:25] but you can see that fund is 30%. Uh in the past I gave a budget

[8:31] presentation here I think in August and talked about survey and GIS half of

[8:35] their salary wages benefits come out of the con. Uh we also use con dollars for

[8:41] ditch work, beaver control, highway department for uh resurfacing, annual

[8:47] memberships in a couple of um a couple of state boards or regional boards I

[8:52] should say. Um equipment purchases, culverts, you can see it's been used for

[8:57] for a number of different things. Um so right now and then I included in

[9:04] there the 2027 budget. So the county policy for a minimum

[9:09] balance on the con account is 285,000. Uh so right now current balance on there

[9:16] is is right around 500,000. That's what's going to be projected at the end

[9:21] of 2026. So uh we did not have um a use of fund balance budgeted for 2026.

[9:30] However, we have this request and then we also had a request for work on the

[9:34] rabbi line ATV trail. So, that will put in uh that will have um [snorts] this

[9:41] would I should say uh dip into that overall fund balance. However, it's

[9:47] still going to be above what the what the county board has set for policy as

[9:51] far as what that minimum balance is. So, uh so you can see the request there. Uh

[9:58] just a little caution. Um [clears throat]

[10:01] this is certainly in the Conan area. It certainly can be used. Uh dollars can be

[10:08] used for this project. Um but just knowing that uh you know it's not an

[10:14] unlimited fund and eventually with survey and GIS um there might have might

[10:20] be some decisions that would need to be made in the down the road with that.

[10:25] zone commissioners. [clears throat] >> Mr. Chair, how much money did we get

[10:30] from the federal government for the airport? It was $1.3 million

[10:37] and u the bids have come in. There are local contractors involved,

[10:43] but one 1.3 million and that was a direct uh no strings attached grant from

[10:50] the uh Federal Aviation Commission. >> And how much is this tower going to

[10:56] cost? >> Pardon?

[10:58] » This is the the building. >> The building

[11:03] » uh it's I think 1.4 1.5. total projects budget 1.986

[11:11] 700. >> Yeah.

[11:13] » Okay. >> And the um the airport engineers etc.

[11:20] management have come up with some other funds too.

[11:25] The the gap is um what is being requested

[11:29] uh in terms of con funds. >> Sure.

[11:33] » Uh Commissioner Carney. >> Yeah. Question. They're asking for 51

[11:37] also in appropriations. Are they is the Aken airport still asking for 60,000?

[11:43] » Yes. >> What is that funding [snorts] used for?

[11:46] » The general operations. >> It's a joint powers with the city.

[11:52] » Yeah. >> The airport.

[11:55] Twothirds county, one-third city.

[12:02] » Mr. Uh, Commissioner Westerman,

[12:04] » is the city contributing to this also? [clears throat]

[12:07] » Do they have any grants? Do they have any?

[12:09] » Well, this is from the airport commission. The city, uh, it's a one-/3,

[12:14] two3 joint powers. >> So, out of the 60, they pay what? 45.

[12:18] » Uh, I think 20. >> Oh, 20.

[12:22] » Would that be the correct math? >> Oh, yeah. A third.

[12:27] » 2/3 and one third. [laughter] >> The county owns twothirds of the

[12:31] airport. The city owns one/3. >> So then the count the city's 30,000.

[12:36] » Yeah. >> Because we're doing 60, it's 90. So,

[12:40] » right.

[12:43] » And this is above and beyond the appropriation. [clears throat]

[12:53] » John, any comments? >> I can speak if you want to.

[13:00] Well, this it's up to you as member of the airport commission and

[13:09] » you know this this project for this terminal building. It's uh it's been a

[13:13] long time in the making. You know there was a a new federal program out to pay

[13:18] for uh such buildings at airports that don't have them and we uh we applied. We

[13:25] were rejected. Uh we were lucky this last year to to be selected. Uh you

[13:31] know, we don't we don't have a terminal building. We lease space. We're one of

[13:34] the few federal airports that don't have a terminal building. So,

[13:37] » and we least $2,000 a month. >> We we just, you know, we I think

[13:42] everyone, including those that selected this year's recipients, thought this was

[13:46] a really good project to finally, you know, let Aken Airport have a have its

[13:51] own departure building for pilots. It's an important thing for pilots to

[13:55] have that space to be able to, you know, use. We think it's going to increase

[13:59] utilization of the airport. Hopefully, we'll increase our fuel sales overall. I

[14:04] mean, we think it's just a really good economic development thing for the

[14:07] community. The, you know, the the one thing uh about it is that there was

[14:12] always a local match that went with it and the airport commission struggles,

[14:17] you know, to make ends meet every year. Uh, you know, there just isn't a lot of

[14:21] extra money there. and the expenses are going up all the time. We have an FBO

[14:25] that we pay. We have a lot of costs that we pay. Uh so, you know, we're we're

[14:29] just barely scraping by every year. That was the one thing that we didn't know,

[14:34] you know, if we did get this grant, how we were going to pay the the local cost

[14:38] of it because we knew there was going to be a local cost to it. Um at one time,

[14:42] we thought that local cost was maybe going to only be around 30,000, but it's

[14:46] significantly more than that. So, you know, I think the the brainstorming of

[14:51] additional resources to fund the local portion was that, you know, the it was

[14:56] talked about that the airport is within the county development area. This this

[15:00] seems like a perfect project uh for those funds to, you know, rehabilitate

[15:04] and develop the Kcon area. It just seemed like a perfect fit to to do that.

[15:10] So, I think, you know, that's where the that's where the request came from and I

[15:12] think it's it's unanimous request from the airport commission.

[15:16] » Thank you, John. Thank you.

[15:23] » I don't have anything further, >> commissioners. Uh

[15:29] uh direction is requested. Obviously, I'm in favor of it.

[15:36] And one of one of the big things when when North Air come in uh

[15:43] and they have to land at the airport, there's a gap from the time

[15:47] They u take their crew to the hospital um and they do what they do at the

[15:54] hospital and then bring the patient back to the airport be it a fixed wind or a

[16:01] helicopter >> and this gives their pilot a place to to

[16:06] go and there will be avionic equipment in there uh weather equipment etc.

[16:12] » I do have one more question. Yeah. If you do get the funding as approved

[16:16] today, do the does the commission have a plan of preventing maintenance and how

[16:21] to maintain that? They'll have the funds and the resources to to maintain.

[16:24] » Oh, absolutely. I mean, it's not a real big deal. We're maintaining

[16:30] » a rental unit. >> A rental unit. Now, this will this will

[16:35] save the airport commission about $2,000 a month.

[16:41] » All right, Mr. Chair, can't you just purchase that building with that money?

[16:45] » No, [clears throat] this was a special new

[16:49] terminal grant. >> Yeah.

[16:52] » A subdivision of the FAA, Minnesota, North Dakota.

[16:56] » Okay.

[17:01] » And again, the agenda request is not necessarily for an official motion, but

[17:06] just u direction, right, DJ? >> Yep. Yep. And then whatever direction

[17:12] the the board wants to take with it, uh, I would come back then with with an

[17:17] official >> Mhm.

[17:21] » an official request. >> Yeah. An official request. Yep. Yep.

[17:24] Official agenda request on on the transfer and the approval of it.

[17:30] » Chair, so you're saying the con fund can handle this and still maintain.

[17:36] » Yeah, that's what he said. >> Okay. Thank you. I have no no problem

[17:40] supporting it as long as the airport commission has a plan

[17:46] to >> spend the money wisely.

[17:51] » Well, it's pretty much laid out. It will be put towards the terminal building,

[17:57] » right? Has the state the state I believe John uh MDOT

[18:03] aeronautics have made a contribution to this as well? Yeah, Mr. Chair, it the

[18:09] state share is $53,42.50.

[18:14] » Thank you.

[18:19] » I'm good also. >> Okay,

[18:21] » I'm good. That's I think it's a good use of compound.

[18:24] » Okay, I guess we have a consensus. >> Okay, perfect. I will uh bring it to the

[18:29] next county board meeting then with uh uh for official passage and as well as

[18:34] the transfer then a resolution for transferring that.

[18:38] » Okay, great. And the timing of which ties in with the uh the uh budget.

[18:44] » Yep. >> And I think

[18:46] » they're looking for these funds I'm assuming for 2026,

[18:50] » correct? >> Well, [snorts] I

[18:54] believe it'd be 2026. Yeah. >> Yeah. Now. Yep. Okay.

[18:58] » So, and it'll hopefully it'll help bring in some economic development. I mean,

[19:03] that's >> we really need something going on here.

[19:07] » Well, so the the use of the airport, sorry. Um, when it comes to say the

[19:14] Talon project, what's going to be more utilized? McGregor airport or Aken

[19:18] airport? >> It depends on the type of aircraft.

[19:20] » So, we can handle bigger aircraft at the Aken airport than McGregor. Is that what

[19:24] we got? >> We can handle jet. Yeah. Okay.

[19:27] » All right. >> Yeah. Just depend on the aircraft type

[19:30] coming in. >> And are I know Commissioner Sample had

[19:33] brought it up before. Are we planning on transferring some funding back to the

[19:36] McGregor airport that we took for the Aken airport at that one time?

[19:40] » It'll have to be discussed. Yeah. >> Just kind of tie it all together here.

[19:44] All right. >> And I think that particular thing would

[19:47] fall under the appropriation discussion. >> Okay. Right.

[19:51] » D. Perfect. I'm good. Yep. And Commissioner Levisca had asked for just

[19:56] a short update on the ATV trail. Um we were out there with uh the contractor

[20:02] Bigwolf Site Works here on Friday. Did a walk through with the engineers.

[20:06] Everything is coming along nicely. They're starting the work on the county

[20:10] uh 2 highway 2 project as far as that shoulder build uh for the ATV trail

[20:16] there. The grubbing and everything is done. The trail corridor is in. They've

[20:21] done uh they had a turf establishment that they've already done. You can see

[20:26] grasses are coming up on that trail already. So, uh roughly 2600 ft 2,800 ft

[20:32] of wooden boardwalks to be installed by the land department.

[20:37] We have uh probably about 2100 or 2200 of those feet have been installed

[20:43] already. So, the boardwalks have been uh there's just a couple shorter ones left.

[20:49] Um I think there's an 80footer, a 30footer, and uh and another 100footer

[20:55] or two that are that are left in there. So continuing on along with that, uh as

[21:01] we progressed with the bonding dollars, looking at the the match and the match

[21:06] requirement that the county was required to put up for uh for that, it was

[21:10] $150,000 for that match. So uh just trying to tie some ends together with

[21:15] that and to get that all straightened out. made some progress on that as far

[21:20] as where that match is coming from. A combination of uh a couple different

[21:24] sources, possibly wetland credits that the county had available um as well as

[21:29] staff time to construct the uh construct the boardwalks. I know the highway

[21:34] department has time involved with it with some of the trail clearing. Uh STS

[21:39] has has some time in there. So, uh, we will be able to utilize the the inind

[21:44] for for the portion of the match. Uh, otherwise, everything is coming in.

[21:49] It's, uh, under budget for the time being, and I would expect it to stay

[21:54] that way. We're still looking at an October 31st completion. As far as the

[22:00] contractor is concerned, when when their work needs to be done, uh, the ATV

[22:05] season is officially closed. October 31st, the trails are closed. So, in all

[22:10] likelihood, it's going to be a a May uh 2027 kind of grand opening for that. So,

[22:16] » awesome. Thank you. >> Yep. Mr. Chair, I got a question.

[22:19] Commissioner Sample >> DJ,

[22:23] that grant we got from the from the state.

[22:26] » Yep. >> When does that end?

[22:29] » That's uh December 31st of this year. >> We'll be done.

[22:33] » So, we'll be done two months early. >> Yep. So, Okay.

[22:42] Good. >> Thanks for that update.

[22:44] » Yes. Yep. >> Commissioner Aisca, thank you for

[22:47] bringing that to our attention.

[22:52] » On the economic development, Mark Jeffers, welcome, Mark.

[22:56] » Morning, Mark. >> Morning, Mr. Chair and commissioners.

[23:00] » I'm here this morning to request approval to award two additional

[23:05] revitalization grants. um one for Guidepoint Pharmacy and one for 210

[23:11] Fitness. Um in your packets, you see what what each one of those um

[23:17] businesses are doing. Uh doing some aesthetics outside, doing some um really

[23:22] good work on some signage, uh different things like that. So, here again to

[23:28] request approval by the board to award these two grants moving forward.

[23:33] » Commissioners, you've heard the request. I believe this was a unanimous

[23:37] recommendation from the county economic development committee as well, right

[23:41] Mark? >> That's correct, sir.

[23:43] » Approval. >> A motion on the floor approving the

[23:46] request by Commissioner Levesca. Support.

[23:48] » Support. >> And that motion is supported by

[23:50] Commissioner Sample. Uh any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor say I. I.

[23:56] » Oppose. Same sign. Motion's carried. >> Grants are officially approved.

[24:01] » Thank you, sir. And the Aken Economic Development Authority also uh made

[24:06] contributions to these businesses. >> Yes. Yep. Correct. [snorts]

[24:09] Thank you. >> Thank you, Mark.

[24:12] On to County Engineer John Wellie. Welcome, John.

[24:17] » Morning, John. >> Sorry for the no screens.

[24:20] » Yeah, good morning. Thank you. Uh yeah, I'll I guess I I wish I would have sent

[24:26] the presentation. >> Do you have Do you need We have

[24:28] » with you. >> Yeah. Oh, he's do everyone has a copy of

[24:31] it. >> Okay, great.

[24:39] » We'll be flipping through a lot of pages here. Um, just give a very brief

[24:45] overview of the highway department budget, which as in other years, it

[24:50] contains three different uh components. the operations budget, the capital

[24:54] equipment and facilities budget, and then the capital infrastructure budget.

[25:00] U I'll go into uh some detail on all of those. The operations budget first. Um

[25:07] I'm looking at the the pie chart there that shows the operations budget

[25:12] expenditures by work section. Uh with 20 excuse me, with 29 total employees in

[25:18] the department, 19 of those are in our maintenance section. uh six are in the

[25:22] engineering work section. The remaining four are in administrative section. You

[25:27] can see the corresponding costs uh of all of those sections. Obviously, the

[25:32] the road maintenance section is the highest cost. Uh that area contains not

[25:39] only all of our costs for the employees, but also all of our costs to maintain

[25:44] 519 miles of county roads as well as 39 miles of unorganized township roads and

[25:52] uh then our entire ditch system including the Mississippi River

[25:56] diversion channel. Uh on the next page, you see another pie chart that shows the

[26:02] budget expenditures by expenditure type. Uh so here you can see that payroll uh

[26:09] with 29 employees is 54% of our total uh operations budget costs. Uh the the

[26:17] costs of those uh uh the cost of our our payroll costs increased 5.4% from the

[26:24] 2020 excuse me that's on the next page. I'm getting ahead of myself. Um so the

[26:29] the payroll is 54% the supplies are 22% supplies include everything from diesel

[26:36] fuel gasoline equipment maintenance parts uh gravel salt culvert signs posts

[26:42] asphalt materials shop supplies basically any supplies that we need. Uh

[26:46] road maintenance services are about 20% of our operations budget. Uh that

[26:50] includes anything that we hire others to do for road maintenance including

[26:54] calcium chloride application, pavement marking application, uh the tuminous

[26:59] crack sealing, patching, municipal maintenance agreements that we pay to

[27:02] the cities to maintain the the routes, the county routes in their

[27:05] municipalities. Uh we have a couple of county line maintenance agreements with

[27:09] adjacent counties and then also beaver control services that we pay to trappers

[27:14] to help control beaver. Uh and then you can see the last two categories there,

[27:19] insurance and dues and utilities. Uh they uh each account for about 2% of the

[27:25] total operations budget. So now on to the next uh page where it shows that

[27:30] overall our operations uh costs are increasing about 5.1%

[27:37] from 2026. Uh payroll costs increased about 5.4% from the 2026 budget. Uh part

[27:47] of the reason that we were able to keep that cost down is we only budgeted for

[27:51] 97% of our fully staffed payroll cost. Uh we

[27:55] have a 5-year average. We track our TW our five-year average uh actual payroll

[28:00] cost to if we were fully staffed. And our most recent five-year uh

[28:07] uh figure is 96 or excuse me 95.5%. Again, that's actual payroll costs to if

[28:14] we were fully budgeted. So that's four and a half percent less than 100. We So

[28:18] we discounted our payroll cost by 3% out of the four and a half. We thought that

[28:23] was reasonable and prudent uh to do to help reduce the cost.

[28:28] » So John, I got one question for you. >> You got 29 employees now.

[28:34] » Yes. >> And you're figuring payroll at 97%

[28:38] » of fully staffed. >> Of fully staffed. How many people do you

[28:41] have when you're fully staffed? >> 29.

[28:45] » 29. We have 29 positions. One of the reasons that our 5-year average is only

[28:50] at 95% is that we pretty much continuously have an open engineering

[28:56] technician position, which we have had for the last three years.

[29:01] » Yeah, right. Right now, we're one staff short. We have 28 of 29 positions.

[29:08] So, moving on into the supplies uh uh area, we had a 9.3% cost increase from

[29:14] our 2026 budget. Um basically all of the supplies increased across the board with

[29:20] the way inflation and costs are going. Uh fuel is one of our biggest supplies.

[29:25] Um this budget includes 91,000 gallons of uh gasoline and diesel fuel that

[29:32] we've budgeted at $32 per gallon. And that's a 5-year uh running average of

[29:38] our costs over the past 5 years. Last year, the cost that we budgeted was 280.

[29:44] So, we're budgeting an extra 22 cents a gallon for fuel. We'll talk more about

[29:49] fuel later because the uh the immediate impacts are much more drastic than that

[29:53] than those 5-year averages. But, uh pretty much all of our supplies

[29:57] increased signs, salt, equipment repair. The only supply cost that decreased was

[30:03] culverts. And that's because culvert costs are finally coming back down from

[30:07] their ridiculously high costs a few years ago. So they're they're coming

[30:12] back down and that's showing a little bit of a decrease cost from previously.

[30:18] Road maintenance and other services are showing about a 6.8% cost increase from

[30:23] the 2026 budget. Uh nothing really outstanding there, just increases across

[30:28] the board. uh insurance. This budget in this budget

[30:32] uh reflects a 5% estimated insurance increase to MCIT for liability or comp

[30:39] insurance. Um we've recently been told that our uh the highway department

[30:45] percentage increase for liability is going to be 13% above last year and our

[30:50] work comp is going to be 29% above last year. So, if if those uh if those

[30:56] projected increases actually happen, uh we will be underbudgeted in insurance by

[31:02] about $22,000. And then the last category, dues,

[31:07] utilities, other expenses. They just increased the nominal 2.6% from the 2026

[31:12] budget.

[31:18] So, now you should be looking at the uh the annual average diesel gasoline cost

[31:22] graph. I We like to show this every year as part of my presentation because uh

[31:28] really the entire highway department budget goes as energy costs go. And uh

[31:34] you can see from this graph right now uh the red and the green lines represent

[31:41] just our annual average cost per gallon for gasoline and diesel fuel. And you

[31:45] can see at the end of 2025 we were in pretty good shape or end of 2025 we were

[31:51] in good shape. um with fuel costs and diesel costs

[31:55] around 260 to 270 a gallon. But 2026, uh it's pretty much been a straight line

[32:02] up. You can see from the blue line, the the blue line represents our individual

[32:08] uh unit prices that we pay when we buy tankers. We buy uh eight or nine tankers

[32:13] of diesel fuel every year. So the blue line reflects our cost of each tanker.

[32:19] Uh, our most recent our most recent tanker purchase was $4.24 a gallon. Now,

[32:27] last year when I was here giving this budget presentation, I told you that our

[32:31] most recent [cough] diesel tanker purchase was 259 a gallon.

[32:35] So, that's an increase of $165 in one year. Um, I guess

[32:42] trying to be positive, it's lower than the high price we paid in June of 22,

[32:48] which was $4.78 a gallon, but it's also significantly higher than the 97 cents a

[32:54] gallon we paid just 24 months earlier in 2020.

[32:58] » So, fuel costs are once again having an impact. And

[33:04] I I'm really concerned because uh I mean we haven't seen the worst of fuel costs.

[33:10] It's going to get worse probably before it gets better if you believe what the

[33:14] experts say. Uh so turning then to our operations budget revenue.

[33:20] Um so this graph just shows where our revenue comes from for for our uh our

[33:25] operations budget. 54% of it or a little over 3.4 4 million is from uh county

[33:31] state aid highway revenue. Most of this comes to us through our uh annual

[33:37] aortionment of which 40% uh is for maintenance. We can use it to maintain

[33:42] our county state aid highway system. Uh the next biggest category is is levy

[33:47] revenue which this year we're asking for 1.9 a little over 1.9 million of levy

[33:53] revenue. So that represent 30% of our operations cost. And then the remaining

[33:59] revenue is just what we call our local non- levy revenue which is which amounts

[34:03] to about a million dollars close to 16% of the total revenue. Uh that revenue is

[34:09] basically just revenue that we earn from selling supplies and services to

[34:15] townships. We do engineering work for townships for their projects. Uh, so

[34:20] this year we have $70,000 of reimbursement for engineering work from

[34:25] Glenn and Melmo Townships for for work we're doing on their projects. We also

[34:29] have $120,000 uh shown here of the county development

[34:34] funds that DJ was just talking about uh to help offset the costs of aggregate

[34:39] surfacing that we're going to process this coming year.

[34:43] » John, >> yes.

[34:44] » I just have a question about do you do you have to purchase dyed

[34:50] fuel and off-road or can you just use dyed? I mean, there's a big difference.

[34:56] » So, when when we purchase fuel, uh we we don't pay any taxes on it, right?

[35:02] » We track where that fuel goes. So, the fuel that ends up being used by our

[35:07] trucks that are using the roads, >> the onroad,

[35:09] » we we will end up paying the on-road taxes or that fuel

[35:14] » for the fuel that goes into our off-road equipment, our dozer, our loaders, our

[35:19] backho, >> we don't have to pay the the highway

[35:22] user taxes on that on on that. >> Okay. So, you don't even purchase dyed.

[35:28] » I'm when you when you ask that question, I'm trying to remember. I I guess I'm

[35:32] not sure if we if we purchase the dyed or the undyed, but we I mean we

[35:37] » Yeah, there's on-road and off-road, >> right? We I I'm pretty sure we pay we we

[35:42] purchase the on-road okay >> fuel. We just don't pay the taxes and

[35:45] then we pay the taxes monthly after we track the use.

[35:49] » Okay.

[35:56] So the next uh the next page then is just a graph showing our annual county

[36:01] state aid highway aortionment. You can see that luckily our our state aid

[36:05] aortionment does continue to increase. We're anticipating a 3.9% increase for

[36:11] this coming year 2027. >> John does that come out of the state gas

[36:16] tax? >> The the gas tax is one of the components

[36:20] of the highway user trust fund. The other components are the uh the tab fees

[36:26] that you pay annually to renew your vehicle [clears throat] license. Um also

[36:31] motor vehicle sales tax, a portion of that goes goes into the highway user

[36:36] trust fund. But yeah, the fuel tax and the license tab fees are are the two big

[36:40] ones. >> Okay. Thank you.

[36:42] » Revenue.

[36:45] And you know I should mention on that um two two two years ago they were there

[36:52] was a drastic increase to vehicle license tab fees which resulted in you

[36:56] know some nice revenue increases for us unfortunately. It also resulted in a lot

[37:02] of really high tab fees for a lot of people and it's become a political issue

[37:07] uh since then. So, this past year's legislature, they did, I think, just for

[37:12] a one-year, just a one-year time frame, they rolled back the tab fees uh to what

[37:18] they were previously, and they they supplanted it with general fund dollars.

[37:23] So, the highway user trust fund would take a hit, but it's going to be

[37:26] interesting to see what happens going forward with that. Um because we now

[37:31] with our with regard to our tab fees, we are not only the highest in the region,

[37:36] we are significantly higher than any other state in the region when it comes

[37:39] to tab fees. So I'm sure they will continue to be a you know a hot topic at

[37:44] the legislature and whether whether those increases and the revenue that

[37:47] accompanies it is sustainable or not. I guess we'll find out.

[37:51] » Mr. Chair, >> yes, Commissioner Westerland.

[37:54] » Where does all the specialty money go for licenses? you know, like the the

[37:58] black ones and the I mean, it it's an extra cost

[38:02] for the, you know, the lady slipper and all the Minnesota special.

[38:07] » Kathleen, >> Kathleen [clears throat] Brian, our

[38:09] county auditor. >> I can see her over there.

[38:13] » Thanks for chiming. >> Yeah, I can answer that. I can't answer

[38:16] all of them, but like the blackout plates that you mentioned, those that

[38:20] money goes into the general fund. I'm not sure if that's going to highway or

[38:23] not, but I know that money goes to the general fund. The other licenses go to

[38:27] specific funds. So like the state park license plates that those funds go into

[38:33] the state park money. So some of those specialty license do have specific funds

[38:37] that that money is going to not just like general fund or highway funds.

[38:42] » Well, and the black ones are not cheap. >> No,

[38:46] » I mean they're so and a lot of them are I call the willy-nilly fund where we

[38:51] don't even know where that money goes. >> Yeah. So the black ones I know are going

[38:55] into the general state general fund for the state. The other ones are do have

[38:59] specific reasons that they are funding. >> That's why I won't buy one. [laughter]

[39:04] » Thank you, Kathleen. >> Does the bedroom?

[39:07] » Thank you. I'm glad [clears throat] someone had the answer to that question.

[39:10] » Yes. Thank you, Kathleen. >> Yeah.

[39:12] » Um so so moving on to our our total operations revenue uh sheet here. Then

[39:17] we're showing the 6.4% that's on your sheet is actually an air. It's 5.6% 6%

[39:23] increase in our total operations revenue from 2026. Uh our state aid maintenance

[39:29] revenue, I already said that's increasing 3.9% from 2026. Um county

[39:34] state aid highway construction revenue. This is where we can use our

[39:37] construction fund uh our construction funds that come to us from our state aid

[39:42] allocation. The 60% component uh that typically is used for construction. We

[39:46] can also use that to reimburse staff engineering time. And so typically we

[39:50] budget between 200 and $300,000 based on the year based on how many

[39:56] reimburseable costs we think we're going to have. Uh this year we think we're

[39:59] going to have more. So we increased that to 300,000. So that's a $100,000

[40:03] increase from 2026. That helped reduce the levy. Um non-local levy revenue. I

[40:10] already mentioned the $120,000 of uh county development funds that we've

[40:15] asked for as well as the township engineering reimbursement. So that

[40:19] leaves a local levy revenue increase of 6% from 2026 that we're asking for from

[40:25] the operations for the operations budget. So with that, I'll I'll move on

[40:30] to capital equipment facility unless there's any questions about operations.

[40:35] So capital equipment and facilities. Um we're showing a total of $757,000

[40:43] in expenditures in this budget. That is a 16% decrease from 2026. The reason for

[40:49] that decrease is you recall last year I told you that we had two pieces of

[40:53] equipment that were uh giving us major maintenance problems and we wanted them

[40:58] out of our fleet. So we uh we replaced we we included those two pieces of

[41:03] equipment that elevated our uh our expenditures [clears throat]

[41:07] last year. So this year uh that's what's resulting in the 16% decrease. We're

[41:13] kind of back now to a normal a normal maintenance program for equipment.

[41:18] Facility improvements. 130,000 uh 130,000 of that 757 is for facility

[41:26] improvements. We're continuing to budget 100,000 a year uh for what we're

[41:31] planning in 2028 to expand our Aken shop. Um, we also are have included

[41:39] $30,000 for some lot resurfacing work in McGregor.

[41:44] Equipment replacements uh amount to 572,000

[41:48] of that 757,000. But the interesting thing about that

[41:52] 572,000 is we're not buying a single piece of or we're not replacing a single

[41:58] piece of equipment [cough and laughter] in 2027. It's all either paying back

[42:01] purchases that have already happened or uh starting to budget for future

[42:06] purchases. So, you can see the amounts there. Uh 336,000 of that is for our our

[42:11] 2025 tandem truck purchase. Uh and there's amounts there, 50,000 and 36,000

[42:18] for a couple of equipment purchases that happened last year. Uh again, the

[42:23] purchases have already happened. The money is just budgeted in multiple years

[42:26] to uh to soften the effect. Uh and then we're starting to budget $150,000 for

[42:33] our next round of tandem truck purchases in 2028. We are however adding a piece

[42:38] of equipment. U it wasn't too many years ago. We have three belly dump trailers

[42:42] that we haul gravel with in the summer. wasn't too many years ago, probably five

[42:46] or six, that we would take the dump boxes off of three of our plow trucks,

[42:50] put on a fifth wheel hitch, and use them to pull the belly dumps. Uh we started

[42:55] analyzing costs of doing that. And we thought, you know, it's probably going

[43:00] to be better if we would just buy a used high mileage truck chassis that we could

[43:04] end up hauling probably three yards more in those belly dump trailers with

[43:09] because they're so much lighter than our plow trucks. So, we did that. We did two

[43:13] of them and this is we're proposing to do the third one. The payback on this

[43:17] $55,000 expenditure is probably as little as five or six years just from

[43:22] increased efficiencies. So, it's something that we wanted to do as soon

[43:26] as possible and we added that in to the 2027 budget.

[43:30] Uh in your in your attachments uh were the the the complete five-year capital

[43:37] equipment and facility plan. I'm not going to go over that, but you can see

[43:40] every piece of equipment and what's planned for the next 5 years. If you add

[43:44] the totals of the equipment and the facility plan, you'll see that uh again,

[43:50] this year we're at about 757,000. In 2031, we're projected to be at

[43:56] 85,000. That's that's good news. I guess that's less than a percent and a half

[44:01] increase uh per year over those five years. that, you know, if those numbers

[44:06] hold true, uh hopefully our uh increases in capital uh equipment and facilities

[44:12] will be start starting to level out a little bit. The chart on the or the

[44:17] graph on the next page, you can see how those uh expenditures have increased

[44:22] over the years and you can also see by the dotted lines how it's uh anticipated

[44:27] to start to level out. Hopefully hopefully that happens.

[44:37] » [clears throat] >> So then on to capital infrastructure

[44:39] budget. Um I didn't I did not uh give any

[44:45] information on our 5-year capital road improvement plan. I'll be scheduling a

[44:49] separate board agenda item for that probably in October. So I'm just going

[44:54] to very briefly go over this. Our 2027 expenditures for our capital

[44:58] infrastructure show 162,000 in professional services, a little over 6.9

[45:04] million in contract payments. Uh 2027 revenue, you can see the revenue sources

[45:09] there. Uh everything from uh well I should mention our local levy 740,000.

[45:15] We're not increasing that at all from last year. Uh that's in part due to the

[45:21] action you took last year to uh change the road designations on some of our

[45:27] routes. We saw some major improvements coming up on some of our county roads

[45:30] and we made at least one of those routes into a county state highway route. So

[45:35] that's now a county state aid highway expenditure rather than a county road.

[45:39] So that, you know, that's that was a big part of why we're able to uh, you know,

[45:44] hold that local levy for our for our county road construction program level

[45:50] uh for now and and hopefully for the foreseeable future, although we'll see

[45:54] what happens with costs. We have $953,000

[45:58] of state park road accounts uh listed as revenue. That's for a Malmo Township

[46:03] project that came up rather quickly and we wasn't included in the 2026 budget.

[46:07] So, it's included in 2027 even though the construction is happening this year.

[46:12] Uh we're showing about $229,000 in bond funds from the local bridge

[46:17] replacement program. So, once again, you know, we're continuing to utilize uh

[46:21] that program through the through the bonding bill at the legislature. [cough]

[46:26] And I'm not sure if I was trying to think if I ever made the board aware of

[46:30] this, but this past year there was a solicitation for local road improvement

[46:33] funds, which is also a bonding program uh through the state. It's very

[46:38] competitive program. Probably less than 20% of the projects get funded. But we

[46:45] were fortunate enough to get a $1.5 million grant uh that was announced to

[46:50] us this past I think May for our work on County Road 14 that we're planning for

[46:55] 2027. So that's included in the budget and the remaining three and a half

[47:00] million is just our regular state aid construction funds. So total revenues

[47:05] and expenditures that we're showing in our capital infrastructure budget are a

[47:08] little over $7 million. So then on to the budget summary. Just

[47:13] to summarize all three budgets. [clears throat]

[47:30] So on the on the top uh is list is our our revenue which you can see just

[47:36] matches our expenditures. So, I'm just going to talk about the expenditures.

[47:41] Uh, our operating expenditures, as I said, are increasing 5.1%.

[47:46] Our capital equipment expenditures are decreasing 16% and our capital

[47:51] infrastructure expenditures are decreasing about 32%. So, a total of

[47:56] 14,811497

[48:00] uh is our 2027 proposed budget. Uh, and again, that's an overall 17.4% 4%

[48:07] decrease primarily because of the equipment, the capital equipment and

[48:11] capital infrastructure portions of the budget. Again, the operating budget did

[48:16] increase by 5.1%. And then if you look at the uh the chart

[48:22] showing the local levy revenue summary. Uh so here uh the percentages aren't

[48:28] shown, but we're showing a 6% increase in our operation. Local levy for

[48:33] equipment, it's an 8% increase. And as I said for capital infrastructure, we're

[48:37] budgeting the same 740,000. So no increase there. But what we're asking

[48:42] for then total local levy is just under 3.4 million, which is a 5 05% increase

[48:50] from last year. And then finally, just this last sheet, I just like to show the

[48:56] historical uh perspective on our our levy amounts because it, you know, it

[49:01] gives really a a reflection of our of our overall financial situation in the

[49:05] highway department. You know, we have our programs, we have our revenue

[49:10] sources that we can tap into, but at the end, it's the local levy that makes up

[49:15] the difference. So you can see here uh you know dating back to 2011 through

[49:20] 2021 our local levy amounts were were really stable. I mean very little

[49:26] increase during those years. But since then I think we all remember what

[49:30] happened in 2020 and since then costs have just uh gone through the roof on

[49:35] pretty much everything that we use. Uh although not not all at the same time.

[49:40] That's what was kind of interesting that some costs went through the roof

[49:43] initially and then went down. Others went through the roof later and we're

[49:47] still waiting for them to come down. But you can see that, you know, although

[49:50] we're proposing a 5.05% increase for this year, that's a 34% increase over

[49:56] what we levied just 5 years ago. And, you know, interestingly, only 37%

[50:01] increase over what we levied 10 years ago. So, that just shows how this last

[50:06] five years have really been uh tough on property tax levies. uh just trying to

[50:12] deliver the same services. Uh just

[50:18] » that's all I have unless there's any other questions.

[50:21] » Commissioners, >> uh John, for 26

[50:28] [cough] we budgeted we budgeted 6.64 64 million

[50:35] operating and then as of June 30th we're at 3

[50:41] million7,000.

[50:46] How are we looking? Are we going to come in

[50:50] under budget over budget? Pretty close. You see where I'm going

[50:54] with that? >> I think we're going to come in under

[50:57] budget again. um just because of a couple of things is that that vacant

[51:02] position that I talked about. I mean, we're we're nine months into the year

[51:08] now and the position's been vacant and will continue to be vacant. Um you know,

[51:14] there's I think everything else in the operations budget, we've tried really

[51:18] hard to keep it close to budget and I I guess I expect that the end of the year

[51:22] will be very close to that 6.6. >> And Mr. Mr. Chair, I just want to

[51:27] compliment Mr. Welli here. Since I've been a commissioner, he's one of the

[51:34] only department heads that I can walk in and say, "Where are we at on the budget,

[51:39] on your budget?" And he's on top of it. That's very impressive to a dumb country

[51:47] boy like me. Thank you. >> Just one correction. My staff is on top

[51:52] of it. >> Thank you.

[51:55] » Thanks, John. Thanks, John. >> Good report. Thank you, John.

[51:57] » Thank you. >> Your staff did an excellent job on 62,

[52:04] by the way. >> Thank you.

[52:08] » There's three different types of government county accounting.

[52:12] There's your general accounting like our household

[52:17] budgets. [clears throat]

[52:19] And then you have health and human services. I mean, it's way out there.

[52:23] It's a specialty. and you've got road and bridge. It's just a very unique

[52:29] thing the average person cannot hardly comprehend.

[52:34] » Can I make one correction? You got fourth, the sheriff's department and the

[52:39] jail. Their stuff is >> with the doc.

[52:43] » Yeah, >> that's a little bit complicated, too. Uh

[52:48] on to uh preliminary 2027 budget. Kathleen Ryan, County Auditor. Welcome,

[52:55] Kathleen. >> Okay.

[52:57] » And I believe everybody has the uh handout.

[53:00] » Yes, sir.

[53:06] » Um I'm going to recap the general fund budget kind of a little bit for you

[53:12] guys. You had presentations from the other departments, Health and Human

[53:16] Services, um road and bridge, um land department.

[53:21] So, I'm just going to kind of recap what's been going on in the general fund

[53:24] and then talk about the preliminary levy and ask for direction as far as um how

[53:29] the board wants to set the preliminary levy. We do need to set the preliminary

[53:34] levy at the next meeting in September. This again will be setting the

[53:38] preliminary levy. It can go down, but it [snorts] cannot go up.

[53:43] So, with that, um I believe you have handouts. So again, um the budget

[53:49] committee met on August 24th. We reviewed the budget adjustments to

[53:53] develop a um preliminary levy increase recommendation for the overall board of

[53:58] commissioners. Um this presentation will highlight key budget adjustments and

[54:02] provide an opportunity for board to discuss um for discussion and direction

[54:07] as we move forward finalizing that preliminary levy

[54:11] where we're sitting. So overall levy and again this is including all departments.

[54:15] So, Roaden Bridge Health and Human Services, not [clears throat] land

[54:18] department because land department is not a levy department minus parks.

[54:23] Um, total revenue is 44,88,000. Total expenditures $46,170.

[54:32] So, total levy we're requesting is 20,516,30.

[54:39] This is representing an 8.09% increase.

[54:43] This did increase from the budget committee. Those on the budget

[54:46] committee, I was stating something a little bit lower. In the meantime, we

[54:50] did get updated um MCIT numbers. So, those have been included in here.

[54:55] » Kathleen, how about health insurance? What did that go up?

[54:58] » So, we are budgeting 15% for >> We still don't know.

[55:01] » We do not know and we will not know health insurance until end of October.

[55:06] » So, that's the hard thing with in health insurance. We don't get that until far

[55:10] after the preliminary levy's been set, >> but we haven't been raised for a couple

[55:15] years, have we? >> Mr. Chair and Commissioner, um, so the

[55:22] indications that Bobby has been getting is to expect a double-digit increase.

[55:27] So, we don't know the number, but we have been advised that it's going to be

[55:31] a significant increase, which is why there's 15% uh in the budget.

[55:36] » Okay. And again airing on the side of caution as Kathleen indicated once a

[55:42] preliminary budget is established officially it can go down but not up and

[55:49] I don't think we need to shortch change ourselves

[55:52] » underestimating [clears throat] what this insurance it it's got a

[55:56] dramatic effect. So, >> and I believe last year, so two years

[56:00] ago, insurance went down from our preliminary levy projection, but last

[56:06] year it actually increased. Um, and so we had to kind of consider in some fund

[56:12] balance to cover that because it was after the preliminary levy was set. And

[56:16] I don't remember what that increase was, but I know it was more than what we had

[56:20] set in the le. >> Okay.

[56:22] » I got a question, Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. pipeline money.

[56:26] [clears throat] >> When do we get that and how do we figure

[56:29] that in the budget? >> So, we don't get pipeline money,

[56:32] » but [clears throat] >> the pipeline increases our net tax

[56:35] capacity. So, they're figured into the formula as far as when we are, you know,

[56:41] calculating taxes overall. They pay taxes on their net tax capacity just

[56:46] like other taxpayers in the county. So the the county, you know, sets our levy.

[56:53] That levy is allocated out per tax calculation ac across all net tax

[56:58] capacities through the county. So the pipeline pays their portion based on

[57:03] their net tax capacity of how that pipeline is valued.

[57:08] » They don't they don't pay us $50 million. So they don't do that. They are

[57:12] taxed like any other >> basically property tax income.

[57:16] » Correct. >> Okay. Just I just wanted to Dave

[57:20] » just since um Commissioner Sample raised the issue of pipeline [snorts]

[57:25] I think everyone is aware that Enbridge is at in tax court with the state of

[57:30] Minnesota and these are state assessed properties. So the state of Minnesota

[57:34] assigns the value off of which the tax capacity is calculated. If, as happened

[57:41] several years ago, if there's a significant adverse ruling from tax

[57:45] court, then that would actually be real money that would be due back to the uh

[57:51] Enbridge in this case. >> Scary.

[57:54] » Yeah. >> And that comes from the state or from

[57:56] us? >> No, it would.

[57:59] » It depends on what happens. it for it to come from anyone other than the county

[58:05] and the other taxing jurisdictions would require a state law change.

[58:10] » Okay. >> So, last time the state covered it. This

[58:13] time is not necessarily the case. >> No guarantees.

[58:17] » No guarantees and it can last a long period of time. So, we're in an unknown

[58:23] situation right here and until >> collecting interest if they do get a

[58:26] ruling in their favor. Nice. Um, with the so part of this levy

[58:34] increase, the 8.09% increase, we're also figuring in a

[58:39] general fund deficit of 1.3 million, almost $1.4 million. So, we are using

[58:46] fund balance to then bring that down to that $ 8.09%.

[58:50] » And [clears throat] then where are we at with that 1.3? I think I asked you this

[58:56] the other day, Dave. We're at 47 48%. >> Uh, Mr. Chair, Commissioner Sample, um,

[59:04] Kathleen has a slide coming up that shows those and so if you can hold your

[59:08] question until she gets here, I think it will become clear.

[59:12] » Mr. Chair, >> yes, Commissioner [clears throat] Leisa,

[59:14] » with that budgeted deficit or planned use of fund balance, that again is

[59:18] one-time expenditures, not ongoing operation support,

[59:21] » right? So that's we're looking at capital increases. Part of that is it

[59:25] which is a major contract that we're paying and it will come up again in the

[59:30] future but it's not a yearly ongoing. >> Thank you.

[59:34] » Um so of the proposed levy just to kind of detail that down from for everyone.

[59:40] Um the general fund is 11.997 that's a 6.59%.

[59:46] Road and bridge is a 5.05%. Um, Health and Human Services is at 4.4

[59:52] million. That's a 14.17%.

[59:56] Bond principal and interest is $73,952. That's an increase of 13.4%.

[1:00:05] Um, we went through arbitrage and was were evaluated a couple years ago and

[1:00:11] found out that our fund balance in the bond fund was too high and we had to

[1:00:16] spend that down, which we did. So now we're [clears throat] now we're just

[1:00:21] budgeting for our principal and interest that we have to pay yearly. So that is

[1:00:25] where that increase is coming from. And I think I brought this up at the budget

[1:00:29] committee. I was questioning you know the bond payment is a fixed

[1:00:38] payment. uh there's no escrow unlike you know our mortgages and but then using

[1:00:45] this financial arbitrage or as one of my economic professors

[1:00:50] um financial leverage quote unquote we were actually gaining we were paying

[1:00:58] what what's our bond payment we hit it at a low rate

[1:01:00] » we have a very very low rate our bond payment is low but also that then that

[1:01:06] yeah and our interest was a little higher than our bond payment interest.

[1:01:11] So, um we can't benefit from that. >> We can't That was one of my first

[1:01:16] questions when we went through the bonding phase. Um can we use this

[1:01:22] financial leverage? You know, we're paying 2%

[1:01:26] um on the bond. I'm just taking figures, >> but we can make 3% with our investments.

[1:01:35] and Kirk Baser at the time, you can't do that. That's the arbitrage. That's the

[1:01:41] That's the reason we have to pay it back.

[1:01:44] [cough and snorts]

[1:01:46] » So though, and then parks is um we levy $15,000 for parks. We have forever. I'm

[1:01:53] not quite sure where that number came from, why it's set at 15,000, and we

[1:01:56] haven't increased it. Um that's something that I want to investigate

[1:01:59] further, but currently for 2027, we are holding at 15,000. Um, so that is an

[1:02:07] increase in levy of $1.5 million. 1,534985.

[1:02:13] So that's our 8.09%. And again, that's with that deficit in

[1:02:18] the general fund. A majority of this is um onetime capital, you know, the IT

[1:02:24] upgrade projects that we're looking at

[1:02:29] on to fund balance. So, um, looking at our fund balance in the general fund,

[1:02:35] um, and this is updated. We haven't offici we don't officially have our 2025

[1:02:40] audit finalized. They will be reporting to the board in October, but we do have

[1:02:45] preliminary fund balance numbers. So, I was able to update those. So, um, ending

[1:02:51] fund balance, unassigned fund balance for the general fund is 10,743,595.

[1:02:58] Um if we go with the um um option of spending or you know or

[1:03:07] spending 40 or keeping 40% of operations, we still have 2.9 million

[1:03:13] almost $3 million um available to spend. If we want to go with um only using or

[1:03:21] keeping 50% for operations of our fund balance, then we have $1.2 2 million

[1:03:28] above and beyond that we are able to spend. [snorts]

[1:03:32] » Mr. Chair, >> yeah, it's Steve.

[1:03:34] » So, Kathleen, just to [clears throat] make sure the arithmetic in my head is

[1:03:38] working, if we take that budget deficit of $1.3 million on the previous page,

[1:03:44] that lines up with close to that $1.2 million. So if we spend the reserves as

[1:03:52] planned, we would be just under 15% or 50% but well above 40% of fund balance

[1:03:59] remaining. So well within the target range that the board has set.

[1:04:03] » Correct. Thank you. >> And that's a state recommendation,

[1:04:08] right? That we stay between 40 and 50%. >> Correct. That is a office of the state

[1:04:13] auditor. >> Yes.

[1:04:15] » Okay. Thank you. >> And I do have road and bridge on there

[1:04:18] also. Um and Health and Human Services. Health and [laughter] Human Services,

[1:04:22] you'll notice, is um low and under. Part of that is because they are in the

[1:04:28] middle of their building project. Um it is a $6 million project, $4 million

[1:04:35] coming out of their fund balance, $2 million to be repaid by the state

[1:04:39] bonding on that. But at the moment, um, that is where they are sitting at at the

[1:04:44] end of 2025, holding the additional $2 million for the remainder of the

[1:04:48] project.

[1:04:51] » So, Mr. Chair, >> yes, Commissioner Leisa,

[1:04:54] » they're showing below the 40% only until that 2 million is paid back.

[1:04:58] » Yes. >> And that'll be added to what they have.

[1:05:00] » The 2 million when we get that bonding, that will be in. So, 2026 then it will

[1:05:04] kind of flush out because well, the project will be finalized. will have the

[1:05:08] 2 million bonding but we will also be spending which we have held the 2

[1:05:12] million that that they have held and the 2 million that the general fund has held

[1:05:16] for that. >> Okay. Thanks.

[1:05:20] » So where is the

[1:05:24] 2 million that's being held in the general fund or

[1:05:28] » so? Health and human services has $2 million and the general fund has $2

[1:05:33] million reserve. We both do because it was a total of $4 million out of fund

[1:05:38] balance overall. >> Okay.

[1:05:41] » And Mr. Chair >> and Kathleen, those do not show up on

[1:05:46] this chart because those are assigned versus unassigned, right?

[1:05:50] » Correct. Yes.

[1:05:57] Um then this is a general fund expenditure comparison is on the next

[1:06:02] slide just to go through the different categories in the general fund. Um you

[1:06:07] will notice that the general government um expenditures increased from 8.72

[1:06:14] million to 10.1 million. Public safety um went down from 9.47 million to 9.41

[1:06:22] million. The other areas um sanitation is four

[1:06:28] went up um slightly. Culture, recreation is actually the library, historical

[1:06:34] society, airport, tourism and parks. That's went down just a little bit. Um

[1:06:39] and then we have conservation, natural resources,

[1:06:45] that's our egg society, our soil water conservation district, and our

[1:06:49] extension. um that went down slightly and then

[1:06:53] economic development um went up a little bit. Just to explain the difference

[1:06:58] between general government and public safety, why that shifted, we are

[1:07:02] shifting some of the ways that we budget and pay expenditures. We're centralizing

[1:07:07] some items. One is insurance, one is our facility maintenance, our utilities. So

[1:07:13] those expenditures are shifting out of public safety and into general

[1:07:17] government just because they're shifting into the central services area. So

[1:07:22] general government is paying for all departments out of revenue fund is out

[1:07:27] of one line item so we can track that better not splitting it all over. So

[1:07:32] that's the biggest change between those two. It's not necessarily a really

[1:07:36] downturn in expenditures or anything. basically just in the courthouse

[1:07:42] area >> kind of yeah that's what you can see the

[1:07:45] revenue fund >> roadenbridgeidge it's just

[1:07:47] » well the sheriff's department so jail jail jail facility maintenance is

[1:07:51] shifted to the central >> central services our general government

[1:07:56] okay >> so that's why some of those expenditures

[1:07:58] are going down in public safety is because those centralized expenditures

[1:08:01] are going into central services out of the general fund public safety is part

[1:08:07] of the general revenue fund Yep. >> But some of those expenditures are

[1:08:11] shifting to a different centralized department area. Insurance

[1:08:16] is a big one. MCIT, that's a large expenditures that we're pulling in

[1:08:20] centralizing. Workman's comp, it went up 32%

[1:08:24] this year. So that was a large increase in insurance.

[1:08:28] Okay. >> On the MCIT, kind of a peripheral

[1:08:31] question, Kathleen. Um is that [clears throat] based on uh overall

[1:08:38] usage or >> individual?

[1:08:42] » It's a based on usage. So each um employee category,

[1:08:48] you know, um we have different employee categories, ratings based on their

[1:08:53] positions and their jobs, which are throughout the county. So, it's based on

[1:08:57] experience and usage, but it's also based on payroll and expenditures and

[1:09:02] overall budget. So, it's kind of a formula that they use.

[1:09:05] » Okay. Thanks for that clarification.

[1:09:11] » Um, so just so you know, insurance is $214,511.

[1:09:16] Utilities is 150,000. So, those are some of those expenditures that were

[1:09:21] centralized into general government. Um, in revenue, just a note, revenue

[1:09:29] went down quite a bit. One of that is because interest income was reduced by

[1:09:33] $200,000 from 2026. And then also um are we have no in

[1:09:41] previous years we budgeted a payroll contingency revenue offset in general

[1:09:48] central services general government. We did not do that revenue offset this

[1:09:52] year. what we did to kind of have more transparency and kind of show a

[1:09:58] reduction in um salary budget like John does we did revenue fund we did salaries

[1:10:06] at 98% instead of 100%. So we lowered salary

[1:10:11] expenditure line instead of doing a revenue offset to really more clearly

[1:10:16] show that. So you're going to see that in expenditures versus a revenue offset.

[1:10:21] So you're going to revenues went down because of that

[1:10:26] if that makes sense. >> Yep.

[1:10:29] » But I think and David and I spoke about this. I think it's a better clearer

[1:10:33] representation of >> that expenditure budget is that actually

[1:10:39] » budgeting a lower expenditure versus having a revenue offset. Y

[1:10:47] » um so changes when I first came and did the general fund um budget presentation

[1:10:51] to you. Here's some changes that have come through. Um total revenue went down

[1:10:57] 720,263 of that was the levy reduction of

[1:11:02] $665,000. Expenditures went down 665,000.

[1:11:09] um and the f general fund deficit increased 54,000.

[1:11:14] Some of the changes in that in those changes um included MCIT. We have

[1:11:19] property and casualty is increasing 6.94%

[1:11:24] overall for the county. Workers compensation is increasing 30.96%

[1:11:30] overall for the county. salaries. Um, again, I just spoke about

[1:11:36] that is we're budgeting those line items at 98%.

[1:11:40] Um, I did budget commissioner salaries at a 3% increase versus the 7% increase

[1:11:47] as far as what other um employees are being paid and we'll discuss that

[1:11:53] further in a little bit in the future.

[1:11:57] And then um overall just salary view review and adjustments. We went through

[1:12:02] and made sure that everything was um entered correctly and we did have some

[1:12:06] adjustments between regular time and overtime and stuff that shifted some of

[1:12:10] those expenditures. The other things included in this is a

[1:12:16] zero increase for um so appropriations overall a zero increase so no increase

[1:12:22] in appropriations excluding the MCIT coverage

[1:12:27] um not funding support within reach because it's not legally allowed and no

[1:12:32] new funding available for angels. So those are some of the considerations in

[1:12:37] those changes that are noted up above. So, Kathleen, I have a question about

[1:12:42] the workers compensation, why it [clears throat] went up so high. Is that

[1:12:45] because of usage? >> It's a combination of usage, but it's

[1:12:49] also because of salary increases and expenditure increases because they base

[1:12:54] that that amount based on our our payroll budget

[1:12:58] » because if something happened, that's what you would have they would have to

[1:13:00] pay out. >> Yep. So, it's part of their formula that

[1:13:03] they cover. So when we get a um hopefully we'll get a dividend back or a

[1:13:10] repay back if things come in lower next year. But they always you know bill us

[1:13:14] for the projection and then as actuals come out and they balance out then later

[1:13:19] in the year in 2027 then they'll determine if we have any funds that will

[1:13:23] come back to us. >> So do they consider like that new FMLA

[1:13:28] charge that we get? They don't consider that that they these few folks can use

[1:13:32] that if they had to because because it's work comp.

[1:13:35] » Not as not as far as I'm aware. I have not heard that.

[1:13:38] » Well, I mean we have to just pay and pay and pay all this insurance and what's

[1:13:43] the return? Zero. I mean, well, it's not zero, but

[1:13:49] I [clears throat] just asking. >> Yeah. Yeah. I'm not sure. I have not

[1:13:52] heard that from MCIT. Okay. >> It's what I've heard is their formulas,

[1:13:56] budget, payroll expenditures, and then usage.

[1:13:59] » Yeah. And Mr. Chair, just for clarity, so the workers comp is intended to

[1:14:03] compensate people who are injured on the job.

[1:14:06] » On the job, correct? >> And then the paid leave is to allow time

[1:14:11] off for a variety of eligible uses, illness, injury, care for others. And so

[1:14:17] they're two separate programs. >> Yep. And I and I get that. I'm just

[1:14:21] wondering if there's >> the expense to pay.

[1:14:24] » There's a there's a common payer. >> Yeah, absolutely.

[1:14:29] the taxpayers. >> So, I have some levy increase scenarios.

[1:14:34] Um, again, we're currently at 8.09%. That's where we're currently sitting

[1:14:39] with the adjustments that have been made. I just wanted to put some numbers

[1:14:43] in front of you so you can have an idea of of what other adjustments would be

[1:14:49] needed. So, if if the board would wanted to go with a 7% um preliminary increase,

[1:14:56] we would need to reduce another 206,000 out of the budget. If we wanted to try

[1:15:02] to go with a 5% increase, we'd have to reduce another 585,000,

[1:15:07] almost 586,000. And if we wanted to go with a 3% that

[1:15:13] that would we'd be looking at almost 966,000

[1:15:16] in reduction in dollars in order to get those levy increase percentages.

[1:15:22] [snorts] So do we know any forecast about some of

[1:15:28] the expenses that we're going to have for [clears throat] 2027? I mean, do we

[1:15:32] know any 2027 numbers through Health and Human Services or the new huge costs

[1:15:37] they're talking about with the >> So, Carly and Sarah have I believe those

[1:15:42] figured into their budget, which is in this and I know Sarah says um and what

[1:15:47] I've heard Sarah state is 2027 they're managing 2028 is making her nervous.

[1:15:54] » Yeah. So, and I'm I don't think they really know what that projection looks

[1:15:59] like yet because it's still a moving floor.

[1:16:02] » That's what you get when you kick the can down the road.

[1:16:06] » That's right. [laughter] >> And just to follow up on the health and

[1:16:11] human services discussion, we know there is more work required by those staff.

[1:16:18] Sarah did not request any additional staff in her 2027 budget. And so, um,

[1:16:24] it's still just, you know, pointing that out. There are many counties that you're

[1:16:28] aware of that have added or are planning to add staff in 2027 to help for that

[1:16:33] additional work. We have chosen not to do that because the levy already is, you

[1:16:38] know, projected to be extremely high, >> but that's why it's going to get worse

[1:16:42] in 28 29. I mean, so >> is that really a good idea? I mean,

[1:16:48] should we not >> plan ahead? plan ahead and get one or

[1:16:52] two more people now. I mean, I don't know. I mean,

[1:16:57] » we also have I mean, >> you know, we have major elections coming

[1:17:01] up, both federal and state, and we still have a year of

[1:17:04] » of policy that can be shifted one way or

[1:17:08] the other. >> So,

[1:17:10] » a lot of unknowns. Well, I'm just saying,

[1:17:15] » Kathleen. >> So, I'm gonna I'm gonna finish up my two

[1:17:20] last slides and then I'm going to discuss what I'm looking for from the

[1:17:23] board. Okay. >> So, the budget committee's

[1:17:26] recommendations for the 2027 preliminary levy.

[1:17:31] So, our key recommendations are to maintain the appropriations at the 2026

[1:17:36] funding levels. This would mean there is zero increase excluding the MCIT

[1:17:43] increase because we do fund insurance for the egg society and for the

[1:17:47] historical society. Not funding support within reach. It's not elig eligible for

[1:17:52] county funding under court current statute.

[1:17:56] No capacity for additional funding for angels.

[1:18:01] um limiting the commissioner salary increase to 3%

[1:18:06] which would then with those recommendations the resulting

[1:18:09] preliminary levy is 8.09 um in 8.09% 09% increase. Um, now that

[1:18:18] may go down. Again, we're still looking at things and reviewing things, but we

[1:18:23] can increase it. Some things I wanted to just have in your mind before we have

[1:18:28] final discussions for future considerations

[1:18:32] is um, you know, other areas that we have to be continuing to review. Um, DJ

[1:18:40] presented the con just a little bit earlier before this meeting. There is

[1:18:44] concern um currently con does fund half of the survey department.

[1:18:50] Um if the fund balance in con does get too low and is not able to fund that

[1:18:56] survey or half a survey department that may need to be brought on to um levy if

[1:19:03] there's not another funding source. Um that half a survey is about I think

[1:19:09] $27,000 that comes out of Conan. 28,000. So I

[1:19:15] just just >> And that's for that department only.

[1:19:17] » Yes. >> And how many employees are in that

[1:19:20] department? >> Three.

[1:19:21] » Three. Okay. >> So that's Dan GIS and then Randy and

[1:19:27] David.

[1:19:30] » Um our Long Lake deficit. We've had many discussions on that, but

[1:19:36] that's something to consider in the future is ho how, you know, we're going

[1:19:40] to manage that deficit in Long Lake. [snorts]

[1:19:43] Um, parks deficit, the parks fund is currently in a deficit. We are getting

[1:19:47] some grant dollars in, but there's been expenditures out of the parks department

[1:19:52] that has not been fully funded by grants and the parks um fund is currently in a

[1:19:57] deficit also. And then ongoing um facilities and

[1:20:01] maintenance. You know, the thought of like John is budgeting extra funds just

[1:20:06] to be [snorts] prepared for future maintenance and facilities. We're

[1:20:10] [clears throat] budgeting to have that capital kind of coming out of fund

[1:20:13] balance. But I think we need to be aware that um we will have future facility

[1:20:19] needs too that we'll want to think about in the future. So just to have those

[1:20:23] pieces on mind. So, what I'm looking for today is three

[1:20:30] things. I'm hoping for a,

[1:20:35] you know, direction on where you'd want the preliminary levy increase to be,

[1:20:40] what that percentage look like looks like or dollar amount. I would like a

[1:20:44] decision on appropriations, how we're going to handle those. We had a

[1:20:48] discussion on those a couple um weeks ago. And like I say, we have a budget

[1:20:52] committee recommendation that's part of this levy increase that I'm presenting

[1:20:56] today. And then also a decision on how we want to move forward with the

[1:21:00] commissioner salaries. >> Kathleen, regarding the commissioner

[1:21:05] salaries. >> Yes. Historically,

[1:21:08] um the initial under the preliminary levy has been a number commensurate with

[1:21:15] that of the adjustments and increases to staff. Uh that's always been reduced.

[1:21:22] Under the dire circumstances of this year, again for direction,

[1:21:29] I would propose that uh the commissioners take a 0%

[1:21:34] increase. >> Support I support.

[1:21:40] » We need to lead by example. >> We do.

[1:21:43] » But it doesn't work that way. You have unions.

[1:21:45] » Mhm. >> And if our insurance goes up, I mean,

[1:21:49] I'm just saying I you know, retirement is right around the

[1:21:53] corner for me. So, it could happen any day.

[1:21:56] » I just I I feel that

[1:22:01] » I think we need to set an example. Well, I totally understand.

[1:22:06] » We have we have set examples our whole time and it doesn't matter. You have

[1:22:10] unions, they have contracts. We don't have a choice in that.

[1:22:15] I mean, we really don't. So, I mean, if we did a three-year

[1:22:19] contract, you know, the first year was 5% for them, then it was 7%. I mean, it

[1:22:24] was 7% for a lot of people this this round, and we can't change that.

[1:22:30] So, we have to pay that. Where that leading by example comes in for me is

[1:22:34] when when we're sitting here saying that >> some of the other things that we

[1:22:38] typically do allocate funding for >> and and seeing what what's coming in the

[1:22:43] future. I think it's just setting a precedent that

[1:22:47] » we're taking the hit along with everybody tighten up on

[1:22:53] » maybe but we have we have I mean the land department is not a levy. I mean,

[1:22:58] we don't even have to have a land department, but we need that and I

[1:23:01] understand that. But it's just I don't know. I I'm fine with whatever you guys

[1:23:08] want to do. I just I'm saying that >> we do set examples.

[1:23:15] You know, >> your point is very boldly.

[1:23:20] » I don't want to be too bold and say that some departments don't. I mean, because

[1:23:25] they can't. It's unionized. You know, we have too many unions in this county for

[1:23:30] one thing. I believe I probably shouldn't say that out loud, right?

[1:23:33] [laughter] Dave's like, "Oh, no." >> Well, I think Kathleen's [clears throat]

[1:23:36] looking for direction. >> I'm I'm fine with that. Zero's fine.

[1:23:40] » Like I said, that's my recommendation. >> But when my health insurance Yes. What

[1:23:44] would HR do? Thank you. >> And I'll bring a resolution for you guys

[1:23:48] to vote on. I just like to have direction ahead of time so we I'll have

[1:23:52] a prepared resolution. >> If there's changes to that, we can. But

[1:23:56] that kind of gives us direction as far as a future or additional additional

[1:24:01] budget adjustments too going. >> But in terms of the direction you're

[1:24:04] seeking, >> it appears we have a consensus of a 0%.

[1:24:10] » And again, uh the official resolution is not talked in terms of percent,

[1:24:16] » but bottom line >> for the preliminary levy, it's a

[1:24:19] preliminary, it's a dollar a, but it's based on a

[1:24:22] » right. Yeah. I mean, everything equates to a percent, but

[1:24:26] » yeah, >> we like I'd like to bring one item up,

[1:24:29] too. Out of state travel. Um, due to the situations that we're looking at, I

[1:24:35] would request that out of state travel for the next year, uh, be there be no

[1:24:42] out of state travel >> for commissioners.

[1:24:43] » For commissioners, >> correct? Yeah, I'd be with that as well.

[1:24:46] » Yep. I agree. >> I know it's not a lot, but

[1:24:52] » it helps. $,000. You look at that per $30,000 saving.

[1:24:58] » And there's also that matter of principle involved.

[1:25:00] » Absolutely. >> I can review that with Dave. I don't

[1:25:05] David I don't remember what's in the budget, but we can look at it.

[1:25:08] » Yeah. >> We want to make sure you have all the

[1:25:10] information that we've been thinking in our heads of how we can cut back. Also,

[1:25:15] » I appreciate that. Thank you. Um the next piece is appropriations.

[1:25:21] Like I say, budget committee's recommendation is to hold zeros on all

[1:25:26] appropriation requests. That does include um no funding for support within

[1:25:32] reach. It is not um allowed under our current statute. So that was reduced to

[1:25:37] zero. That savings in the budget offsets the increase in MCI in MCIT insurance

[1:25:44] for the egg society and the historical society. um their overall

[1:25:50] non-inurance requests were held at a 0%

[1:25:56] » also um um not angels. So angels would not be

[1:26:00] funded also. Their request was new this year. They were at a z6

[1:26:07] and then um care would be held at the $55,000

[1:26:15] that they were at for 2026. So, those are some of the preliminary um

[1:26:21] discussions that we've had a previous meeting. Again, the budget committee

[1:26:25] recommended holding as I just stated.

[1:26:29] » Uh uh, Commissioner Carney, >> are we going to have another discussion

[1:26:33] on appropriations before we make a decision?

[1:26:38] » This is just for clarification for me. >> Well, in terms of the appropriation, if

[1:26:42] I may. >> Sure. Um,

[1:26:45] what Kathleen is seeking is that bottom line

[1:26:49] » so we can still make changes. >> You can split it. I I would like to see

[1:26:54] it split 50/50 between Angels and Care. When you look at both their packets,

[1:26:59] they

[1:27:03] Angels has been doing it for years just off their fundraising.

[1:27:08] And I would like to see when I look at the charges

[1:27:14] that that be split 5050.

[1:27:20] I should probably remind Brett that Angels has quite a few employees that we

[1:27:25] hire. We don't have a lot of volunteers. We have some. We're also have we have a

[1:27:32] a a traveling unit for, you [clears throat] know, non-emergency. Um,

[1:27:37] and it's all over the place. >> I get that. But I also look at the

[1:27:42] charges that still goes back to the people and the taxpayers

[1:27:48] and care still makes money off of that.

[1:27:53] Angels don't. So, as a just my recommendation,

[1:27:59] » as a point of clarification, Dave, chime in, too. What Kathleen needs for

[1:28:04] direction is that bottom line. >> Um

[1:28:07] » so we will have a discussion later on then

[1:28:10] » in terms of if you want to >> but for budgeting purposes for the

[1:28:15] preliminary what's the bottom line expenditure Dave?

[1:28:19] » Yeah and and thank you. So, I just want to back up a little bit.

[1:28:24] A moment ago, I think you said angels when you meant care. And most people

[1:28:29] probably heard care because they they know that was your intent, but I just

[1:28:33] wanted to make sure that everyone was understanding your intentions.

[1:28:37] » That's what I thank you for that official clarification. And then with

[1:28:41] regard to yes leaving the meeting today most helpful for Kathleen and me is to

[1:28:48] have the bottom line number that you're comfortable with and then I would rely

[1:28:53] on you to decide how you would like to have further conversation.

[1:28:58] » Thank you. We would structure that however you would want.

[1:29:01] » Thank you. Well, like every other thing that we recommend, I would go with the

[1:29:06] recommendation of the of the budget committee. That's how it was set. That's

[1:29:11] how it's written in my pack, >> which again to reiterate is% zero

[1:29:16] change. >> Zero change

[1:29:17] » in [clears throat] appropriations. >> Yes.

[1:29:19] » Okay. I should note that zero I didn't point that out. Also, the other item

[1:29:24] that we had discussion on in appropriations, which would have been an

[1:29:28] increase but is not an increase, is the $30,000

[1:29:32] um for soil and water conference or 50,000. Sorry, my eyes are now.

[1:29:37] » Did you include that or did not include? >> Did not include it. So, they were held

[1:29:40] at a zero increase also. >> Yeah. And so they're they're

[1:29:44] » $50,000. They had requested a $50,000 increase, right? They were held at zero

[1:29:49] also. and leaving their amount at that $81,549.

[1:29:54] » Right. Okay. >> Okay. Thank you. I appreciate that. And

[1:29:59] then um we can look at having further discussions um on how that wants to move

[1:30:05] forward with appropriations. >> Thank you.

[1:30:08] » Um so with that then the third decision is the the levy amount. Currently that

[1:30:13] dollar amount is TW 20,516,030.

[1:30:18] Again, that represents a 8.09% increase. Um, just looking for some

[1:30:24] direction as far as what you guys would like to see when I come back to the next

[1:30:29] board meeting to set that amount. >> M Mr. Chair,

[1:30:33] » uh, Commissioner Sample, >> if we went to 45%.

[1:30:40] » In our general fund, splitting the difference,

[1:30:45] what would that set our levy at? Well, I mean, I'm just saying if we're

[1:30:52] looking at setting a preliminary, we can't go above,

[1:30:56] » right? But in very simplistic terms, 1% is $200,000.

[1:31:05] So, for every $200,000, it's 1%.

[1:31:11] roughly

[1:31:16] if we're looking at a 20 million proposed levy.

[1:31:24] » I'm looking at something here. [laughter]

[1:31:26] » Yeah. So, I mean, I guess the the if I understand Commissioner Sample's

[1:31:30] question or his his direction is he's proposing and asking for some

[1:31:36] calculations of spending more fund reserves to fund the operating. And so,

[1:31:42] right now the levy >> to lower the levy.

[1:31:44] » Levy. Yep. And so, right now, we have structured it so that we're using

[1:31:49] » reserves to pay for one-time capital expenses, not operations. knowing that

[1:31:56] some capital expenses you end up having to repurchase or update, right? Um and

[1:32:02] so we could do that if that's the direction of the board. I think the

[1:32:07] caveat with that is um Kathleen had a slide that talked about some of the

[1:32:13] future budget considerations, >> right? We have the park and Long Lake

[1:32:21] that both have significant deficits that we just want to be very thoughtful of

[1:32:30] spending more of our reserves and spending it more quickly in a way that's

[1:32:35] unsustainable. Right? So, if we're if we're concerned

[1:32:39] about 2028, and I know you've heard from um Sarah in particular about being

[1:32:45] concerned about 2028, more spending of reserves in 2027 is

[1:32:51] going to make 2028 that much harder. Right,

[1:32:54] » Mr. Chair? Commissioner Leisa, >> kind of going along with what David

[1:32:58] said, I'd be real hesitant about spending more fund

[1:33:03] balance on operations because in our tenure here, we've gotten away from

[1:33:07] that, >> which in conversations with former

[1:33:10] commissioner Nimi was the direction the board was pushing towards was getting

[1:33:13] away from getting using fund balance for operations. Now, we've achieved that

[1:33:17] with work from previous boards. We've we've gotten there. So, I would hate to

[1:33:22] go back to to funding operations because again that goes back to kicking the can

[1:33:27] down the road as you say, >> but in a couple years you're gonna have

[1:33:30] a double digit increase. >> I get it. But I think the discussions

[1:33:33] need to be had Long Lake Parks Department. How are we going to bring

[1:33:40] them where they're not coming to the board

[1:33:45] with big deficits? You know, when we first came on the board, they three

[1:33:50] years ago, they had a big deficit that we made up

[1:33:56] and they and and we we we've kicked the can down the road for a long time with

[1:34:02] Long Lake because nobody wants to have the discussion on hurting kids. That's

[1:34:09] the first thing and that's the last thing. But the residents of Aken County

[1:34:15] are not responsible for the education of everybody. We have

[1:34:22] they have to come under control. The parks department since we've been on

[1:34:27] this board, we've raised camping fees twice

[1:34:32] » and we'll do again. >> And we'll do again. And I mean, I'm just

[1:34:35] saying that I bring this up because I want the serious discussion of

[1:34:43] What do we do? We talk about, well, we got deficits from Long Lake coming. We

[1:34:47] have deficits from the park department coming. How long do we go before we say,

[1:34:53] "Hang on, the taxpayer out here. They got to watch their their budget." And I

[1:35:00] mean, I'm bringing it up because I think this is the conversations that we get

[1:35:05] paid to have. >> So, that's my comment.

[1:35:09] Very [snorts] good point, Commissioner. Uh Dave Kathleen, with regard to law and

[1:35:17] the uh deficit in layman's terms, how does that affect

[1:35:23] our general cash flow? How does that affect the levy, the fund balance

[1:35:31] » for 2027 for the budget that you have been

[1:35:35] discussing? it would have no impact because there is not general levy money

[1:35:41] going either to Long Lake or with the exception of the $15,000 to parks to

[1:35:47] parks. Okay? >> And so you could solve those solve both

[1:35:51] of those funds. I don't know how you do it, but for for fun, let's say you solve

[1:35:57] them, >> you'd still be at an 8.09%

[1:36:00] levy increase unless you do something with the

[1:36:04] operating budget. Notwithstanding the long lake

[1:36:08] conversation. >> Yeah. So, a 100 100% agreement with

[1:36:11] Commissioner Sample that yes, that's what you guys get paid the the big bucks

[1:36:15] for, even though there might not be an increase next year. Um, that's a that's

[1:36:20] a hard that that's a discussion that isn't going to help you come up with a

[1:36:25] preliminary levy that that we're hopeful we'll get some direction on for the next

[1:36:29] county board meeting. >> And Commissioner Sample, I'm glad you

[1:36:33] brought that up. It's very bold bold conversation and this again is part

[1:36:40] of the longer range plan. Um if you recall [snorts] our um long range plan

[1:36:46] that we had the uh Bill Brendell, is that his name?

[1:36:50] » Y >> strategic plan. This we had a meeting of

[1:36:54] and by itself self uh addressing Long Lake Conervation Center and it needs to

[1:37:01] be addressed. Our citizens are getting older. Our schools

[1:37:08] are failing. I mean, it's like we got to sit up here

[1:37:14] and we got to make tough decisions. >> I I would support with 8.9 setting that

[1:37:22] as long as we can have the serious talks [snorts]

[1:37:25] of getting it down. And I think that's what the goal is here today is to set

[1:37:31] the preliminary in supporting the budget committee at 8 8.09. And it wouldn't we

[1:37:38] wouldn't actually be setting it today. You're just kind of giving me

[1:37:40] directions. I'm going to prepare all the official documents for the next board

[1:37:44] meeting, but I want to have those ready so they're ready for you guys to

[1:37:48] actually vote on at the next meeting. >> Before I call in Commissioner Carney,

[1:37:53] that 8.0976

[1:37:57] Does that include the decreases albeit not that much?

[1:38:02] » So yeah, it would not include the commissioners because current currently

[1:38:06] the commissioners are budgeted at uh 3%. So that would be an additional

[1:38:10] reduction. We do have some information from health and human services they have

[1:38:15] about 25,000 that would be reduced. Um however there might be a little bit of

[1:38:21] increases. There's been some salary changes adjustments in some departments

[1:38:25] that would have to be figured in, but those are the biggest things that

[1:38:30] haven't been included. >> Okay. And Commissioner Carney,

[1:38:33] » yeah, one last question. I'm still concerned about the insurance that we

[1:38:37] don't know what the increase may be. We're you're projecting 15%. Right now,

[1:38:42] correct me if I'm wrong. We were hit last over the last couple years with

[1:38:46] insurance issues that could drive it even higher than that 15%.

[1:38:52] Are we is that 8.9 increase going to be able to cover if we

[1:38:59] set it at that and we come back with a 20% increase from insurance? You you see

[1:39:04] what I'm saying? >> Very valid point. So, do we want to set

[1:39:08] your your levy at 9%. Or whatever to maybe p cover that increase because if

[1:39:15] it doesn't come in, then of course we can lower. But I'm concerned with

[1:39:19] because because I know we were hit twice twice or three times with insurance,

[1:39:23] right? >> Actually, just once

[1:39:25] » because we did have a we actually had a reduction.

[1:39:28] » Um we do have some funds in reserves. Um even after 2026 there should be some

[1:39:35] funds res remaining in in reserves that would be able to offset that which is

[1:39:42] not >> is separate from the unassigned

[1:39:45] » right. So it wouldn't come out of general

[1:39:50] until we use that up. >> I just want to make sure in case

[1:39:54] something you bet. >> Yeah. No, it's a good point. But in my

[1:39:57] mind, I think we still do have some of the funding that we set aside

[1:40:01] specifically for insurance reasons. >> That's not part of the general fund when

[1:40:05] we talk about general fund. >> Okay.

[1:40:08] » I'm I'm just wondering if we should just stick with the 8.9% until you've figured

[1:40:15] out all of our salaries and all the other, you know, maybe put 20% insurance

[1:40:20] in that instead of 15. >> Kathy, roughly what what would that be?

[1:40:25] What is the insurance? 300,000 [laughter]

[1:40:28] roughly roughly roughly >> you know what I don't have that

[1:40:33] » more than that >> about it was just a question it was a

[1:40:36] thought that I had >> but I I think the bottom line what uh

[1:40:40] Lori said would that 8.09 09 accommodate a 20%

[1:40:47] increase in in insurance. >> And how much do we have set aside?

[1:40:54] » Um we have about 200,000 set aside. We have a planned use of about half of that

[1:40:59] for 2026. >> Yeah.

[1:41:01] » Um >> you have 100,000.

[1:41:02] » So approximately 100,000 >> which is

[1:41:05] » which should cover a 20% if we >> half a% we're hit.

[1:41:09] » That's what it would be. Yeah. What's your thoughts on that?

[1:41:19] [snorts]

[1:41:22] » It's hard. >> I would I would not be uncomfortable

[1:41:30] not speculating higher than the 15% or let me let me put that in the positive.

[1:41:35] I would be comfortable just speculating at the 15%. Right.

[1:41:39] » Okay. I'll make the motion that we >> really aren't in order today.

[1:41:44] » Okay. But but we got to agree on the preliminary budget, right?

[1:41:48] » A consensus. >> A consensus. I would support eight the

[1:41:52] 8.09 >> commissioners.

[1:41:55] » Yep. Good with that. Yes. >> Uh based on the administrator's input

[1:41:59] here and Kathleen's direction, >> I I would agree.

[1:42:03] » Okay. >> So the 8.09 with the the couple

[1:42:05] reductions and we vote that next. >> There'll be some minute And that's what

[1:42:09] commissioner currently talking about cutting the uh and commissioner the

[1:42:15] Vista supporting the no travel >> for one year out of state.

[1:42:19] » Y

[1:42:22] » well thank you I appreciate that. So >> you got what you need Kathy?

[1:42:25] » Yeah I'll make some adjustments and then be back. David,

[1:42:29] » before we end the conversation, we need to know if you want more discussion

[1:42:35] about the appropriations and what format you want that in.

[1:42:39] » No, I >> commissioners

[1:42:41] » get to death. >> I would like to see more discussion on

[1:42:46] the appropriations >> in terms of splitting.

[1:42:49] » It wouldn't be discussion on increasing. It would be a discussion on

[1:42:53] » structure. Structure. There you go. So at the next board meeting, I'm going to

[1:42:57] bring the >> preliminary levy

[1:43:00] » current what they are. >> Sure.

[1:43:02] » And then the board can have discussions as far as

[1:43:06] » the appropriate >> how they want to handle that for the

[1:43:09] » and and I would even say that given that the bottom line has a consensus that

[1:43:16] discussion could probably wait until >> the final final

[1:43:19] » later. We we wouldn't have >> not final

[1:43:23] » like maybe November. >> We don't we don't need to convolute it

[1:43:26] with the preliminary levy, right? >> We we could but there isn't an urgency

[1:43:30] as long as there's a consensus on the bottom line total appropriation. Then

[1:43:35] then we can do all the budget calculating necessary.

[1:43:38] » Okay. But I just want to be sure that everybody is comfortable with how you

[1:43:42] want to proceed with discussing or considering or not considering how you

[1:43:47] would make any splits within that total. >> Yeah, I suppose you want it done before

[1:43:53] the final. >> It just makes it easier to have some of

[1:43:56] that stuff set before we get to the final final.

[1:43:59] » So that could be the first meeting in October.

[1:44:08] Thank you. >> I appreciate it. Thank you.

[1:44:10] » Good job, Kathleen. Thank you, >> Kathleen.

[1:44:12] » And thank you for your leadership on the budget committee, too.

[1:44:16] » You're welcome.

[1:44:22] » On to County Administrator Dave Mickey.

[1:44:26] » Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair, members of the board. We ha we are members of the Aken

[1:44:33] Itasa Cuching Community Health Board. and Commissioner Westerland is our

[1:44:39] commissioner representative and Lynn [clears throat] Jacobs is our citizen

[1:44:43] representative. That board has a little bit of a nuance on their quorum. So like

[1:44:49] most boards, 50% plus one is a quorum. So four of seven members. They also have

[1:44:56] a requirement that there be a representative from each county. So they

[1:45:00] could have a quorum based on four of seven and without any Aken County

[1:45:06] representative not be able to conduct any business. And so that is going to be

[1:45:09] the case on Thursday when they meet. And so we are requesting for the appointment

[1:45:14] of an alternate which is allowed under the joint powers and commissioner Carney

[1:45:19] has volunteered uh to to accept that appointment if offered and so I would

[1:45:24] present that for your consideration >> commissioners and thank you for

[1:45:28] volunteering. Commissioner Carney, I would support that.

[1:45:31] » I'll second. >> Okay. Motion on the floor to set effect.

[1:45:34] Commissioner Sample supported Commissioner Westerland.

[1:45:38] » Any Michael? >> Yes. Thanks very much.

[1:45:41] » Any further discussion? >> Not. All in favor say I.

[1:45:45] » I. >> Oppose. Same. Sign. That motion carries.

[1:45:52] » All right. If I may continue. >> Yes, sir. Um, so despite the fact that

[1:45:57] you're not getting paid more, we're still asking you to do more. And so at

[1:46:02] the last county board meeting, the uh Arrowhead Trans there was some

[1:46:05] conversation with Arrowhead Transit and a desire to have a meeting with them.

[1:46:09] And so uh I did follow up with them and Mark Jeffers and after a conversation

[1:46:15] with them, they proposed we have a community meeting and get some

[1:46:18] stakeholders together. And so as part of that stakeholder group, we would like at

[1:46:23] least one or perhaps two commissioners. And commissioners uh Westerland and

[1:46:28] Carney have indicated to me that they'd be interested in that.

[1:46:31] » I'm also interested in that. >> Then I'll step back.

[1:46:38] » Mr. Sample and Westerland. >> That's fine.

[1:46:42] » And again, you're just seeking direction here.

[1:46:45] » Yep. >> So is everybody comfortable? Do you want

[1:46:48] to be an alternate, Michael? [laughter] >> Good call.

[1:46:52] » Well, I'm just saying October is kind of a

[1:46:56] » Well, how that can't harm anything. >> Yeah. No. And if you want if you wanted

[1:46:59] to to express it as a motion, that certainly is fine that there be uh

[1:47:04] Commissioner Sample and Westerland as a primary and Commissioner Carney as the

[1:47:08] alternate. >> I think a motion would probably be

[1:47:10] appropriate. >> Yeah, because I mean I'm on planning and

[1:47:13] zoning and I'm on >> the EAW.

[1:47:17] I don't even know if I'm supposed to do that because I don't Okay, but anyway.

[1:47:20] Yeah, >> make that motion then. Commissioner

[1:47:22] Sample and Westerland as members of the meeting with Commissioner Carney as an

[1:47:26] alternate. >> Okay, good clarification. Motion on the

[1:47:29] floor to set effect by Commissioner Levisa.

[1:47:31] » I'll support. >> And that motion is supported by

[1:47:34] Commissioner Carney. Any further comments, questions, discussion?

[1:47:39] » Could I put a plug in for the AMC District One meeting?

[1:47:43] » We got to vote for this first. >> Yeah. No plugs yet.

[1:47:47] » Further discussion. >> If not, all in favor say I. I.

[1:47:52] » Oppose. Same sign. The motion prevails.

[1:47:57] » Okay, Dave. All right. Never assume an outcome.

[1:48:01] » That's why you get paid to big buddy, brother.

[1:48:04] » Aken County is the host for the AMC District 1 meeting. The District 1

[1:48:09] meeting is October 15th and that will be held at the Minnesota National Golf

[1:48:14] Club. There is a pre-event the night before. We are planning dinner

[1:48:20] at the fireside out in McGregor at 6 PM. We have the room reserved. So, if you're

[1:48:26] able to make dinner at 6 pm, you're welcome to join that. And then after the

[1:48:32] district meeting on the 15th, uh, Commissioner Sample has invited everyone

[1:48:38] over to the Forgotten Heroes Range and, um, resort to have a tour, learn what

[1:48:45] they do, and then also have for those interested an opportunity to shoot. And

[1:48:50] so, uh, I would encourage everyone to attend that if they're able.

[1:48:54] » Great. And thanks, Commissioner Sample. >> So, fireside is the evening of the 14th

[1:48:58] or the 15th. >> 14th. I'd just like to make one

[1:49:02] » [clears throat] >> uh correction, not resort, retreat,

[1:49:05] » retreat,

[1:49:08] » dinner, [clears throat] >> and one coming out on the website

[1:49:13] because I had Paul from St. Louis County and

[1:49:17] » a few people. >> Yep. I'll I'll follow up with AMC to see

[1:49:20] when they're gonna >> to get it out because it's it's a month.

[1:49:23] So, and then where's everybody staying? That's what he was mostly. There are a

[1:49:28] room block at the Motel in McGregor. >> That nicely refurbished one or redone

[1:49:35] one that looks nice. I haven't been in there, but it looks nice.

[1:49:37] » Nice. McGregor's getting >> How many does it

[1:49:41] » hold? How many does it hold? >> It's a full size.

[1:49:45] » Yeah, it's >> so like

[1:49:47] » two, three stories. >> 60.

[1:49:49] » Yeah, probably at least 60 rooms. >> Yeah, [snorts]

[1:49:51] » that Yeah, I knew I knew it was It's been a long time since I've been there.

[1:49:55] And that's not really the peak of their season either. So,

[1:49:58] » right. >> No,

[1:50:00] » if you've got blocked rooms for they should be good.

[1:50:06] » Thank you. >> Anything else, David? Again, happy

[1:50:09] anniversary. Many more

[1:50:14] on to board of commissioners committee updates. Uh, go clockwise today if

[1:50:19] that's all right. To start with Commissioner Carney.

[1:50:23] Not too much to update. Um,

[1:50:28] I do have a funeral to go tomorrow. I don't know if you guys know him or aware

[1:50:33] of him. Dick Brener passed away. Uh, he's Carlton County longtime

[1:50:38] commissioner, retired two years. Uh, I was had the privilege of working with

[1:50:42] him for two years on the ACA board. What a wonderful gentleman. But I will go to

[1:50:46] the funeral tomorrow uh, evening for that. Um, the rest of my meetings are uh

[1:50:53] next the next week, [snorts] but I will be at the fall policy conference on the

[1:50:58] 15th. I will be traveling Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday into DC for my work

[1:51:02] stuff. Um, but if anything comes up, I'm I'm available by phone. That's all I

[1:51:07] have. >> Thanks, Commissioner. Mr. Zample

[1:51:11] » had a uh conference call with the core of engineers

[1:51:18] and the president of the Big Sandy Lake Association.

[1:51:23] And the core will be doing the majority of their correspondence in the future

[1:51:29] through emails. And I've requested that Congressman

[1:51:34] Stabber's district director be included in them. And

[1:51:41] you know, I didn't think our administrator had enough on his plate.

[1:51:45] So I requested that too, only cuz I love you, Dave. Happy anniversary.

[1:51:51] And uh that's kind of been the big extent of my meeting. Wild race days

[1:51:58] went great. I would like to mention that one of our oldest

[1:52:04] and most decorated veterans in uh the county, let alone McGregor

[1:52:12] Johnny Kak um had a bad fall and he's in critical

[1:52:19] condition. So, uh, I as a commissioner would like

[1:52:23] to send my prayers out to the family. And that's a tough generation. 93 years

[1:52:30] old, Korean War vet, >> highly decorated.

[1:52:33] » Yep. >> And that's the extent of mine. Thank

[1:52:38] you. The one I would have had, we didn't

[1:52:42] have. So, >> you're good.

[1:52:46] Um, ATV committee I had uh you heard DJ's update. Not much more on that.

[1:52:53] People are very excited and I try not to say anything because they are going out

[1:52:59] there and it's like it's not open yet people. You'd have to wait till next

[1:53:03] year. >> No way. We're going on it. We paid for

[1:53:06] this. Blah blah blah. Um, and then I had uh Northern Counties,

[1:53:12] um, is it coalition? Is that what it is? >> I won't be there for that.

[1:53:18] » I'm just an HR nightmare. Um, John Agar was there and he kind of went through

[1:53:24] who's running with who and uh on our maps of people uh, senators,

[1:53:33] representatives, uh, nothing federal. Um,

[1:53:39] we also talked about a priority on these landfills and what I don't know there's

[1:53:45] some new rules coming out and there's new

[1:53:49] uh liner issues and I mean it's just a mess. So, we're going to I think we're

[1:53:54] going to work on that. And also Paul McDonald from

[1:53:58] uh Duth uh well not Duth but St. Louis County and Lake County.

[1:54:05] We were still talking about the extra lakeshore property taxes that we really

[1:54:11] need to fight for the pilt. Um yeah, for the pilt we need um you know I'm sure

[1:54:17] Aken County is not uh

[1:54:20] » it' be a great resource for Aken County. >> I know it and Clarissa was there from

[1:54:26] the DNR which was great to see. We hadn't seen anybody from the DNR for

[1:54:30] quite a while. Um, yeah. I mean, it was just kind of a We haven't had a meeting

[1:54:36] for a while, so we're trying to catch up and get stuff going on. If you look at

[1:54:41] the We have a new logo now. I should have sent it out. I

[1:54:45] It's It's actually really nice. Um, otherwise, I think that's all I had and

[1:54:52] I have way too much going on. So, >> is what it is.

[1:54:56] » Thank you, Lori. >> Yeah. Um we had the uh Aken Municipal

[1:55:01] Airport Commission meeting. Uh the highlight of that was the u awarding of

[1:55:07] the bids for the uh new terminal building

[1:55:11] » and uh we had each health and human service advisory committee.

[1:55:15] » It was a very interesting meeting. Uh David Minky was there and commissioner

[1:55:20] Carney. Um, it was basically all on food food shelves, the necessity of it. Um, a

[1:55:29] dissection, the breakdown of who does what. We had about four different four

[1:55:35] or five different uh presenters um regarding um food shelves

[1:55:42] uh loaves and fishes. The community meal which was uh terminated but now uh

[1:55:51] Pastor Sarah is leading this um will be resumed.

[1:55:57] » So it was a very very interesting meeting. Commissioner Carney, anything

[1:56:01] you want to >> No, that it was a great meeting. No,

[1:56:04] that's great. >> And I mean, this is a revitalized

[1:56:08] committee. >> We've got we've got full representation

[1:56:13] and a full house. >> People are attending,

[1:56:17] » eager, >> taking a very active interest. Um,

[1:56:21] that's about all I've got. I did get a call from the new Aken superintendent

[1:56:26] uh Mary Mourin and her and I will be meeting later this week. I think it's

[1:56:32] either tomorrow or I it's Thursday sometime and uh she was very very uh

[1:56:39] receptive to just getting to know the public and getting to know the

[1:56:43] community. So um other than that, Commissioner Carney,

[1:56:49] » I do have one followup. I apologize. Um the Elm Island site visit went very

[1:56:54] well. >> Yeah, we um we three three of us were

[1:56:57] here with administrator. Thank you uh Mr. Administrator for your guidance

[1:57:01] during that meeting. It did get a little tense at at a certain couple times, but

[1:57:07] then also I attended the board of the BOA um and the board of adjustment

[1:57:14] approved the variance. This is going to be very contentious.

[1:57:20] So, at the planning commission, um, >> when is that meeting?

[1:57:24] » We already know the planning commission is on the 21st. Uh, at

[1:57:29] » at Huh? >> Aren't you going to be gone?

[1:57:31] » No, I'm going to be here. >> Oh.

[1:57:32] » Um, representation.

[1:57:37] Um, we'll be in full force. Um, so there there's going to be a lot of conditions

[1:57:46] with this. We're taking it. I want you to understand the board, the planning

[1:57:51] commission board is taking this very very um seriously. Oh yeah. Um because

[1:57:57] we have Commissioner Weston's district, there's a lot of people that are against

[1:58:02] this just like they were the other ones against of the uh the other when it came

[1:58:07] in. So um >> and and yet them people come now and

[1:58:11] have coffee at Gun Lake. >> Yes.

[1:58:14] » On the weekends. um just just have it in your your windshield that this is coming

[1:58:19] down the pipe. Um so I think a good decision and

[1:58:23] » I think it's important too that you guys really really watch the wording,

[1:58:28] » you know, of your conditions because >> I think that's getting to be

[1:58:34] » Yeah, I think I think that that >> switch it around and

[1:58:39] » I don't I don't want to give how many, but there's a lot of conditions that are

[1:58:43] going to be addressed. So, well, there's a lot of conditions,

[1:58:45] » but the variance was approved. Um, so, >> but I thought I'd give you guys a brief

[1:58:51] on that. Thank you. >> That sounds good.

[1:58:53] » Mr. Chair, anything on AIS since Brian is gone?

[1:58:59] » Uh, a good point. Brian Roulette, who was uh uh kind of heading up the AIS

[1:59:07] from SWCD, has u moved on. Uh he's no longer with

[1:59:13] the Aken County SWCD and I have not heard I've got a call in

[1:59:19] uh who's going to >> Is he the state guy?

[1:59:22] » No, he's a staff at S SWCD. >> Oh,

[1:59:26] » but they always assign somebody to spearhead the AIS.

[1:59:31] » That's the second one in the year. >> Yes, that's right.

[1:59:37] What's going to happen? Actually, the active season of AIS is over uh as of

[1:59:43] yesterday, actually. And uh I'll talk to Janet to make sure that we have an

[1:59:49] upcoming meeting sometime just to get see where the fund balances are.

[1:59:55] » Yeah, >> we know that uh at least they're going

[1:59:57] to be cut in half uh for the coming year. We've been getting roughly 270,000

[2:00:04] a year. That'll be [snorts] cut back to what 135

[2:00:09] 130 in that uh >> and I know 40,000 was coming out to the

[2:00:13] sheriff's budget for >> Yeah.

[2:00:16] » to help with that and you know >> to offset the sheriff's levy.

[2:00:20] » Yeah. So I just have concerns there. >> Yeah.

[2:00:25] » Good point. So that's uh kind of a work in progress,

[2:00:30] I guess. But thanks for bringing that up.

[2:00:33] Um, other than that, I just again want to remind everybody that uh, Friday is

[2:00:38] 911 that uh, we keep honoring and remembering that

[2:00:43] » absolutely >> those who lost their lives and the Aken

[2:00:47] Fire Department will have a display out here that's uh,

[2:00:51] » well, I guess this is your year anniversary, so you probably saw it last

[2:00:54] year. It's a quite an impressive uh, display.

[2:01:00] So, >> how about is anybody going to the

[2:01:02] apartment tour? Is that what that is? >> I will be I'll be going to that.

[2:01:07] » And that's >> have it on my schedule.

[2:01:08] » Wednesday or Thursday? >> That's Wednesday.

[2:01:10] » Thursday. >> Or Thursday, excuse me.

[2:01:12] » Thursday the 10th. >> Okay.

[2:01:14] » Thursday the 10th. Yeah. [snorts] At 2:00.

[2:01:17] » And I have your public health 10 to 12. >> Anything else?

[2:01:22] » Just Forgotten Heroes has come compete with your elected officials. We get

[2:01:28] about 21. I think we had 21 last year. State senators and reps. It's a good

[2:01:33] chance to come out and talk to them. >> We need all the lobbying we can get.

[2:01:39] » The 19th. >> The 19th. Okay.

[2:01:43] » When's the water When's the uh daughter's wedding, Lori?

[2:01:46] » Saturday. >> So, it's the following Saturday. If you

[2:01:50] need to come take some frustration out, I welcome you to come on out. We got

[2:01:56] lots of >> better than going to the nut house. So,

[2:01:59] because there is >> for you, they've got a Thompson machine

[2:02:02] gun. >> Yeah, they do.

[2:02:05] » Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> Uh, salute.

[2:02:07] » Uh, motion in the floor to adjurnn. Commissioner Carney

[2:02:10] » supported. Commissioner Westerland. All in favor say I.

[2:02:13] » Oppose. Same sign. Motion's carried. This meeting stands adjourned. Thank you

[2:02:17] everyone. >> Thank you, Jean.

[2:02:19] » Thanks, Jean. >> It's on China blue.

[2:02:21] » Okay. Russian >> after this whole thing.

[2:02:28] » Have a take or take care of travel.

Aitkin County Board Meeting 8 September 2026

Transcript