--------- Good morning everyone. It's 8:30. We'll call this morning's meeting of the Klay County Board of Commissioners to order for Tuesday, December 23rd. Our first item is the approval of the agenda. >> Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. >> I'll second the motion. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Bear, second by Commissioner Mojo. Any further
discussion on the motion? >> Discussion. Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> Oppose the same sign. Motion carried. Next item is is citizens to be heard. Do we have any citizens to
be heard on items not on the agenda today? >> See none in the audience. Any online? >> Nothing, Mr. Chair. >> Move on then to the approval of bills and vouchers. >> Offer approval to pay the bills. Mr. Chair,
>> second by Commissioner Mojo. Second by Commissioner Bayer. Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed the same sign. Motion carried.
All right. Our 8:35 item, we have a Red River Commodities or communications grant update. Good morning. >> Good morning. Merry Christmas to all. Thank you for allowing us to be on the agenda. Um, I'm Tom Stain, general manager, CEO of Red River
Communications, and I've got a couple people with me. uh Carrie Klein Gardner who has been here before with me uh marketing manager and also uh to the right there David Rriststead. He is our uh uh construction or outside plant
supervisor and uh he'll be directly involved with a lot of the things that we're going to be talking about today. So he's also a Morehead resident. So I just wanted to make you all aware and and do an introduction to for him. Um the first slide we have up there or
the first part of your uh your packet if you will is a a map there of what I would call purple and that is the federal reconnect grant that uh we call it South Morehead Sabin North Commtock
area and our update on that is we believe that construction will begin in early construction season this um we'd be comfortable talking about the the June construction, possibly a little sooner. A lot of finalization type
things going on with that. Um first I would comment that most all of that infrastructure will be in public right away and I believe all those permits um CE is the engineering firm out of the Fargo Morehead area that's handling that for us and of course David works with
them closely. But a lot of things have been taking place in that regards. Uh I know uh Miss Mojo is is uh is in that letter that we we have done our first round offormational going out to the
potential customers within that grant area. Just really general information. We didn't have timets. Did not feel comfortable in that letter um discussing that. But our sales efforts will begin about mid January. And we just wanted to
make sure you all were aware of those timetables and uh that we will have people actually going visiting people on their farms. It'll be a branded vehicle, Red River Communications. Uh and there will be multiple mailings taking place
to that. Yes. >> Yeah. I have a question. What's the um um the purple? What's a PFSA? uh proposed funding service area. Okay, very good. >> That is a government term. Sorry for that. But yeah, >> what are the white blanks?
>> I'm sorry. >> What are the white blank? >> Uh yeah, good question. Those white areas were areas that did not qualify for the grant. >> So there, according to the government website at
that time, the people within those white areas would have had access to good broadband. Are they towns? >> I apologize. I cannot They're They're not towns. >> I believe one of the the one in the center is a tower site. Um, so a lot of
times they will have brought in their own connectivity. Um, David, do you remember what's on the other box? I think maybe there's green when you talk to us. >> Yeah, there is um potentially just individual farmsteads where people have
brought in their own connectivity. This is um directly from the FCC broadband data. Um that's how these grants are determined. So um yeah, the reason that we've got the little blocks cut out is just so that the grant could go through
and help fund the whole area, but that doesn't mean that if there is a need for those areas to be served that we as Red River can't come in and do that on our own funding. It would just not be on the match of the grant. >> It would be our intention that they will
be served. >> I just don't want to commit that they're actually part of the 2026 build if that makes sense to you. >> Thank you. >> It's a good question. Any other questions about that that project? Again, this is
a federal project. It's it's labeled as as it's in there. It's a Reconnect round five project. lots of uh you know we've we've been in front of you in the past with more uh bordertoborder type funding and so on so forth lot of red tape with federal
funding but we believe we believe we're in good shape and we believe we'll be able to uh to move forward this year we would anticipate I would call 95% completion if we're able to get going
like like what we intend um I I just always leave that. There can be some areas that for some reason we don't get taken care of. That grant would remain open. Uh a couple things. We would not plow
fiber to people that do not request the service. The mainline will be in at the completion of this project. anybody within that area would be able to receive fiber with a very small installation or what we would call a
drop kind of going to that private residence. >> So, those lines go up and down every township road then how does that work? >> A lot of them. I wouldn't I wouldn't want to commit to all of them, but yeah, we uh we did not come prepared. They're
still kind of finalizing that exactly where all those routes would be running that main cable, but yes, be a lot of it. I believe there's approximately 171 170 something locations in that purple
area. >> Yeah. Y >> that's what was built into the grant, 171 locations. >> Mr. Sure. >> Yes. >> If I might, we did talk a little bit when you were doing the grant application about where to carve out and to Commissioner Kabanov's question, uh, Sabin is just on the northeast part of
that that one cut out. And then if you look at Highway 75 there, a Rustad would be cut out on that. But, uh, to your point, we had our first e-learning day and it uh, we were successful in having two hours before our internet crashed with three kiddos doing e-learning. So,
um, within 8 miles of the city of Morehead, boy, we're uh, you know, folks are really excited to get that service, particularly me. >> We had actually we sent the letter, the first letter last week and um, we've had, it was a very general letter. It
wasn't even asking for people to contact us or something, but we had quite a few that did. So, we know that there is a need and we're very excited to be moving forward with this project. you know, as our efforts ramp up and and getting people signed up, we'll make
sure somebody reaches out. I'm not sure if the county has offices, shops, locations, or the sheriff and all that. We'll make sure we visit to make sure any of the needs for the county is taken care of as well. There'll be outreach. I I think uh I had visit with Steve in the
past too about possibly doing some joint outreach and so on and so forth. Um, if you do get hit up with any questions from your patrons or or whatever, just direct them to call reach out to Red River Communications. You know, the other thing I I want to
leave you with and and just like we talked about the white areas inside that purple were strategically left out again just like Carrie indicated the FCC website, but there are fringe what I'll call fringe areas outside of that uh
purple, you know, kind of all the way around. We are looking at the business analytics to say where can we pick up just some people that you know for lack for no reason of their own are on the wrong side of a line so to speak but uh we'll
commit when we're done we'll we'll we'll come back and report to you but you may get calls of wondering why that is. Please direct them to us. It was it was a grant application and we did the best we could because if you start to include
locations that are able to get broadband, it's these are highly competitive and and they just they find reasons to disqualify you. >> On your map here, you're showing that this uh goes right down to the Wilin County line. That obviously that's for
Klay County purposes, but but does the service grant actually go south of the county line at all into Wilin County? Um, not not per se. You when you go on the south side of that line, you get into the more of that Wolverton exchange
and and those customers are being taken care of. They do have that. >> Yeah. >> Questions. >> If there's I if there's any other questions on that particular project, we've got some more slides to to talk
about. We can move on. Uh this one um inside those yellow lines would be what we called the North Holly grant. Um I had been here in the past and spoke of that. Uh we're here to report that that is substantially complete.
um just under 70% of the locations within that yellow border did subscribe to our service and anybody that didn't there is mainline and there is capability for them to hook up when they so choose.
>> So there's two different colors on your map. You'll notice there's a yellow which was um served by the Minnesota deed borderto-border grant that was a um 50/50 funding grant. Um then our team um
you know when you start sending letters out to folks and they start to talk and the guys across the road that weren't included in the grant call us and ask you're going to be so close can you please come to me too? So that is where that secondary color came. Um that dark
purple we call that the fringes. That is um areas that we picked up on our own. Um we had substantial numbers of people would call in groups, communities um little housing developments that are out in that area that um requested us to
come to them and um we're really pleased that we were able to help serve additional people. So we had the grant area and then we had what we called the non-grant area and in that non-grant area we had um close to that 70% take
rate. Also, >> you know what I would leave you with is just that we know there are more people in that Holly community. And I I think uh you represent that community that that unfortunately do not have a fiber
connectivity right now, but I'm not sure that there's going to be borderto-border funding with the state of Minnesota. That's kind of unknown right now. as well as just the FCC and the broadband website whether those people actually show as being lacking broadband even
though they even though the people that are there are going to tell you they don't. So just understand we know there is still residents of your county in that area that do not have broadband. I don't have a clear road map for you at this time. Just the the funding mechanisms just like a lot of things
going on right now. There's a lot of there's more questions than there is answers. >> Have a question. >> This if you go draw a line from Highway 10 and go north there to the yellow, is most of that area already served with highspeed broadband?
>> The city of Holly is covered by two separate companies that brought fiber in. Um so within the city limits, yes, there is a few as you get closer to the yellow where we built um there is a few
areas that do not have fiber yet. Um we have identified through a program called the Minnesota Line Extension Program. I don't know if you've ever heard of that, but um it's an additional program that is still being funded through the state. And we have how many locations, David,
did we Turn your mic on. >> We identified two locations north of 10 that would have been we would have been able to serve and then one south. >> So we bid on those locations. It was a bidding system. The customers in they
instigate saying they call they fill out the forms with the state and then the state matches them with a broadband company that can come to them. So um we've got a couple of those locations that we are working with the state on. um we don't know when that will be awarded or if we will be awarded that.
Could there be multiple companies that bid on that? Um but when we'll identify those and also the fringe areas, those can be expanded. So just right now what Tom said, there's just not a lot of funding mechanisms out there right now to help um >> yeah,
>> with the project. So anything larger and more substantial, we would be waiting for another funding mechanism. Um, just because I I know you represent up in that area, but for any of you, if you have patrons that are lacking broadband, have them call our office so
we can help them, whether it's getting them registered with the Minnesota Deed office that can help or just as we continue to analyze and see what we can make a business plan out of. >> Yeah. Um, so the last slide we have here is um
the Minnesota um bead grant. Um, let me see if I can find the map. So there was a two locations that we um had applied for through um no this is this must be something older. Um the last one we just
want to mention is the um the bead program. Let me see if I can find those maps. there. >> Yes, that was >> through the bead um which we had you all had given us your letter of support and so on and so forth that there's there's
a portion that was north of Holly there. Again, I kind of call it the Idaho uh kind of strip that goes up north there. I there was somewhere between 10 and 20 customers that had been in there. Um, unfortunately our combined application,
which part of what you're looking at is down there in Traverse County as well, it was rejected because the cost per loop was too high. So, we worked through it for a while and it it just became that. So, they those locations have been released from the bead grant is what
we're here to tell you. Um, I'm not exactly sure. Again, we're here with more questions and answers as far as funding for that in the future, but we felt that we just owed it to you to come back and report that that application has been, you know,
completely dismantled and those locations have been freed from that application. If we do find continued opportunity for funding, we will come back and and keep you apprised of that. But um again, if you do hear from
constituents out in those areas, encourage them to call and if there's ever anything that you all want us to come and discuss how we can fix something, just please let us know and we'll come meet with you separate or in this setting here.
>> Steve's just really excited that you mentioned Traverse County because that's his where he grew up. >> Is that where you grew up, Steve? >> Really? We were we were excited about that project also when we spoke with their commissioners and um there is some
islands as you can tell on that map that they need service down there too. It just this program was not the right fit apparently. >> Yes. question. This money that for these
the money that's for these grants um is it primarily uh federal money passed through the state or is wasn't the state contributing some to a couple sessions ago or >> Good question. So, the USDA Reconnect,
the grant that we're telling you that the construction we're going to be taking place here in 2026, that is federal funds directly from the federal government. The Minnesota Office of DED does not have any direct involvement in that. >> Okay.
>> Um, the borderto-border program which funded the North Holly grant and we've done some other things through them. That is a combination of some federal funds as well as just what you indicated the state had been uh prior to the
pandemic even they had been budgeting dollars and putting into this what they call borderto-border program. So, uh, in that project that is highlighted right now, that North Holly, I wouldn't feel comfortable telling you what the match was because I know the state of
Minnesota did put some federal funds that they received during the pandemic into that program. >> Okay. >> So, the best way I would describe it is it was joint. >> Yeah. Nice. Okay. >> Good question. >> Yeah. We do not want to be any part of of uh
dragging on so to speak your meeting today. But we we just uh we very much appreciate the relationship. We appreciate the opportunity to come here and visit with you all and and the partnership that you have given us of signing letters of support. And if there is ever anything we can do or answer any
questions, whether it's myself or my colleagues here, we're more than happy to come and visit with you. And uh we just want to make sure you're aware as your constituents are getting letters and if they have any questions or anything that you guys are properly informed so you can answer any questions
or just direct them to us. >> Thank you. >> Merry Christmas. >> Merry Christmas. >> You All right. Okay, next we have a presentation regarding food waste composting program for Klay County and Fred.
>> Yes, >> morning Fred. >> We'll get you up with a microphone there. We are of course nearing Christmas, but we're also nearing New Year's Day, a time when we traditionally think about the future and what we can do to make
that future better. And in that spirit today, I'm here to urge that you consider Klay County beginning an organic food waste composting program. There are three conclusions that I believe should lead to supports for such a program. First of
all, a food waste composting program would provide substantial benefits for the county. The first of those is financial. Uh I work with a group called the Klay County Climate Action Group and we have been consulted with Corey Bang who is the the solid waste director of
the county and he is strongly in favor of such a program. Uh I'm that's not an interpretation. After we met with him, I checked back with him and asked him if I may quote him to that regard. It's not a quote, but I cite him to that regard. >> He's behind you nodding. So
>> So I guess you can ask him personally. Uh my understanding is that up to 30% perhaps more than 30% of of the what goes into the landfill is food waste. Uh getting that out of the stream would mean that the the landfill sanitary landfill would be extended its lifetime
would be extended substantially with financial benefits for the county. Uh additionally there would be substantial climate benefits for that. Food waste when it goes into the landfill decomposes I believe they call it anorobically without oxygen. And that creates a lot of methane. Methane is
generally cited as being 28 times worse than carbon dioxide for climate change. And we need to take climate change seriously. There are credible estimates that the Arctic Ocean will be ice free
in the summer of 2027. Not less ice, ice free. We of course do not border the Arctic Ocean or any ocean but I think there is a common impression that climate change will be an equal
increase of temperature across the globe and that is not correct. There will be a massive destabilization of climate and the climate systems which will have impacts notably for agriculture and for other such things. So, uh,
food waste composting at some levels has been said to have a 70% decrease in the amount of methane is produced. With some technologies, it can be as high as 90%. So, I think there are substantial benefits for the county. Uh, secondly, this is a proven tested method. The
Glacial Ridge composting facility, which services Pope and Douglas counties, has been in operation since 2019. It's up and running. It's successful. Uh it has even had an expansion showing thus that in this area not in Texas or in
California but very close to us such a facility can operate and operate successfully. Thirdly, there are significant uh financial resources available for the pursuit of such a project. Uh I am not a
grant writer myself, but I have been informed by some people that uh most notably there's the EPA climate reduction implementation grants which are being uh administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. They have a program called the organics management infrastructure and programming grants offering a total of
$16 million which has and I'm quoting here from a web webinar that I listened to to fund the construction of new waste composting facilities. So I think that's on point. The grants range from $100,000 to $200 million. There is an inind or
financial match that is necessary for that. I am not myself uh very knowledgeable what's happening with the MPCA money that's coming from the Budweiser grant, but there is money there available and it seems to me that's a logical place to consider one
way that there could be support for such a program. So uh I think that a there is many reasons to believe that we should have organic food waste recite our composting rather in Klay County substantial benefits. It's a proven
approach and uh there this is a time when we would get assistance to deal with the financial cost of such a program. Uh I work with this group the Klay County Climate Action Group. We are very interested in having any questions or informations that the commissioners would like. we would try to find that
and provide those for you. So that's the end of what I have to say today. If you have any particular questions, I would be more than happy to address them with my limited knowledge. >> Mojo, >> thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr. Sternhagen, for your presentation.
Uh I'll say that um I appreciate the ability for all of us to holistically look at uh waste differently. uh we just came from a conference in which we were meeting to strategize how we can address the issues just like you're talking
about and and I believe it was six or eight years ago now we did have a company that moved forward to uh apply for a permit to do organics or um composting rather at the landfill site proper. So it is something that we're
looking at and I you know I think the the reality is these things cost lots of money and so um we've been able to realize some savings through looking at trash differently similar to what we do with the incinerator in PUM u basically
eliminating 99% of PAS there and so the organics is or the composting is the next piece because we have heard from them that having that uh material go into the burner is problematic there as Well, uh, but you know, it's we're trying to figure out, um, you know, what
how do we finance this? Is it through a a private public type partnership issue? Um, certainly, uh, we are going to have to have all hands- on deck to try to triage what this this will cost us. Um, but, uh, you know, I'm not quite sure if
the MPCA route is the best. I appreciate that we're having conversations with Corey on on how much it will cost uh what we can apply for. You know, when you do receive these grants, oftentimes the matches are are huge. We did receive almost $8 million for our resource
recovery, but the uh investment from the county was almost $20 million. So, um if not more. So, uh appreciate the conversation. And I really think that getting the ball rolling on this will be having members of the public be active
in finding solutions for us. So I appreciate your group. >> Yeah. One of the, you know, one of the goals in the state of Minnesota is of course zero waste. You know, I think that's a a goal of the state. I don't know just how how much reality that can
really be but um I the composting of food waste is we just had another study done by you know an annual study and you were right I think it's it exceeds 30% of what goes into our waste is waste
wasted food so the composting component of it is is one thing and it it would be a good thing the other component of is the collection of it. I think the collection of it is where the difficulty
lies. Uh I you know I think a really good place to start is you know certainly with our restaurants and universities where there's an awful lot of food waste that goes in that regard that I think the collection system for that would be easier for us to do. But
to when you get into residential food waste, I don't know I don't know how many containers we're going to be asking our households to to be separating things that the more you do that the the more you lose. you're you're certainly on point here and uh I am not a personal
expert on this but I've consulted with the people at the glacial ridge facility Arthur Patengale and uh I believe it's Steven Verota and they have said that they mostly are working with large spot constru uh food waste um developers I
guess you wouldn't say de they producers producers I guess would be the word right uh and they've had pretty good buy in from the large places there particularly the school districts uh it has been so successful that in some of the areas in Pope and Douglas County, those municipalities have started residential collection because there's
been so much so much support. But I think you're correct. It would start with the the large point producers of food waste. We've had some contact with the school district and for the universities in town. >> And it would be helpful too if if um we could get additional score funding from
the state of Minnesota. That would help us in some of this regard. We a lot of people don't realize, but everybody pays a solid waste management tax, >> right? >> And it's a significant amount of tax and what's returned to the counties is very,
very minimal. And we've been working for years to see that number raised. I think they collect Corey, I think they collect now probably in excess of hund00 million a year. And I think the counties receive maybe 17 million. Is that he's nodding his head? Yes.
>> Pretty close to those numbers. So, so certainly from a county standpoint, being able to get additional dollars from that solid waste management tax to do these types of things would really improve our chances. But I think to to
um Fred to your concern, I think we'll we'll have Corey bring this up again with our solid waste advisory committee and maybe we can start through our recycling recycling people in solid waste to see what we can start to do
with commercial entities to begin with. And then we then we also have to establish where if we're going to do this, where would it go? And then what m what equipment is needed to do the you know organic process? >> A lot of work to be done but of course
the way you get there is you start. >> I see it's 9:00. That's my time. Thank you very much for having me here today. >> We will look at it. >> All right. Our next item is a request authorization to issue request for proposals for the 2026 local homeless
prevention aid funds. Morning, Mr. Chair, commissioners. Uh, yes, I am here to request precisely that, a motion to issue the RFP um for local homeless prevention aid. Um, for 2026, the funding came in at $33,877.
Um, last year's allocation was $33,126. So, an increase of $751. Not as much as I would have liked, but it is an increase. Um to provide some context, uh this funding was established by the legislature to help local governments
ensure that children and families do not experience homelessness. Program focuses on preventing housing instability and assisting families and accompanied youth, unaccompanied youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Um so with this allocation, uh the funds must be used to support new or existing
homeless prevention and assistance projects within Klay County that meet the requirements. um consistent with prior years and our procurement practices, I'm requesting authorization to release this request for proposals to get applications from eligible community providers.
Um again, uh providers must target families with children in preK through grade 12 uh and andor unaccompanied youth who lack fixed regular and adequate nighttime residences. Um we will score the application similar to prior years and select the candidates.
Um just to remind um this board as well, right now uh it's a partnership of three community stakeholders that have uh utilized the local homeless prevention funds. That's cap um Morehead Public Schools and Churches United. They kind of wrote together to uh receive and
utilize these funds. Not sure what'll happen this year, but it's likely that they'll partner again. Um if that's the case, I will bring the applications back to this board for approval and contracts. With that, I would yield for any questions. When I noticed on here your implementation timeline is January
9th. Does that does that give enough time for >> I I gave everyone that uh has applied before a heads up prior to this. Just saying hey we'd be bringing it to the board but heads up that the deadline will be January 9th. >> Okay. >> Commissioner.
>> Yeah. Quinn, there's obviously a lot of concern right now about fraud and I'm familiar with the process that we use. I'm very comfortable. But could you just address for the public um why the concerns you see in some of the
fraud including in the in the housing uh process that we've we've seen in other counties just address where we don't have the concerns because >> Sure. >> Yeah. >> We do uh great checks and balances on on all of our programs. The programs that
are specifically targeted um are more kind of state-run programs that we administer at the county level. um we're seeing things like moratoriums on new licenses um specifically because there's been such an increase. That's not what the local homeless prevention aid is or
the statewide affordable housing aid that's on the next board agenda. So these are completely separate programs and separate funding streams. Um, along with that, we work really closely with the applicants that are selected like CAPLP and Morehead Area Public Schools to make sure that the budgets that they submit are statutoily uh meet the
requirements of the statute for these funds and we check and we make sure that they're using it when they submit bills to us. Um, that everything lines up. >> Very good. I just wanted you to it's not any lack of confidence that I have on
the process. I think that there's a lot of trigger words now that the public gets concerned about and we need to address them. So, I appreciate that. Thank you. >> Just uh yeah, I'm glad you're uh moving forward with this. We know the the funds
are all used quickly and and uh there's a great need out there uh to support this and the other programs that we do. So, um I'd like to make a motion uh to authorize Clay County Social Services to issue a request for
proposals for the 2026 local homeless uh prevention aid funds in the amount of $33,877. >> Second. >> All right, we have a motion by Commissioner Krabanov, second by Commissioner Ebinger. Any further
discussion on the motion? Any further discussion? None. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> What was the same sign? Motion carried. >> All right. Then you have one more,
Quinn. Right. You have >> Yes, I do. Yep. Very similar request. Uh this is uh requesting a motion to authorize an RFP for the statewide affordable housing aid funds. Um this one I'm happy to report we did see a little bit more of an increase. Um 2026's allocation ended up being
$81,550. Uh up from $68,698 in 2025, so an increase of $12,852. Um statewide affordable housing aid is different than local homeless prevention aid. Um this was created by the
legislature to support affordable housing development and preservation, reduce housing instability, and prevent homelessness. Uh this can be used for a multitude of different reasons um including emergency rental assistance, gap financing, support for nonprofit
housing providers, and housing related operational or supportive costs. Um so again, I'd be looking at the exact same timeline, issuing the RFP, um having it close, uh scoring the applications, and then bringing that back to this board for final approval. Um, and to uh maybe
refresh your memory if you don't know, with statewide affordable housing aid, uh, 2025 funds were in a contract with DAR and Klay County HR to kind of reup some of their properties to make them safe, include, uh, safety measures and help fund uh, some of the staff at
Bright Sky Apartments. That I'd yield for any questions. Right. F >> first off, I want to thank you for bringing last year's numbers. >> It's it's I think, you know, in the original memo, we didn't see those. But it for us I think it's important to see
if there's a change in trends of what the state is funded and so that's very helpful to know that I'm glad this to see this one raise a little bit certainly is needed. Um that's I guess that's my comment. I don't know if there's any other questions.
>> I have one comment >> with with the one prior that one looks like it runs through 2028. Is there any dates how long this one will run for? They're both supposed to sunset. I believe SAHA is about 2028 as well. Um I think there are some conversations about at least trying to get the local
homeless prevention aid to not sunset. Um I don't know where that's at in the legislative process, but yeah, they are supposed to stop eventually. >> Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion to authorize K Lake County Social Services to issue a RFP uh for 2026 statewide
affordable housing aid uh funds in the amount of $81,550. >> Second motion by Commissioner Abbinger, second by Commissioner Bear. Any further discussion on the motion? >> Any further discussion? Seeing none, all
in favor signify by saying I. I >> I oppose the same sign. >> Motion carried motion. See you after the new year to bring these back to you. >> And just like that, our engineer showed up. >> Good morning. >> Good morning,
>> Dustin. Approval of final contract voucher SAP 014645002. >> Yes. So, I'm requesting final approval of the final contract voucher for the project number that you had read. This was a Milan overlay project in the city of Dworth, kind of the horseshoe that
goes by Casey's um south two blocks east and then goes um north again on 7th. Northern Improvement was a contractor and I think the project turned out really well. Um final amount to be approved is $251,668.7.
And the reason for the little bit of overrun is there was a little bit more curbon gutter that we had to replace that um didn't really know about going into the project and the overage would be covered by CASA municipal. Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to approve
the final contract voucher for SAP 014-645-002 in the amount of $251,668.7. >> I'll second the motion. All right, we have a motion by Commissioner Bear, second by Commissioner Mojo. Any further discussion? I have one question on the on the municipal state aid. Is that a
dollar number that um we have a we have a balance in that account? >> Yes. >> How long do we have to use that? >> So, rules recently changed. It used to only be able to carry I think it was two years ament in there. You can carry in
surplus of five. Um, but our balance is sitting well in that account. So, we're we're doing well. >> I think that might be a topic of discussion for our five-year plan. >> Yep. >> I think, you know, I think in terms of
if we're sitting well in and those, by the way, are are dollars that are designated for small cities, right? >> Correct. It has to be used in one of our cities. >> Yeah. And you know, so I think if we're if we're sitting with good in that fund,
we should maybe be talking with our small cities to see what projects they may want to advance sooner than normal. Maybe you construction costs never go down, it seems like. So this might be a good
opportunity for us. But if we could take a look at that in our five-year plan, that'd be great. >> Yep. So when I say sitting well in terms of or so our a lotment is a lot less than the state aid municipal. So I just pulled up 2025. So at the end of the year we'll have 50
grand in there. So not >> not a lot. >> Yeah. But I mean for a small community getting some some of those funds might make a difference in >> that a project >> defin does obviously have to be used on
a cassar route within the small city too. >> Is we do have one other project planned I think at >> so let so if we can uh maybe take a vote on your >> Yep.
>> All right. Any further discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. >> Oppose the same sign. Motion carried. And then you want to move into the other one. >> Yes. >> SA or um CP 0143002.
>> Yes. So this was a countywide striping project on everything that kind of our edgeline striping contract didn't cover. Um this project went really well. It went quick and I think it was a big improvement for a lot of the rural areas. The final amount to be proved
approved is $121,56926. The reason for the overage on this is we have never done a project of that size striping wise. So we're just guessing off of old plans. So strictly in paint. Even even with that that number even the
original number came in way below what we originally had had >> correct >> engineer's estimate right when we put out to bid >> correct and even that bid chair was way under everybody else's bid >> right >> sort of aligns a lot
>> Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to approve contract voucher payment CP 014-300-002 in the amount of 121,56926. >> I'll second that. >> Motion by Commissioner Motion, second by Commissioner Bear. Any further discussion?
>> I just want to say the residents in my area are very appreciative of this because it it made a huge difference out there in greater county. >> Yes. All of >> especially noticed after our first storm. >> Yeah, >> definitely.
>> And is that process going to continue in 2026 how much you're going to do? >> Um, so that's kind of what we're working on right now is kind of dividing out the county and seeing getting on a regular cycle. >> Okay. All right. Any further discussion?
Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. I oppos the same sign. Motion carried. Justin, you have anything else for us today? >> That is it. >> Roads are in good shape out there. >> Very good shape. >> Weather's cooperating until probably tomorrow night. >> Christmas. >> Christmas Eve.
>> Yeah. 10day actually looks pretty good. So, I think our guys are Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you, Justin. All right. Next, we have a request approval for the voluntary furlow program.
Good morning, >> good morning. Okay, I'm here on three separate um items this morning. The first one is going to be the 2026 furlow policy. This has been a long-standing policy uh in Klay County. However, it is subject to review and approval of the county board
every year. Um the furlow policy um has saved approximately $56,000 in 2025 as of two weeks ago. I don't have the numbers with the most current pay period um or the payroll that is ending today. Um it is subject to department head
approval as well. So it's not just available to everyone. It is subject to um staffing needs etc. So um with that I will yield for any questions. I should also add I'm sorry um this did go to pick last week and was discussed at pick as well.
>> Was recommended for approval. >> I was going to say the same and Mr. Chair I'd like to motion to approve the 2026 voluntary furlow program. >> I will second that. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Einger, second by Commissioner Bear. Any further discussion?
>> Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. I >> I >> oppose the same sign. Motion carried. Next, we have the approval of the 2026 meal reimbursement rates. >> So, this was also discussed at pick last week um and recommended to bring forward
um the proposed 2026 rates for meals uh remaining unchanged since 2020. Breakfast at $15, lunch at $20, and dinner at $30. So, if there is no objection to that, I will yield for any questions.
It works as long as we don't eat at the motel or in the hotel. I'm just kidding. >> I'll make a motion to approve the current meal reimbursement rates of 26. >> Second >> for 2026. >> Motion by Commissioner, second by Commissioner Ebinger. Any further
discussion on the motion? Further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppos. Same sign. Motion carried and we have the request approval of the 2026
mileage rates. >> Yes. So as of last week the 2026 IRS mileage rates have not been released. Um however we are requesting with um suggestion of pick as well that if an individual takes their personal vehicle when a fleet vehicle is available that
they would be reimbured at 50 cents per mile. If a fleet vehicle is not available um that they need for work purposes, they would be reimbursed at the IRS rate. We just don't know what that IRS rate is for 2026 yet. >> And that's the same policy as before.
>> That's Yes, that's correct. We just bring that forth every year. >> Recommended by pick as well. >> Yes, >> Mr. Chair, I'll offer approval of the 2026 mileage reimbursement rates. >> Second. Have a motion by Commissioner Mojo, second by Commissioner Ebinger.
Any further discussion on the motion? Any further discussion? All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppos the same sign. Motion carried. Thank you, Anna. >> Thank you, guys.
>> All right. Next, we have the request approval of resolution 2025-38 for setting the minimum salary of the Klay County Sheriff and setting the Klay County Sheriff's salary for 2026. >> Uh, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. As
you may recall, in previous years, generally, we have a resolution that establishes uh the a resolution that establishes the salaries uh for uh all elected officials. In election year, state statute requires that we provide uh the amount that the elected official
will be paid, but also uh also what the minimum amount uh is based on the county action. And so this morning here before we have three resolutions in a row. The first one, as you mentioned, uh relates to the uh the county attorney. Uh this
past board meeting, Mr. Melton came before this board and explain Oh, excuse me. I think we want to follow the order. I think the first one is the sheriff. >> Oh, sorry. Sorry. Had my mind missed. I'm reading my >> mixed up. All right. Um, the first item
we had uh the item is we had sheriff emptying was before the board last week and explaining the the reasonings for uh a proposed salary increase. Uh the the board uh did make bring a motion forward
to approve that request. Uh and so as as we discussed last week, we would be bringing that resolution forward uh here today. And so with that, Mr. Chair, I would yield for any questions. >> All right. Any questions? Questions? Yes,
>> I do a little bit. So, how does that um what we did last week, how does that work for the minimum salary? I don't quite understand the correlation. >> Uh so, so Mr. Chair, members of the commission, um you had received an email
from from Darren, I believe last week that laid out a county grid uh for elected salaries. Uh and uh while both the county attorney and the sheriff were at the end of their grid, Darren has kept up the grid each year with the
cola colas that this board has provided. uh and that uh the minimum is the step one of that grid. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Based based on um what we did last week, the
the the current salary would still be adjusted as the top of top of the step system. Right. >> So, Mr. chair, commissioners, uh this with the adjustment yes last week, uh this
would go up and above over and above step 12 because it was not was not a a the next step for the sheriff to receive that funding. They he was already at the end of the budget and therefore the board took action to to go above. >> I guess my question let me rephrase it
then. So are we re how many how many steps are there in this? >> There are there are 12 Mr. So does if this is approved does that new amount become the step 12 number? Um, my
understanding does not um >> I I think what I did was the the new step number would be the step 12 would be the high wage of the sheriff and the attorney because if somebody was going to be run for those two positions that
would be the highest that we would pay for that position. So, I I think I did I was just trying to pull it up to remember what I did, but um I think what I did was uh added that percentage on to the last step, which would be the step
12. >> So, it's a new step. >> That makes sense. >> That's so that does become a new step 12 amount. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> I just I just wanted to be clear on that that >> Yeah.
I mean, he's he's not going we didn't readjust the grid to put him on something less than step 12. >> No. >> Okay. I just wanted to make sure of that. >> Any further discussion? Yes. Paul, did that answer?
>> So, if you don't mind, I'll go back on that. So Darren, if that's the new step 12, then does that affect step one? >> No. Step one would remain step one
because every year I every year I adjust the grid to the percentage that's been approved by the board for the two elected officials. So the step one would stay the same. Step 12 which was now approved at a higher rate. I added that
14 and 13% to that step 12. So that would be the the um >> so then so then it becomes a big leap from 11 to 12. >> Yes. >> Unless we unless that you want to do it
differently. Uh, I'm okay with it, but I I just want to make sure that minimum number doesn't get too high. >> Yeah, that the minimum has been adjusted according to the colas throughout. This is actually the first year that I've
been involved where the electeds had a higher cola than the rest of the the employees. >> And so I just added that cola to the step 12. Now, you could say, "Let's do the cola for step 12, and then both the
attorneys and the um sheriff would be above above the grid." But I'm not sure how that then interacts with somebody that is maybe looking to run and they're trying to figure out how much their wage would be next year.
>> A little confusing. Just a clarification none when you mention that the electeds would be above >> it. It's the elected in terms of the um >> sheriff and with the county attorney. >> Correct. >> Not the county commissioners. >> Correct. >> I I just
>> we are elected. >> I just added that. Yes, that's correct. I just added the 4% to the commissioners. >> Yeah. So, um, and again, I think both the, uh, sheriff and our county attorney last week really explained quite well.
And I, and it's probably hard in a in a news article to to be able to really bring all of that information out that, you know, that we used in making our decision. there's compression issues and all those other types of things that we
have to follow that unions require us to deal with and you know so there's an awful lot of things that come into play uh on those on those rates but um and and you know in terms of the u my time
on this board when it when it comes to the uh sheriff and the and the county attorney new being newly elected a new when I say knew coming in um and I saw two I guess seen two in Ferris with
being with Mr. Burrquist and then Mr. Empting that um when they were hired typically they're not going to be hired at step one, >> you know, but I but again I think anybody who was to go to run for those positions needs to understand
that the final decision on that compensation is is by the board at that time. and that the board at that time has the ability to go anywhere from step one to step 12 is that higher number. >> Yes, that's correct. >> So, so just to I mean so somebody who
would run could potentially run for those positions need to understand that. >> Yeah. So, so the like um like Commissioner Kahal said that the step between step 11 and 12 is greater
than what the normal cola would be. All right. Well, that answers my question on on the grid part. Anyway, Commissioner. >> Yeah, Mr. Chair. I'd like to make a motion to approve resolution 2025-38
setting the minimum Clay County Sheriff's salary at $137,364. Resolution also sets County Sheriff Mark Empting's uh salary for 2026 at 184,67821. >> I will second that.
>> We have a motion and a motion by Commissioner Eder, second by Commissioner Bear. Any further discussion? Any further discussion on the motion? None. All in favor signify by saying I. I
>> opposed the same sign. >> Motion carried. All right. We'll then move Oh, excuse me. Yes. Yes. Commissioner, >> thank you. I was not able to attend last week and so I appreciate the dialogue and the presentation from uh both our county attorney and our county sheriff.
And uh just from someone who lives in the rural area of of Klay County, uh we had a pretty substantial fire at our house a few years ago. And uh while waiting for the uh fire department, the
sheriff was the first on scene to help mitigate uh the damage what was going on. And uh Mark serves uh in that capacity to all residents of Klay County. It had nothing to do with the fact that I was the commissioner. He had uh seen and heard uh what was going on
and was first to respond. And so I am really grateful in a time when um you know public safety is really challenging that Mark is there to serve uh Klay County. >> All right. All right. Next we have the request
approval for resolution 2025-39 for setting the men salary for the Klay County Attorney and establishing the Klay County Attorney salary for 2026. >> Uh thank you. Thank you Mr. Chair, members of the commission. Uh this is essentially the same format that we just discussed with the sheriff. Uh the
resolution uh resolution 25-39 uh would set the minimum county attorney salary at $155,644,000 $640. Uh and setting uh Mr. Melton's salary for 2026 at $23,5425. With that, I'd yield for any questions.
>> All right. Any comments? >> I feel like I heard a different number. Say your last number again. >> $23,5425. >> 184. >> We got >> my resolution.
>> Are you looking at item number 12? That's Yeah. Okay. I'm looking at the back. >> The back also shows the same number. >> The very last they match both the front and back match
at 203. >> I think what he's saying is that does that match the number discussed last week? >> That's what he's >> I think the back of this the way they printed out the back of this is still referring to the sheriff. you look at
page 61 of 70 I think is what we're looking at now. >> Okay. >> I'm with you. Thank you. Again, I so I I just want to again point out, you know, that this in the terms of the county attorneys,
there was there was um some action that was taken at the state level that really increased the salaries of um public defenders um throughout the state of Minnesota. And these were a significant increases in salaries.
And when that happened, of course, uh, one of the things that we like to do is we like to retain our county attorneys here in Klay County. And with those types of numbers, we were seeing some activity where some of our county attorneys were willing to move into
those public defender positions because of that increased salary. And so, you know, there's there's times when when we have to make decisions based on um being able to keep our staff and being
competitive that we have to make those adjustments. And so when we make when we make those made those increases then you heard me mention the word compression before and the compression
comes in that says that there has to be a difference in in wages between a supervisory position to somebody below that and go on and on throughout and up. And so some of these things that
when it comes to the um chief deputies or chief u county assistant county attorneys, those those really it required those uh changes to be made too because of just
the process then ultimately up to the county attorneys. And you talk about workload, the workload in the county attorney's office has certainly not going down in my time on this board. And
when you look at the docket and there you look at the court proceedings that go on, they're full. And almost all those cases, there's somebody from the county attorney's office in those courtrooms.
And so it's there's an awful lot of work being done. So I you know just again I you know I I think some of us had probably received more calls regarding these these salary adjustments than anything else uh that we've had there
and and once we're able to explain those reasonings I think the the public certainly was more comfortable with it. So but I just wanted to put that out there. Commissioner >> Yeah Mr. Chair, just to to to reiterate
what you're saying, kind of add to it. I've had the the good luck of working with Mr. Milton just about the the entire time I was chief of police. And in that time, I watched the size of of his staff, the the case load, as
we've seen in this community, the demand on the criminal justice system expand. And to we're at the point now with the salaries that we've got to keep the talent of people we've got on board. If we don't these homicide cases, these
sexual assault cases, some of the most serious cases we have, you don't come on board in three years out of law school handle one of those cases. We have to have people on there who are really competent and we do. And Mr. Melton has
been uh diligent in getting them the salaries they deserve. Uh particularly the chief uh deputy county attorneys and in doing that and has caused compression and there was one set of numbers I saw
that offered Mr. Melton more money than this and he chose to back down and not take a raise larger than what his people underneath him got. And I think that showed a concern about the budget as well as concern for the people he's got
on board. So, uh, having said that, I'd like to make a motion to approve resolution 2025-39, setting the minimum county attorney salary at $155,640 and setting Klay County Attorney Brian
Melton salary at $23,542 for 2026. I will second that. Okay, >> we have a motion by Commissioner Eder and second by Commissioner Bear. Any further discussion? Commissioner Mojo. >> Thank you. Also want to uh speak to this. Uh
we are seeing some substantial challenges uh in our community and I maintain that this is still a really safe place to raise a family. uh to that. Uh last week there was a substantial amount of fentanyl pills uh
found at the middle school in which my child goes to school. And part of what we're seeing in the the community is how do we how do we deal with some of these issues um from juvenile all the way to adults. and uh Brian and his staff are
at every table about how do we um deal with things in um non non- severe issues or how do we kind of do these diversion type programs all the way up to the hardened uh uh crimes that we're seeing as well. And uh leadership comes from
the top and I really do appreciate uh Mr. Meltton all of the work that you do uh to help all of us uh deal with the issues that we are dealing with. The other piece is there are uh counties throughout the state. We're all electeds and there are counties around the state
in which the sheriff and county attorney and county boards do not have healthy relationships in terms of working relationships. Uh obviously we have to um respond to the people and we are all subject to elections. But what I will
tell the community is um both Mr. Melton and Mr. attempting work in such a great way with the county board and how do we address the needs of our community as fiscally responsibly as we can. Uh but also making sure that we are staffing uh your departments in a really great way.
And so that's not lost on me the relationship that we all have. I appreciate that. It's a a constant work and uh that we continue to put the time in on that. So thank you for that. And the last piece is too this is not just setting these two individuals
salaries. It is but as elections happen uh we're setting uh minimum and maximums for the positions and I think it's really important that the community knows that. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. So Darren again going back
the so the 20354225 that will become the new step 12. >> Correct. I mean that's discussion. >> Yeah, I did it. I did it for both sheriff and attorney. >> And I I I would like to just echo what Commissioner Mojo just said. Certainly in my time on this county
board and and with all the commissions that we've worked with Klay County, we support our law enforcement and we we always have and we think it's important that we always do uh for the variety of reasons that
Commissioner Moer just said, plus many others. And along with supporting that, we need to also support our county attorney's office and our county board continues to do that. And you know, Commissioner Ebinger brought up some of the u significant issues that do go on,
there are are serious crimes within our communities. And every day when those deputies or the sheriff goes out there, they're not going out there and these people aren't out there playing with water guns.
There's some serious things going on out there and there's serious risk that's involved. We certainly support uh the efforts of our law enforcement and our county attorneys. So,
as Commissioner Mojo said, there's some some counties in Minnesota where that, you know, that support might not be to the degree that we do. Any other comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor signify by
saying I. I. always the same sign. Motion carried. Okay. Then we have the request approval for resolution 2025-40 for establishing the county Klay County Commissioner Salary and PDM for 2026. Uh thank you, Mr. Chair. As been the
practice uh uh in Klay County when when uh the board makes a decision on the cola for our employees, that cola is also uh provided to the position of the county uh the the county commissioners. Uh the 4% was approved last week and
which uh takes the salary to $40,822.51. Uh in addition to that, uh the the pick committee also discussed the pdium amount appointed for appointed assignment committees which you guys will be discussing again next week and then and then finalizing those again for
2026, the first meeting of the year. uh that PDM is at $100 uh per meeting uh with a maximum of of $100 per day uh with the understanding that most days you have more than one meeting. Uh and so um with that I would look for look
for approval of resolution 2025-40 establishing the county commissioner salary for 2026 at $40,000820 $40,82251 uh and setting the pdium at $100 uh for appointed committee assignments
and other board approved meetings. With that, I'd yield for any questions. Any further discussion? You notice there's no grid step one to step 12. >> That would be the voters. >> That's our grid.
>> I'll make a motion to approve uh the resolution um 202540 as presented. >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion by Commissioner Kraov, second by Commissioner Ebinger. Any further
discussion? I have one comment. I I don't know if we should be taking that cola bump this year. If we've asked all our uh staff not to bring anything to us that was dire important so we wouldn't bring up that levy. I think we should keep the cola the same as last year and
not take that 4%. Any further discussion? So that that would require an amendment to the motion. >> I'll make that a Can I make that? Can I? Yeah, >> you certainly can't. >> Can I make that amendment to the motion? >> And yeah, so
you would have to specify what percent you want. >> A 0% increase on the commissioner salary from 2025 2026 or 2026. >> Motion. Is there a second? Is there a second on the amendment?
>> Mr. Chair, >> we're back to the original motion or >> Thank you. If I might, um, we are not in the business of public service to get rich. It's not, um, not the what drives us. uh it's not the the
measures of success that any of us see. Uh but we also do have the responsibility to acknowledge that this work takes a substantial amount of time and I think as this board the presence and the people sitting in these chairs
revolve and new people come into these chairs. I think it's important that we acknowledge that people need to be paid fairly for their time. I think that um you know this many many weeks is over a full-time job time capacity and I think
that in order to continue to raise up great uh people that can be good leaders uh for the county it's important for people to be able to be sustaining uh financially in order to do uh put the time in. It's important to acknowledge
that so that you can continue to have varied voices around these tables. Uh so I appreciate uh Mr. Bear uh bringing up that that motion. I think it's really important. We also will realize uh if you do uh wage studies in future years
that you will have to likely have adjustments to uh see what other uh to align with what other commissioners make around the state. I will say that Klay County is lower across the state than what other uh county commissioners are making. Certainly not why we're doing
this. I think we will be able to realize some savings uh in other ways that will likely help keep that cost down. >> Any other comments? Comments? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I.
>> I oppose the same sign. >> Is there a motion? >> I think there was a motion. Oh, >> okay. >> Yep. >> I don't ever the Yeah, >> got it. for voting on the original MO. >> Thank you. >> All in favor signify by saying I.
>> I. >> Oppos the same. >> I. >> Motion carried. All right. Next we have um view lakes and prairies community action rural bus
transportation funding for 2026. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh this board has previously worked with CAP LPP in providing uh funding for the senior transportation program in prior budgets. Um during our budget planning uh
discussions this year as a board you faced many numerous competing priorities uh and difficulties in in making funding decisions. And after careful consideration uh the CAPLP rural routes senior program was removed from the 2026
proposed budget. At the truth and taxation meeting this past uh past week, uh we had several residents uh that came forward and expressed uh concern with discontinuing the funding of this program. And so at the end of truth and taxation, the board chair asked that
this uh topic be brought up today uh for further discussion. And uh we have uh both Lori and Robin here from CAPLP today if you have any questions. Uh but uh uh with that I would uh turn it over to the board for discussion.
>> Yeah, thank you uh Mr. Larson. So yeah, as he mentioned at the truth and taxation hearing, this was brought up by u a few residents and and um I you know I I think it's important you know
transportation in the rural areas for our elderly is is critically important. And I think when you know when when the county was put in the position to have to make tough choices, we were seeing ride numbers
that were low compared to the investment. And I think the, you know, I think the board had taken the position that paying um, for example, $250 or $300 per ride was just not
uh, sustainable. I mean so we you know so we need to look at some need to look at some other other ways. Having said that I I think you know the the conversation that was brought up at that meeting and I I also liked hearing
now the new partnership that you have now with reach I think really might really be a positive component in helping with some of that rural transport those rural transportation needs and maybe a better plan. Uh, but I I'm going to So, I talked with
with with Steve and and I I would like to see us reinstate that number uh in into 2026 and without readjusting our levy. I I think we can still do that without
readjusting our levy. And if need be, if if we have to, I think there's still room within our reserves where we can do a one-time deal and to to fund that in 2026 with the idea in mind and and certainly the folks from um Lakes and
Prairies can come up and talk to us about it. But really trying to come up with a a plan that improves that price per ride for lack, you know, I think that's that's really important. I think because we don't want to see that. I certainly I don't want to see that
service lost and I don't think any of the commissioners up here do either, you know. So, um that I think that's my was my suggestion that we reinstate that um those funds into 2026 without having to make that adjustment to the levy.
>> Mr. Aberinger, did you have a comment? >> Yeah, just wanted to make a couple of observations. I serve on the CAP LP seniors committee and on Dancing Skies Area Aging uh agency for aging. And when you look at rural Minnesota, one of the
critical needs that we've got to keep people in their homes, keep them healthy, is transportation. As we all know, it's difficult to get around, particularly this time of year. Um and it's it's that's only aggravated for senior citizens.
uh this is a a a uh work in progress. I think the new partnership I will will will contribute towards facilitating what our rural seniors need to stay at home. But uh this is a good start and I
think it's money well invested. The breakdown on cost per ride needs to be addressed and I think with partnership and some innovative thinking that can that can be worked on. But right now, as we heard from the young lady last week, you know, she's she and her sister are
trying to keep mom going twice a week to to dialysis and they're working and trying to take care of their families. That's the critical position so many people are put in. And here in the metro area, we've got senior
rides. We have things we can address this with. We need to maintain something for our rural folks. And if there's a better way to do it, we need to figure it out. But right now, I think the funding for a year is is a good investment. >> Commissioner Kraov,
>> I don't know if you want them to >> talk first or >> Well, I mean I mean I can get your thoughts and then we can >> Thank you. All right. >> I mean, if we're going to fund them, maybe they don't. >> Yeah, >> I have question. All right. Well, I know what I know everything they're gonna
say, right? Um, I've spent hours on this and in conversation looking at their budget, looking at how we can grow this program. And again, uh, when we started talking to REACH three months ago, four
months ago, this was right at the very beginning. And, uh, to the points that have already been made, I'll add to that. Um there's socialization, there's a there's senior living rides, there's just so many things beyond medicine that
this is a vital need. And and you know when I and again it is um to think of someone whether they're in Felton or Holly or Barnesville, I mean it's it's a wide scope and is a little more expensive. I think the program's well
under $250 a ride, but u uh the develop development of that um will be more efficient all the time and the wrership um the main thing for the the the money which we're sharing. This isn't all on
us. This is a $80,000 budget. um you know they're using their CSPG grants to uh um help make this work. Um and um I lost my thought here. Um anyway, the
continuum where we can take this and grow it is uh I I don't have any doubts about it. We've been supporting this for the last five years. I think we need to continue on with our effort and I think
it's for uh cap the uh in the future uh starting this year um to be able to improve upon that and be able to come back and show uh that they are moving in in the right direction. uh the last uh comment I'll make what they're taking on
at reach um it isn't for sure but more than likely this bus now would be out in Holly finding people in the Holly area to help within that outer community if uh if we can all work that way. So anyway, I appreciate the uh thought of
continuing this and certainly I would be supporting it. >> Yes, Commissioner Mojo. >> Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Kavanagh. You have really worked hard on this. I serve on CAPLP with Commissioner Kavanagh. And so, we've talked a lot to
CAPLP on how do we get creative with funding? How do we find partnerships? When the original request came through, those partnerships were not identified. And um I appreciate you bringing forward the fact that there is a reduction in levy request because you understand
times are tough, but we also understand that these are our most vulnerable seniors throughout Klay County that really are isolated. We talk a lot about making sure wanting folks to be able to stay in their homes because the price of uh assisted living is so astronomical.
uh I think when we bring reach to the table we will identify a pool of users wrership that we we haven't been able to identify my hope is that we'll continue to get creative but you need to understand in a time of when uh federal
funding is so unknown and so many cuts are happening at different levels CAP has identified in their community assessment that this is a pocket of individuals that we really need to figure out how we maintain their ability
to get to their caretakers, to get to dialysis. These are these are not just Walmart shopping trips. These are lifech changing medical appointments to have that availability. I appreciate uh bringing this forward in a different way. Thanks.
>> I I think there can be an awful lot of dialogue moving forward. I I know we have some other areas in our social services where we also have because the gentleman from reach that was here on the truth and taxation night you know he he brought up the fact that how many
volunteer drivers they have in the reach program that's a that's a significant deal and I so in social services and some other areas we also have volunteer driver drivers and one of the things when we talk about volunteer drivers we
we do have a stipen for them and I think it's I think it's a really good investment and you know and so I think in this whole process and we start looking at how we're revamping this uh maybe by when I say a stipened it's not
very much you know on for on an hourly basis but maybe maybe taking a look at how we pay volunteer drivers uh that could that could really help out bringing that price from $250 a ride down to something else. You can even
still do that by having volunteer drivers being paid a stipen. So, that's just one of many things as Commissioner Mojo just talked about and Commissioner Graboff talked about, but um I I certainly think that
we we should take this put that levy or put that dollar amount back into the budget for 2026 and let Cap LP and REACH uh study this and come back to us with some options then that could better work for 2026.
Seven. Um, CAP LP. Anything anything to say? >> Um, hi everybody. I I really don't have anything to add, I guess, after Commissioner Krabanov and Commissioner Mojo spoke. um other than we so
appreciate you uh allowing us back here and that you're reconsidering the ask. Um you know, we've like Commissioner Krabanov said, this has been around 5 years now and um I I completely
understand um being cautious with this. Um, I know that there has been so many different factors that have been played into, you know, not being able to grow the ridership where we want it to be. But I
I truly feel that that this acquisition of reach and us becoming one entity will enhance and expand the writership. I I really do. We have some other in-house uh things in play that I I again think
that is going to make this program so much stronger and that just really has to do with staffing. That's an internal uh thing. But uh we have two veteran staff that have been on with us, one for 26 years and the other for the past five
years and they're super strong. Um, and I really think with our our um becoming one with reach and having two very strong veteran staff on that um are going to be able to build up the relationships with the with the seniors
in Royal Klay County. this is um with that's that's a population that we serve that is extremely important that they feel comfortable with us and that they feel comfortable with the driver and have a relationship and I this is the
year we're going to be able to do it. >> Excellent. Um anyway, I I guess um for the board, you know, my my uh suggestion would be that uh we reinstate the requested funding
for 2026 and to take those dollars out of out of reserve for 2026 while we review uh moving forward beyond that. >> Mr. Chair, are you talking the 42,000 number? >> Uh what? Yes, that was the number
>> updated request. >> Yeah. 4258350. >> Mr. Chair, I'll offer a motion to reinstate the request of 42,58350 to the 2026 budget. Understanding it would not uh come with levy dollars.
>> I'll second that. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Mojo, second by Commissioner Bear. Any further discussion on the motion? >> Any further discussion? I Lori is probably thinking, where am I going to get this reserve money from? But she'll figure it out.
All right. Any further discussion on No, I'm talking about Lori Johnson. >> Oh, Lory's like, "Wait, what? >> All right. Any further discussion on the motion?" >> Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying, "I
>> I post the same motion." Great. All right. You're good to go. Make your plans. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Oh, we're going to take a break. All right, we are back in session. Our next item is the request approval for
resolution 2025-41 for adopting the Klay County final levy and budget for 2026. >> Good morning, Madam Chair. Again, commissioners, again, today is as you mentioned is an important day as you consider establishing the 2026 budget
and the levy. Uh establishing the the max max establishing the levy provides the maximum amount this board can ask each of our citizens to provide. Uh early on this year, we we knew that this budget process would be a little bit
different. Uh we went to our our board to excuse me to our departments uh and encouraging them to look look keenly at their their budgets minimize any requests as always look for different ways to adjust. We reached out to uh our
non-county entities that provide levy funding uh and requested them asked them to look at their budgets. uh many of them decreased their budgets uh as they came forward with their requests. Uh with that we started our budget process
uh in May. Uh our department heads presented their budgets to Miss Johnson. Uh ultimately those came before the county administrator, auditor, treasurer and then before this board. Uh this board provided multiple scenarios and situations where you provided direction
and feedback uh in in looking at our budgets. On September 16th, we established a preliminary levy at 6.46%. Uh immediately after that vote, this board uh uh came back and asked our county personnel to look at their budgets with the understanding that you
would not be satisfied with that that figure uh at establishing the final budget. Uh we had uh several meetings uh with with our with our board. We had meetings uh on a weekly basis providing updates. uh our our departments all had
ongoing discussions uh throughout this process. Uh and last week after the truth and taxation presentation uh the updated the updated levy amount uh was 4.4% that was brought forward to this board. uh after the board actions and
one final review, what you have before you this morning is a with a minor adjustment is a levy proposal of 4.35%. Uh just to keep in mind for our citizens, this board was faced with many
challenges. We knew some of them were coming. Uh we knew there were a number of them that we were not aware and and this board was nimble and adjusted as we as we went through this process. And to kind of put this in perspective, there are many boards uh that are wrestling
with eight, nine, in some cases double figure, not preliminaries, but final levies that have been established. Uh and through this board's direction and leadership, uh if you were to set the the levy at 4.35%, that would actually be a point10%
lower than what you what you agreed to last year. And so, uh with that, I'd yield for any questions. Uh if there are no questions, what I would be looking for is is to to take two motions. Uh one on the levy of 47,284
uh $284,559. Uh and then establishing the total budget, which is $128,981,62. And again, with that, I'd yield for any questions. >> Any questions? questions.
Just a comment. This is my first budget to go through on this board and we started out with a 6.46 and we got it down to a 4.34. I had a number in my head where I wanted to hit and we got very close to that. But to
get to that number that I had in my head, I don't know if we could get there without actually cutting real things. I think we've cut everything out of this budget that we possibly can. So, I'm in favor of this 4.35. I It's not where I wanted it to be, but I I think we got as
close as we can get to my number. So, I'm in favor of this 4.35 uh budget increase. >> Any other comments? >> Mr. Chief, >> Commissioner Mojo. >> Okay. I uh concur with what Commissioner
uh Bear is talking about. I would I would argue rather we were in double digit uh estimates in early February, March, May. In my time on the board, I don't recall a time in which we thought based on what the pressures and the
shifts from the state would uh offer to us uh would result in levies of double-digit increases. I I think this has been a budget cycle that I've not experienced on this board and I know that there's been some real serious conversations internally about where are
areas where we can cut, where can't we cut because of mandated pieces. uh but what are the services that our residents are not willing to um see reductions in. So to be at this point today is the result of many many
conversations and hard work specifically with you Mr. Larson and with Lori Johnson as well. Uh really grateful for your work on this. Um I I will say uh we have our work cut out for us uh at
the state and national level to uh talk about the pressures that are happening on local entities that are just not sustainable anymore. uh it it 27 is going to be a huge challenge, but I'm really grateful for the work that this entire board has
shown to say uh we're willing to make those trips to go to the tables that we need to to talk about those issues. Um, so I I know that's down the road, but I I uh am really grateful that we've been able to realize some um wage adjustments
for employees. Uh but also making sure that we're continuing to stripe the roads that need to be striped and uh work on the road projects to keep our public safety or our road infrastructure safe uh to that. There's a lot of good that comes out of the work in this
budget. Thank you, Mr. >> Abiger. Yeah, Mr. Chair, I just I really appreciate the comments made by Commissioner Bear. Uh he came in, he had something set in his mind, and when we first heard the the initial
figures, it was 12% and change. When you looked at everything our staff asked for, we met every meeting, which is something the chair wanted us to do this time. I think that was extremely beneficial. It
gave us an idea to see how this thing unfolded. And what we saw for the most part, and I'm proud of this commission for for the diligence we've put into this, but we have a staff and we have department directors who really honestly took a
look at where they could make cuts and really diligently supported those things that we didn't want to cut because it'd be detrimental to our the public or we would be losing more money than we're saving with cuts. This was a
wellthoughtout uh activi or activity here in setting the levy and uh I think it was a team effort and I don't think it get any lower without as commissioner bearer pointed out without hurting things that
we don't want to hurt. So having said that I'm going to try to we need two different motions. >> Make the first one by yourself. Make the first one and then we'll make a second one. >> Okay. If you and if you could start with the with the full budget >> the the the uh 400 or 47
>> or the 128 million number. >> Okay. >> 12898162. >> Yep. Uh I'd like to and is it is that going to be part of uh resolution 202541? >> Uh that is not that's a separate
resolution deals only with the levy. So, I will just make a motion uh to approve the full budget for Klay County for 2006 of 128,000 million 98162.
>> $62. Repeat the number. >> Let me find it because my notes are wrong. 128,98162. Oh, >> I didn't say a thing. >> Yeah. >> 128,981,62. >> Correct.
>> All right. That's your motion to approve that. >> Yes. >> All right. Do we have a second? >> We have a motion by Commissioner Ebinger, second by Commissioner Krabanov. Any further discussion? And I just want to point out that that 128,981 is different than our levy. And the
reason that that's different is that 128 million is a total dollar amount that we that we the money that goes through Klay County. The difference between the levy and that are funds that we get from other sources such as the state and federal government. Just in case there's somebody questioning why they're why
those are two different numbers. All right. Any further discussion? >> Just just to clarify, you did say 2026. >> 2026. >> Okay. All right. Any further discussion? Roll call vote, please. >> Commissioner Kmanhoff, >> I.
>> Commissioner Mojo, >> I. >> Commissioner Campbell, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bear, >> I. >> Commissioner Ebinger, >> I carried. All right. And then we have the 2025-41 adopting the final levy and budget or
the final levy. >> I'll make that motion. All right, we have a a motion adopting the resolution 2025-41 adopting the 2026 Klay County final levy. Is there a second? >> Second. >> All right, we have a motion by
Commissioner Abber, second by Commissioner Kraban. And I just want to under comments I just want to mention that since the preliminary levy for the first time I I did ask that this be a standing item on every uh agenda from
that point on. In the past I've in past years I've been very frustrated that we'd set the preliminary levy and there really got to be no discussion until December. And what I felt important was by having that on every weekly agenda,
it allowed any commissioner at any point in time or administration to come before us uh offering suggestions that could be different than what the preliminary levy was set at. Uh so I think that that obviously I think has
helped a little bit. I do want to mention uh Commissioner Mojo talked about on her time period on here. Uh I can I go back a little bit longer than Commissioner Mojo and I I do I can recall um the time frame of around 2008
2009 where we had some very difficult times to the point where I think we had backtoback years where we had zero colas for our employees and that that is that is not good either. Um, but again,
um, I think the difference between what we're seeing today and back then, back then it was economic conditions. I think today what we're seeing is more political uh, decisions that are being made at
state and federal levels that impact the county. Um, and I I'm I'm thankful for and I'll always stand up for our county employees. I think they do a good job. They're 80% of our budget and they are the face of what we do and the services
that Commissioner Mojo talked about that we provide in all sorts of different aspects. So, um, so I'm thankful that that we're able to, um, continue on and not not be in a position where we could not offer
colas to our employees. I think that's I think that, you know, and I think Commissioner Barry, you're satisfied with these numbers in your first budget. Um, so that being said, >> I just wanted to make a couple of comments, too. uh thank you for your
leadership uh that you helped us through this because I agree bring this um forward uh if not every week most every week along the way I think it helped uh s helped me u personally stretch my mind
around a little bit because I didn't think it would get this low either and uh I think we did um in this process treat our employees the best we could. Um the the other thing I I do want to go
back to a quick comment made about the departments. Each of these weeks that came through, you could see the departments working with each other in in ways that they be more efficient and we saw some moves between public health,
social services, detox. there were a number of places that it made a difference and you know whether it was 50,000 or 200,000 you know I mean these were differences that really added up and I just appreciate uh uh everybody
involved for uh um I think good healthy conversations um sometimes a little hard but at the same time uh a very unified uh um process here that came together at the
end. So, thank you. >> All right. Any other discussion on the motion? Any other discussion? >> Is there a roll call vote, please? >> Commissioner Karenhoff. >> I. >> Commissioner Mojo. >> I. >> Commissioner Campbell. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Bear.
>> Hi. >> Commissioner Ebinger. >> I carried. >> All right. Thank you, Steve. Thank you for the work that you've done and um Lori and to all of our uh department heads that were involved with um doing what they
can to keep that levy as low as possible. So >> it was must have been a rough budget cycle because Lori started it not being in a sling and ends it in a sling. >> Sorry, a little levity.
>> Yeah, little levity. Yeah, I'm walking with a real >> You always had a >> Oh, all right. Committee reports. I'm going to start again today with Commissioner Bear. >> I had uh two committees I was at, both
of them on December 17th. The first one was up in Krookxen with West Central Regional Water District where we had a meeting with MDH and we got them up to speed on the project and where we stand on that project with the court systems and just making sure we're all on the same page for when we do go in front of
the judge the second time hopefully by February, March. So when we send out all those mailers, the 19,000 mailers that we'll have to send out for the whole district that if they get any phone calls, we're all on the same page. It was a very good meeting up there. And then I went down
to Morehead where we met with uh we had a update meeting for the White Earth Casino technical discussion down at the Yamcom Center where we had everybody but White Earth there and we had an update on how
that process is going. It's going very slow on our end because we're waiting for more information from the tribe. And that's about all that was discussed there. So if anything else want uh Commissioner Campbell was also at that meeting so if he wants to add anything
that's he can and those were my two committee you commissioner. >> Thank you. Uh on the 17th I attended uh which was Wednesday, I attended the
uh EDC Greater Fargo Morehead EDC ex uh board meeting. Had a review of the dashboard there on projects and document ready sites. um discussed the retreat that had uh been on the previous day which I had not
been at because we had truth and taxation. Uh the governance committee is working and on uh reorienting the governance of the EDC. Uh they're they have a agency group
that's going to look at feedback that came up during that uh retreat. Uh they had an I20 inter uh I28 update talked about the joint leadership that they've got and some areas they need to
focus on that and they had an action item that came out of that which was to extend board nomination process. It's taken longer to put together and we are not going to have a restructure and a selection of board members until uh the
end of the first quarter which would be March 14th. uh some other discussions about document ready sites and m uh macara site and some goals and then we voted on the budget which passed
and that was the end of that meeting. on the 18th um 18th I attended the rethink mental health and substance misuse coalition meeting and attended it virtually. Um
Annabelle Default presented uh homeless issues and uh public uh health and churches united work that's being done together. She had a really good presentation on harm reduction efforts are made here in uh in Klay
County and uh some of the some of the uh money that's being used from the um or the uh
opioid settlement and she covered that. Then Karen Nazowski had a a presentation on coping skills. Basically, just some things that you need to do as you work with people.
Uh later that day or I'm sorry, on the 18th, I'm slow here because I didn't bring my notes. Okay. Later that day, um I attended Morehead uh diversion or the Metro diversion authority board of
authority meeting. We had a 2025 video review of the programs that uh or the projects that been completed this year. Had discussion on P3 settlements. uh recap of the statement of principles we had in the settlement with them
and passed the 2026 cash budget 1 billion my gosh Kevin what was that number 1 billion 16800 >> that would beund 1 billion68 million >> million
93, and87 >> pocket change. >> Yeah. What do What did that figure out per week? >> $3.5 million per day. >> Per day. >> My god, it's scary to have a budget like
that. Anyway, it did pass and I think things are looking good. the end is end is in sight and we have one more spring to sweat it out and then we're going to have flood protection and a lot of effort has gone into that. So very gratifying that that happened. And then
after that I attended the Lake Agassy Library Executive Board meeting and basically we called it because we had one policy that we determined was out of uh kilter with state law and we made a change to the meal and rest break
policy and uh that passed. So, when you're running operations that are open for 6 hours a day, sometimes it's kind of hard to get people's breaks in there, but they figured out how to do it. And that completes my report.
>> Thank you, Commissioner Krabanov. >> All right. Just uh two meetings. They were both on December 18th. Uh one Commissioner Abinger has already brought up the rethink mental health and substance misuse meeting. again, uh, Annabelle did a great job on the opioid
um, presentation working along with Churches United. And then I'll just touch Karen Nurski on uh, the main thing that they were doing was um, in their in their work uh, the strategies that this
group have. uh they were just uh mainly sharing well-being practices uh that work uh in their profession and it was a pretty in-depth um um or reviewing of that program. Uh
after that I did have my monthly meeting with HR and um very glad to see what Quinn came forward with uh today for new proposals. I'm guessing that H will be involved in
both of those and um things right now uh as he mentioned on the one um the um housing aids, the security system, different things that they've been able to do there to some of their properties.
They're now um really being able to um have uh better operations run uh without disruption. Uh better better tenants. Uh the vacancies are as low as they've been
in a number of years. So the budget is looking better and better for them all the time. And uh things are just improving uh overall. So, uh, they were happy to, uh, end the year on such a good note. So, with that, that's what I
had. >> Commissioner Mojo. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. I need to go back a couple weeks. I attended the AMC conference with all of you. Grateful for grateful for the opportunity to network and work at a state uh wide level. I
appreciate the opportunity. Uh, board of directors meeting met before the conference. We did discuss the legislative priorities that we'd be pushing forward. Uh obviously uh you all reported on that last week. Big issues there. I attended the candidate
canvasing meeting. Uh MRC had a great update. Uh really helpful when we can get some legislators in there, hear their insight, especially um insightful when they don't necessarily represent all of the rural counties. So it's important for them to hear that
dialogue. did have the environment natural resources policy committee meetings. Uh pretty heavy on uh solid waste issues that continues as the citizen brought forward today. Uh continues to be something that counties are grappling with how is the best most effective way to deal with these issues
understanding uh constraints but uh getting create creative there. Uh and then had a lot of different policy amendments. I heard that you talked about that last week. uh had the opportunity was invited to present with our administrator and commissioner
Evinger on the at the public safety policy committee on their juvenile detention project. Exciting to see that out of that conversation, we've had additional uh memorandums of support from other counties. I believe Benton County was the most recent on that. Had a meeting
with the governor's office about the projects and then attended breakout sessions on solid waste mitigation. and the act mental health succession planning and additional pieces and then um really appreciate the opportunity to uh serve over the next year as uh second
vice president of the organization. I think it will be really helpful to Klay County to advance issues that we're seeing on this side of the state, the conversations not only in St. Paul but also DC. And then I had a meeting with Judge
Rosenfeld on our drug or our specialty courts. Appreciate her insight and excitement about that. The next day had a FM West Fargo chamber public policy committee meeting. Appreciate that Kale's here today. Uh including Klay
County's priorities as the legislative priorities as well. To that meeting, I attended the Klay County Extension Committee meeting. We did have a long discussion on focus and uh scheduling over the next year. We do
have openings to that committee. It would be really exciting to fill those openings with folks that have uh experience understanding what the work of extension is in Klay County but also statewide. So more to come on that and attended the Klay County leaders roundt
that was hosted by the chamber at Concordia. really great insight from all of the different organizations and entities that were part of that dialogue as we move uh into the legislature legislative session. Uh but also challenges making sure that we're
communicating with businesses on what uh will go into effect January 1st. So thank you to the chamber for your leadership in that regard. And I attended the Prairie Lakes Solid Waste Committee meeting that Commissioner uh Campbell reported on uh that day. I also
attended the FMDA land management committee meeting. We followed that u meeting up with uh the MCC JPA meeting. The following day, I talked about a couple um well, one the litigation and property acquisition
updates and then the excess land recommendations that had been talked about at the uh meeting the day before. approved uh reimbursement requests, the contracting actions for the MCCJPA and then uh BNS easement agreement. And if
you know anything about entities that are difficult to work with, the railroads are one. So, a huge gratitude for uh the uh conclusion and securing that easement agreement and then the farmland leases were approved and
I'm trying to hurry. Sorry. Uh metrocog meeting the that afternoon as well. great reports and studies going on. We had the reports from them at the meeting prior and then Commissioner Bear had requested that they come in and have a a presentation in January. They're working
on that. Uh nonsecure juvenile detention legislative strategy meeting, the flood mitigation funding strategy meeting, and yesterday I attended the Lakeland Mental Health Center uh board of directors. We had a finance committee meeting to approve the 2026 budget that we moved
forward. Again, no new dollars from Klay County or the other counties are being requested. Uh did look at our strategic planning process um and in key performance indicators. We're uh given the fact that a paid family will go in January 1st there, it's really hard to
um understand where where access numbers will be because that their margins are so tied to staffing level particularly at those high doctor level um positions. So it's it's really hard and challenging to kind of pinpoint that. I think we've
got the best case scenario on that. uh budgeting in in a 3% co margin and then they are um working on addressing urgent care options. Uh so as we've
talked about mental health uh doesn't always understand a 9-to-f5 uh workday and so they are going to do some piloting in Ottertale County on available urgent care uh psychiatry options. And I think that concludes my
reports. Mr. >> All right. Thank you. On um December 17th, I attended the Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste meeting in PUM. Uh the action that we did take uh from a
financial standpoint. Our budget was um in good shape. So, we did authorize the annual reimbursement payment to Ottertale County in the amount of $175,000 um towards the loan that they had provided for us when we had shortfalls.
We also approved the um putting the $250,000 budgeted into the internal service fund. We authorize that transaction to occur and then we did authorize $160,000
for the ash disposal for the project that happened in Ottertale County um right along by outside of Wadina County. Um, so that basically is the cost that we had for the tons of ash that we took
from our ash landfill and provided into the road system. We had to pay for that. Of course, that's probably cheaper than I think was even brought up earlier about how how costly it is to maintain landfills and our ash landfill is no different.
And um and that a after those things we should end up with a cash balance somewhere in the area of 620,000 and that compares to 676 at the end of 2024. So we're very very close.
Uh we also um intend to use about 8,000 tons of ash for the Becker County or Becker County Road project in 2026. Uh by doing that it also saves about two years worth of close to two years worth
of life of of uh the ash landfill. I think the ash ash landfill we send about five to 6,000 tons per year into that ash landfill. And and of course if you recall in my previous updates that landfill is going to without these
activities that we're currently doing would have been full in 2027. uh and which I I've also been pushing for us to make sure that we continue with plan B which is um allowing for the
u expansion of that ash landfill and that permit process for those of you who don't know can take up to 10 years. So, we're we're behind the we're behind the eightball in that regard, but we're
trying to make do what we can to reduce what's going into that, putting it on our roads. And by the way, Mindot is really researching this as a real potential for use of that in roads throughout the state.
Uh then on the 17th I also attended the came back and I attended the um meeting on regarding white earth. I think commissioner bearer um gave a good report. I don't have anything to add that afternoon. We also had our land
management committee meeting for the diversion authority. Commissioner Mojo talked about that and I really don't have anything more to add to that. the 18th I also attended the Morhead Clay count or Morlay County joint powers and um
we did had some contracting actions and and a a reimbursement request that we approved and some farmland leases that we authorized for 2026. On the 18th we had the diversion board of authority meeting. Um, Commissioner
Ebinger um mentioned that big dollar number in terms of our 2026 budget. And when he's when you talk about $1 billion being paid out in 2026, you got to remember that this pro this this has been a project that's been going on for
several years. And the way the um contract worked is that um the developers pretty much upfronted most of the money in terms of the construction project. And what happened was is they had they had to meet
milestones and then they'd get the milestone payments. And so in 2026 2025, we had some milestone payments came up, but the majority of them are going to happen in 2026. And that's why that It may seem like it's a lot in one year,
but it's basically paying the contractors for all the work that they've done from the beginning on that. So, that's why that number is so big. So, $ three half million dollars a day is what it boils down to for this
flood protection. And then on um Friday the 19th, I did attend the um meeting with the public policy committee, chamber policy committee meeting where and I want to thank Kale and and Jason Benson for their efforts and making sure
that we're staying on top of uh the legislative needs that we have for um for the county and Morehead in terms of what remains to be in flood funding that we need to
aggressively pursue. And with that, um, that concludes my report. Steve, do you have >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, 17th, uh, Darren and our labor attorney continue with union negotiations. So, participated in several conversations
uh, that afternoon participated in the White Earth Nation update, which has been well covered. On the 18th, I met with Dan Molly and Brandon Lunick on a series of shared uh issues. Uh on the 18th, I also participated in MCC JPA meeting which has been addressed. On the
19th, the strive committee met uh this board has supported uh the NO high performance leadership uh program for the last two years. Just to report, we've had 26 staff that have now completed that program. Uh and so uh we're looking to offer that again. And
their goal of course would be to uh to have all leadership supervisors, department heads and uh future leaders uh look to participate in their that we talked about having our interdep departmental retreat. Uh I think I sent out an email to each of you looking at a
tenative date of April 24th. And so if that works for you, we will move forward with that. On the uh on the 19th, I had my regional MAC meeting in Fergus Falls. majority of our time was spent on budgets, uh, paid family medical leave
and other legislative impacts that are we're going to face in 26. Uh, and lastly, just for our citizens awareness, normally we don't meet on our fifth Tuesday, uh, but, uh, with the end of the year and for auditor treasurer's office, we are going to be having a board meeting next Tuesday. That concludes my report.
>> All right, Brian Darren. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh on the 16th I had truth and taxation as well. On the 17th um Steve mentioned that uh we had lieutenants and sergeants negotiations. Those are moving ahead slowly. Um I also
had a meeting with uh human resources and the auditor treasurer to discuss preparations for the paid leave starting on January 1st. On an 18th, I had a meeting with MC C and then we had a breakout group for counties that are
considering the private vendor for Minnesota paid leave. So that was a very informative and and good conversation we had with other counties that are are in the same boat as we are with the private vendor. Um on the 19th, Steve covered
this meeting which I attended as well. had a brief PRTF meeting and then on the 22nd um just basically started some end of year tasks after the um payroll was the last payroll was closed on Monday
that it Sarah do you have anything okay >> I I Pardon me >> said merry Christmas >> oh merry okay I did want to um point out that we I did receive receive a letter
from the Minnesota DNR regarding the complete completed water study that always presented to us here. I gave that information to Steve uh to pass along to Matt and to Brian uh and maybe to Mark Sloan and then so
if any of you have want to review that you can certainly get a copy of that from Steve. With that, um, I like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy holidays. Hope your all of your holidays are great and
stay warm. Hopefully, we're ice free and we'll see you all on the fifth Tuesday of the month. We're Part: 2
Good morning everyone. It's 8:30. We'll call this morning's meeting of the Klay County Board of Commissioners to order for Tuesday, December 23rd. Our first item is the approval of the agenda. >> Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. >> I'll second the motion. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Bear, second by Commissioner Mojo. Any further
discussion on the motion? >> Discussion. Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. The same sign. Motion carried. Next item is citizens to be heard. Do we have any citizens to be
heard on items not on the agenda today? I see none in the audience. Any online? >> Nothing, Mr. Chair. Move on then to the approval of bills and vouchers. >> Offer approval to pay the bills. Mr. Chair, >> second
by Commissioner Mojo, second by Commissioner Bayer. Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. I. >> Opposed the same sign. Motion carried. All right, our 8:35 item, we have a Red
River Commodities or communications grant update. Good morning. >> Good morning. Merry Christmas to all. >> Thank you for allowing us to be on the agenda. Um, I'm Tom Stanson, general manager, CEO of Red River Communications, and I've got a couple
people with me. Uh, Carrie Kleartner, who has been here before with me, uh, marketing manager. And also, uh, to the right there, David Rristad. He is our uh uh construction or outside plant supervisor and uh he'll be directly
involved with a lot of the things that we're going to be talking about today. So he's also a Morehead resident. So I just wanted to make you all aware and and do an introduction to for him. David, >> um the first slide we have up there or the first part of your uh your packet if
you will is a a map there of what I would call purple and that is the federal reconnect grant that uh we call it South Morehead Sabin North Commtock area and our update on that is we
believe that construction will begin in early construction season this Um, we'd be comfortable talking about the the June construction, possibly a little sooner. A lot of finalization type things going on with that. Um,
first I would comment that most all of that infrastructure will be in public right away and I believe all those permits um, CE is the engineering firm out of the Fargo Morehead area that's handling that for us and of course David works with them closely. But a lot of
things have been taking place in that regards. Uh I know uh Miss Mojo is is uh is in that letter that we we have done our first round offormational going out to the potential customers within that
grant area. Just really general information. We didn't have timets. Did not feel comfortable in that letter um discussing that. But our sales efforts will begin about mid January. And we just wanted to make sure you all were
aware of those timets and uh that we will have people actually going visiting people on their farms. It'll be a branded vehicle, Red River Communications. Uh and there will be multiple mailings taking place to that. Yes.
>> I have a question. What's the um um the purple? What's a PFSA? uh proposed funding service area. >> That is a government term. Sorry for that. But yeah, >> what are the white blanks? >> I'm sorry. >> What are the white blanks?
>> Uh yeah, good question. Those white areas were areas that did not qualify for the grant. So there, according to the government website at that time, the people within those white areas would have had access to good
broadband. >> Are they towns? >> I apologize. I cannot They're not towns. >> I believe one of the the one in the center is a tower site. Um so a lot of times they will have brought in their own connectivity. Um David, do you
remember what's on the other box? I think maybe there's >> on green when you talk to us. >> Yeah, there is um potentially just individual farmsteads where people have brought in their own connectivity. This is um directly from the FCC broadband
data. Um that's how these grants are determined. So, um, yeah, the reason that we've got the little blocks cut out is just so that the grant could go through and help fund the whole area, but that doesn't mean that if there is a
need for those areas to be served that we as Red River can't come in and do that on our own funding. It would just not be on the match of the grant. >> It would be our intention that they will be served. I just don't want to commit that they're
actually part of the 2026 build if that makes sense to you. >> Thank you. >> It's a good question. Any other questions about that that project? Again, this is a federal project. It's it's labeled as
as it's in there. It's a Reconnect round five project. lots of uh you know we've we've been in front of you in the past with more uh bordertoborder type funding and so on so forth lot of red tape with federal funding but we believe we believe we're
in good shape and we believe we'll be able to uh to move forward this year we would anticipate I would call 95% completion if we're able to get going like like what we intend
um I I just always leave that. There can be some areas that for some reason we don't get taken care of. That grant would remain open. Uh a couple things. We would not plow fiber to people that do not request the
service. The mainline will be in at the completion of this project. anybody within that area would be able to receive fiber with a very small installation or what we would call a drop kind of going to that private
residence. >> So those lines go up and down every township road then how does that work? >> A lot of them. I wouldn't I wouldn't want to commit to all of them but yeah we uh we did not come prepared. They're still kind of finalizing that exactly
where all those routes would be running that main cable, but yes, be a lot of it. I believe there's approximately 171 17 something locations in that purple
area. >> Yeah. Y >> that's what was built into the grant, 171 locations. >> Mr. Sure. >> Yes. >> If I might, we did talk a little bit when you were doing the grant application about where to carve out and to Commissioner Kabanov's question, uh, Sabin is just on the northeast part of
that that one cut out. And then if you look at Highway 75 there, a Rustad would be cut out on that. But, uh, to your point, we had our first e-learning day and it uh, we were successful in having two hours before our internet crashed with three kiddos doing e-learning. So,
um, within 8 miles of the city of Morehead, boy, we're, uh, you know, folks are really excited to get that service, particularly me. >> We had, actually, we sent the letter, the first letter last week, and, um, we've had, it was a very general letter.
It wasn't even asking for people to contact us or something, but, we had quite a few that did. So, we know that there is a need and we're very excited to be moving forward with this project. >> You know, as our efforts ramp up and in and getting people signed up, we'll make
sure somebody reaches out. I'm not sure if the county has offices, shops, locations, or the sheriff and all that. We'll make sure we visit to make sure any of the needs for the county is taken care of. As well, there'll be outreach. I I think uh I had visit with Steve in
the past too about possibly doing some joint outreach and so on and so forth. Um if you do get hit up with any questions from your patrons or or whatever, just direct them to call reach out to Red River Communications. You know, the other thing I I want to
leave you with and and just like we talked about the white areas inside that purple were strategically left out. Again, just like Carrie indicated, the uh FCC website, but there are fringe, what I'll call fringe areas outside of
that uh purple, you know, kind of all the way around. We are looking at the business analytics to say where can we pick up just some people that, you know, for lack for no reason of their own are on the wrong side of a line, so to speak. But, uh,
we'll commit when we're done. we'll we'll we'll come back and report to you, but you may get calls of wondering why that is. Please direct them to us. It was it was a grant application and we did the best we could because if you
start to include locations that are able to get broadband, it's these are highly competitive and and they just they find reasons to disqualify you. >> On your map here, you're showing that this uh goes right down to the Wilin County line that Obviously, that's for
Klay County purposes, but but does the service grant actually go south of the county line at all into Wilton County? >> Um, not not per se. You when you go on the south side of that line, you get into the more of that Wolverton exchange
and and those customers are being taken care of. They do have that. >> Yeah. >> Questions? If there's I if there's any other questions on that particular project, we've got some more slides to
to talk about. We can move on. >> Uh this one um inside those yellow lines would be what we called the North Holly grant. Um I had been here in the past and spoke of that. Uh we're here to report that that is substantially
complete. um just under 70% of the locations within that yellow border did subscribe to our service and anybody that didn't there is mainline and there is capability for them to hook up when they
so choose. >> So there's two different colors on your map. You'll notice there's a yellow which was um served by the Minnesota deed borderto-border grant that was a um
50/50 funding grant. Um then our team um you know when you start sending letters out to folks and they start to talk and the guys across the road that weren't included in the grant call us and ask you're going to be so close can you please come to me too? So that is where
that secondary color came. Um that dark purple we call that the fringes. That is um areas that we picked up on our own. Um we had substantial numbers of people would call in groups, communities um little housing developments that are out
in that area that um requested us to come to them and um we're really pleased that we were able to help serve additional people. So we had the grant area and then we had what we called the non-grant area and in that non-grant area we had um close to that 70% take
rate. Also, >> you know what I would leave you with is just that we know there are more people in that Holly community. And I I think uh you represent that community that that unfortunately do not have a fiber
connectivity right now, but I'm not sure that there's going to be borderto-border funding with the state of Minnesota. That's kind of unknown right now. as well as just the FCC and the broadband website whether those people actually show as being lacking broadband even
though they even though the people that are there are going to tell you they don't. So just understand we know there is still residents of your county in that area that do not have broadband. I don't have a clear road map for you at this time. Just the the funding mechanisms just like a lot of things
going on right now. There's a lot of there's more questions than there is answers. >> Have a question. >> This if you go draw a line from Highway 10 and go north there to the yellow, is most of that area already served with highspeed broadband?
>> The city of Holly is covered by two separate companies that brought fiber in. Um, so within the city limits, yes, there is a few as you get closer to the yellow where we build, um, there is a
few areas that do not have fiber yet. Um, we have identified through a program called the Minnesota Line Extension Program. I don't know if you've ever heard of that, but um, it's an additional program that is still being funded through the state. And we have
how many locations, David, did we Turn your mic on. >> We identified two locations north of 10 that would have been we would have been able to serve and then one south. >> So we bid on those locations. It was a
bidding system. The customers in they instigate saying they call they fill out the forms with the state and then the state matches them with a broadband company that can come to them. So um we've got a couple of those locations that we are working with the state on.
um we don't know when that will be awarded or if we will be awarded that. Could there be multiple companies that bid on that? Um but when we'll identify those and also the fringe areas, those can be expanded. So just right now what Tom said, there's just not a lot of
funding mechanisms out there right now to help um >> yeah, >> with the project. So anything larger, more substantial, we would be waiting for another funding mechanism. Um, just because I I know you represent up in that area, but for any of you, if
you have patrons that are lacking broadband, have them call our office so we can help them, whether it's getting them registered with the Minnesota Deed office that can help or just as we continue to analyze and see what we can make a business plan out of.
>> Yeah. Um so the last slide we have here is um the Minnesota um bead grant. Um let me see if I can find the map. So there was a two locations that we um had applied
for through um no this is this must be something older. Um the last one we just want to mention is the um the bead program. Let me see if I can find those maps. there. >> Yes, that was >> through the bead um which we had you all
had given us your letter of support and so on and so forth that there's a portion that was north of Holly there. Again, I kind of call it the Idaho uh kind of strip that goes up north there. I there was somewhere between 10 and 20
customers that had been in there. Um, unfortunately our combined application, which part of what you're looking at is down there in Traverse County as well, it was rejected because the cost per loop was too high. So, we worked through it for a while and it it just became
that. So, they those locations have been released from the bead grant is what we're here to tell you. Um, I'm not exactly sure. Again, we're here with more questions and answers as far as funding for that in the future, but we felt that we just owed it to you to
come back and report that that application has been, you know, completely dismantled and those locations have been freed from that application. If we do find continued opportunity for funding, we will come back and and keep you apprised of that.
But um again, if you do hear from constituents out in those areas, encourage them to call and if there's ever anything that you all want us to come and discuss how we can fix something, just please let us know and we'll come meet with you separate or in
this setting here. >> Steve's just really excited that you mentioned Traverse County because that's his where he grew up. >> Is that where you grew up, Steve? >> Really? We were we were excited about that project also when we spoke with their
commissioners and um there is some islands as you can tell on that map that they need service down there too. It just this program was not the right fit apparently. >> Yes.
question. This money that for these the money that's for these grants um is it primarily uh federal money passed through the state or is wasn't the state contributing some to a couple sessions ago or
>> Good question. So, the USDA Reconnect, the grant that we're telling you that the construction we're going to be taking place here in 2026, that is federal funds directly from the federal government. The Minnesota Office of DED does not have any direct involvement in
that. >> Okay. >> Um the borderto-border program which funded the North Holly grant and we've done some other things through them. That is a combination of some federal funds as well as just what you indicated
the state had been uh prior to the pandemic even they had been budgeting dollars and putting into this what they call borderto-border program. So, uh, in that project that is highlighted right now, that North Holly, I wouldn't feel comfortable telling you what the match
was because I know the state of Minnesota did put some federal funds that they received during the pandemic into that program. >> Okay. >> So, the best way I would describe it is it was joint. >> Yeah. Nice. Okay. >> Good question. >> Yeah.
We do not want to be any part of of uh dragging on so to speak your meeting today. But we we just uh we very much appreciate the relationship. We appreciate the opportunity to come here and visit with you all and and the partnership that you have given us of signing letters of support. And if there
is ever anything we can do or answer any questions, whether it's myself or my colleagues here, we're more than happy to come and visit with you. And uh we just want to make sure you're aware as your constituents are getting letters and if they have any questions or anything that you guys are properly
informed so you can answer any questions or just direct them to us. >> Thank you. >> Merry Christmas. >> Merry Christmas. >> Thank you. All right. Okay, next we have a presentation regarding food waste composting program for Klay County
and Fred. >> Yes, >> good morning Fred. >> We'll get you up with a microphone there. We are of course nearing Christmas, but we're also nearing New Year's Day, a time when we traditionally think about
the future and what we can do to make that future better. And in that spirit today, I'm here to urge that you consider Klay County beginning an organic food waste composting program. There are three conclusions that I believe should lead
to supports for such a program. First of all, a food waste composting program would provide substantial benefits for the county. The first of those is financial. Uh I work with a group called the Klay County Climate Action Group and we have been consulted with Corey Bang
who is the the solid waste director of the county and he is strongly in favor of such a program. Uh I'm that's not an interpretation. After we met with him, I checked back with him and asked him if I may quote him to that regard. It's not a quote, but I cite him to that regard. >> He's behind you nodding. So
>> So I guess you can ask him personally. Uh my understanding is that up to 30% perhaps more than 30% of of the what goes into the landfill is food waste. Uh getting that out of the stream would mean that the the landfill sanitary landfill would be extended its lifetime
would be extended substantially with financial benefits for the county. Uh additionally there would be substantial climate benefits for that. Food waste when it goes into the landfill decomposes I believe they call it anorobically without oxygen. And that creates a lot of methane. Methane is
generally cited as being 28 times worse than carbon dioxide for climate change. And we need to take climate change seriously. There are credible estimates that the Arctic Ocean will be ice free
in the summer of 2027. Not less ice, ice free. We of course do not border the Arctic Ocean or any ocean but I think there is a common impression that climate change will be an equal
increase of temperature across the globe and that is not correct. There will be a massive destabilization of climate and the climate systems which will have impacts notably for agriculture and for other such things. So uh
food waste composting at some levels has been said to have a 70% decrease in the amount of methane is produced. With some technologies it can be as high as 90%. So I think there are substantial benefits for the county. Uh secondly this is a proven tested method. The
glacial ridge composting facility which services Pope and Douglas counties has been in operation since 2019. It's up and running. It's successful. Uh it has even had an expansion showing thus that in this area not in Texas or in
California but very close to us such a facility can operate and operate successfully. Thirdly, there are significant uh financial resources available for the pursuit of such a project. Uh I am not a
grant writer myself, but I have been informed by some people that uh most notably there's the EPA climate reduction implementation grants which are being uh administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. They have a program called the organics management infrastructure and programming grants offering a total of
$16 million which has and I'm quoting here from a web webinar that I listened to to fund the construction of new waste composting facilities. So I think that's on point. The grants range from $100,000 to $200 million. There is an inind or
financial match that is necessary for that. I am not myself uh very knowledgeable what's happening with the MPCA money that's coming from the Budweiser grant, but there is money there available and it seems to me that's a logical place to consider one
way that there could be support for such a program. So uh I think that a there is many reasons to believe that we should have organic food waste recite our composting rather in Klay County substantial benefits. It's a proven
approach and uh there this is a time when we would get assistance to deal with the financial cost of such a program. Uh I work with this group the Klay County Climate Action Group. We are very interested in having any questions or informations that the commissioners would like. we would try to find that
and provide those for you. So that's the end of what I have to say today. If you have any particular questions, I would be more than happy to address them with my limited knowledge. >> Mr. Mojo, >> thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr. Sternhagen, for your presentation.
Uh I'll say that um I appreciate the ability for all of us to holistically look at uh waste differently. uh we just came from a conference in which we were meeting to strategize how we can address the issues just like you're talking
about and and I believe it was six or eight years ago now we did have a company that moved forward to uh apply for a permit to do organics or um composting rather at the landfill site proper. So it is something that we're
looking at and I you know I think the the reality is these things cost lots of money and so um we've been able to realize some savings through looking at trash differently similar to what we do with the incinerator in PUM uh basically
eliminating 99% of PAS there and so the organics is or the composting is the next piece because we have heard from them that having that uh material go into the burner is problematic there as Well, uh, but you know, it's we're trying to figure out, um, you know, what
how do we finance this? Is it through a a private public type partnership issue? Um, certainly, uh, we are going to have to have all hands- on deck to try to triage what this this will cost us. Um, but, uh, you know, I'm not quite sure if
the MPCA route is the best. I appreciate that we're having conversations with Corey on on how much it will cost, uh what we can apply for. You know, when you do receive these grants, oftentimes the matches are are huge. We did receive almost $8 million for our resource
recovery, but the uh investment from the county was almost $20 million. So, um if not more. So, uh appreciate the conversation. And I really think that getting the ball rolling on this will be having members of the public be active
in finding solutions for us. So I appreciate your group. >> Yeah. One of the, you know, one of the goals in the state of Minnesota is of course zero waste. You know, I think that's a a goal of the state. I don't know just how how much reality that can
really be. But um I the composting of food waste is we just had another study done by you know an annual study and you were right I think it's it exceeds 30% of what goes into our waste is waste
wasted food. So the composting component of it is is one thing and it would be a good thing. The other component of is the collection of it. I think the collection of it is where the difficulty lies. Uh I you know
I think a really good place to start is you know certainly with our restaurants and universities where there's an awful lot of food waste that goes in that regard that I think the collection system for that would be easier for us to do. But to when you get into
residential food waste, I don't know I don't know how many containers we're going to be asking our households to to be separating things that the more you do that the the more you lose. you're you're certainly on point here and uh I am not a personal
expert on this but I've consulted with the people at the glacial ridge facility Arthur Patengale and uh I believe it's Steven Verakota and they have said that they mostly are working with large spot constru uh food waste um developers I
guess you wouldn't say de producers producers I guess would be the word right uh and they've had pretty good buy in from the large places there particularly the school districts uh it has been so successful that in some of the areas in Pope and Douglas County, those municipalities have started residential collection because there's
been so much so much support. But I think you're correct. It would start with the the large point producers of food waste. We've had some contact with the school district and for the universities in town. >> And it would be helpful too if if um we could get additional score funding from
the state of Minnesota that would help us in some of this regard. We a lot of people don't realize, but everybody pays a solid waste management tax, >> right? >> And it's a significant amount of tax and what's returned to the counties is very,
very minimal. And we've been working for years to see that number raised. I think they collect Corey, I think they collect now probably in excess of hund00 million a year. And I think the counties receive maybe 17 million. Is that he's nodding his head? Yes.
>> Pretty close to those numbers. So, so certainly from a county standpoint, being able to get additional dollars from that solid waste management tax to do these types of things would really improve our chances. But I think to to
um Fred to your concern, I think we'll we'll have Corey bring this up again with our solid waste advisory committee and maybe we can start through our recycling recycling people in solid waste to see what we can start to do
with commercial entities to begin with. And then we then we also have to establish where if we're going to do this, where would it go? And then what m what equipment is needed to do the you know organic process? >> A lot of work to be done but of course
the way you get there is you start. >> I see it's 9:00. That's my time. Thank you very much for having me here today. >> We will look at it. >> All right. Our next item is a request authorization to issue request for proposals for the 2026 local homeless
prevention aid funds. Morning, Mr. Chair, commissioners. Uh, yes, I am here to request precisely that, a motion to issue the RFP um for local homeless prevention aid. Um, for 2026, the funding came in at $33,877.
Um, last year's allocation was $33,126. So, an increase of $751. Not as much as I would have liked, but it is an increase. Um to provide some context, uh this funding was established by the legislature to help local governments
ensure that children and families do not experience homelessness. Program focuses on preventing housing instability and assisting families and accompanied youth, unaccompanied youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Um so with this allocation, uh the funds must be used to support new or existing
homeless prevention and assistance projects within Klay County that meet the requirements. um consistent with prior years and our procurement practices, I'm requesting authorization to release this request for proposals to get applications from eligible community providers.
Um again, uh providers must target families with children in preK through grade 12 uh and andor unaccompanied youth who lack fixed regular and adequate nighttime residences. Um we will score the application similar to prior years and select the candidates.
Um just to remind um this board as well, right now uh it's a partnership of three community stakeholders that have uh utilized the local homeless prevention funds. That's CAPLP. Um Morehead Public Schools and Churches United. They kind of wrote together to uh receive and
utilize these funds. Not sure what'll happen this year, but it's likely that they'll partner again. Um if that's the case, I will bring the applications back to this board for approval and contracts. With that, I would yield for any questions. I noticed on here your implementation timeline is January 9th.
Does that does that give enough time for >> I I gave everyone that uh has applied before a heads up prior to this just saying, "Hey, we'd be bringing it to the board, but heads up that the deadline will be January 9th." >> See, Commissioner, >> yeah, Quinn, there's obviously a lot of
concern right now about fraud and I'm familiar with the process that we use. I'm very comfortable, but could you just address for the public um why the concerns you see in some of the fraud, including in the in the housing
uh process that we've we've seen in other counties, just address where we don't have the concerns because >> Sure. >> Yeah. >> We do uh great checks and balances on on all of our programs. the programs that are specifically targeted um are more
kind of state-run programs that we administer at the county level. Um we're seeing things like moratoriums on new licenses um specifically because there's been such an increase. That's not what the local homeless prevention aid is or the statewide affordable housing aid
that's on the next board agenda. So these are completely separate programs and separate funding streams. Um, along with that, we work really closely with the applicants that are selected like CAPLP and Morehead Area Public Schools to make sure that the budgets that they submit are statutoily uh meet the
requirements of the statute for these funds and we check and we make sure that they're using it when they submit bills to us. Um, that everything lines up. >> Very good. I just wanted you to it's not any lack of confidence that I have on
the process. I think that there's a lot of trigger words now that the public gets concerned about and we need to address them. So, I appreciate that. Thank you. >> Just uh yeah, I'm glad you're uh moving forward with this. We know the the funds
are all used quickly and and uh there's a great need out there uh to support this and the other programs that we do. So, um I'd like to make a motion uh to authorize Clay County Social Services to
issue a request for proposals for the 2026 local homeless uh prevention aid funds in the amount of $33,877. >> Second. >> All right, we have a motion by Commissioner Krabanov, second by Commissioner Ebinger. Any further
discussion on the motion? Any further discussion? None. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> What was the same sign? Motion carried. >> All right. Then you have one more, Quinn, right? You have
>> Yes, I do. Yep. Very similar request. Uh this is uh requesting a motion to authorize an RFP for the statewide affordable housing aid funds. Um, this one I'm happy to report we did see a little bit more of an increase. Um, 2026's allocation ended up being
$81,550. Uh, up from $68,698 in 2025, so an increase of $12,852. Um, statewide affordable housing aid is different than local homeless prevention aid. Um, this was created by the
legislature to support affordable housing development and preservation, reduce housing instability, and prevent homelessness. Uh, this can be used for a multitude of different reasons, um, including emergency rental assistance, gap financing, support for nonprofit
housing providers, and housing related operational or supportive costs. Um, so again, I'd be looking at the exact same timeline, issuing the RFP, um, having it close, uh, scoring the applications, and then bringing that back to this board for final approval. Um, and to, uh,
maybe refresh your memory if you don't know, with statewide affordable housing aid, uh, 2025 funds, we're in a contract with DAR and Klay County HR to kind of reup some of their properties to make them safe, include, uh, safety measures, and help fund uh, some of the staff at
Bright Sky Apartments. that I'd yield for any questions. >> Right. F I want to thank you for bringing last year's numbers. >> It's it's I think you know in the original memo we didn't see those but it for us I think it's important to see if
there's a change in trends of what the state is fund and so that's very helpful to know that I'm glad this to see this one raise a little bit certainly is needed. Um that's I guess that's my comment. I don't know if there's any other questions.
>> I have one comment >> with with the one prior. That one looks like it runs through 2028. Is there any dates how long this one will run for? >> They're both supposed to sunset. I believe SAHA is about 2028 as well. Um I think there are some conversations about at least trying to get the local
homeless prevention aid to not sunset. Um I don't know where that's at in the legislative process, but yeah, they are supposed to stop eventually. Mr. >> Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion to authorize Klay County Social Services to
issue a RFP uh for 2026 statewide affordable housing aid uh funds in the amount of $81,550. >> Second motion by Commissioner Abiger, second by Commissioner Bear. Any further discussion on the motion?
>> Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. I. oppose the same sign. Motion carried. See you after the new year to bring these back to you. >> And just like that, our engineer showed up. Good morning.
>> Good morning, >> Gustin. Approval of final contract voucher SAP 014645002. >> Yes. So, I'm requesting final approval of the final contract voucher for the project number that you had read. This was a Milan overlay project in the city
of Dworth, kind of the horseshoe that goes by Casey's um south two blocks east and then goes um north again on 7th. Northern Improvement was a contractor and I think the project turned out really well. Um final amount to be approved is
$251,668.7. The reason for the little bit of overrun is there was a little bit more curbon gutter that we had to replace that um didn't really know about going into the project and the overage would be covered by CASA Municipal. Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to approve
the final contract voucher for SAP 014-645-002 in the amount of $251,668.7. >> I'll second the motion. All right, we have a motion by Commissioner Bear, second by Commissioner Mojo. Any further discussion? I have one question on the
on the municipal state aid. Is that a dollar number that um we have a we have a balance in that account? >> Yes. >> How long do we have to use that? >> So, rules recently changed. It used to only be able to carry I think it was two
years aotment in there. You can carry in surplus of five. Um, but our balance is sitting well in that account. So, we're we're doing well. >> I think that might be a topic of discussion for our five-year plan.
>> Yep. >> I think I think in terms of if we're sitting well in and those, by the way, are are dollars that are designated for small cities, right? >> Correct. It has to be used in one of our cities. >> Yeah. And you know, so I think if we're
if we're sitting with good in that fund, we should maybe be talking with our small cities to see what projects they may want to advance sooner than normal. Maybe you construction costs never go down, it
seems like. So this might be a good opportunity for us. But if we could take a look at that in our five-year plan, that'd be great. >> Yep. So when I say sitting well in terms of or so our aotment is a lot less than the state aid municipal. So I just pulled up 2025.
So at the end of the year we'll have 50 grand in there. So not >> not a lot. >> Yeah. But I mean for a small community getting some some of those funds might make a difference in >> that a project or not
>> defin and it has it does obviously have to be used on a cassar route within the small city too. >> Is it we do have one other project planned I think at >> so let so if we can uh maybe take a vote on your on
>> Yep. >> All right. Any further discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. >> Oppose the same sign. Motion carried. And then you want to move into the other one. >> Yes.
>> SA or um CP 0143002. >> Yes. So this was a countywide striping project on everything that kind of our edgeline striping contract didn't cover. Um this project went really well. It went quick and I think it was a big
improvement for a lot of the rural areas. The final amount to be proved approved is $121,56926. The reason for the overage on this is we have never done a project of that size striping wise. So we're just guessing
off of old plans. So strictly in paint. Even even with that that number even the original number came in way below what we originally had had >> correct >> estimate right when we put out the bid >> correct and even that bid chair was way
under everybody else's bid >> right >> sort of aligns a lot >> Mr. Chair I'll make a motion to approve contract voucher payment CP 014-300-
002 in the amount of 121,56926. >> I'll second that. >> Motion by Commissioner Motion, second by Commissioner Bear. Any further discussion? >> I just want to say the residents in my area are very appreciative of this because it it made a huge difference out there in greater. >> Yes.
>> All of especially noticed after our first storm. >> Yes, definitely. And is that process going to continue in 2026? Idea how much you're going to do? >> Um, so that's kind of what we're working on right now is kind of dividing out the
county and seeing getting on a regular cycle. >> Okay. All right. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. At the same time, motion carried. Justin, you have anything else for us today? >> That is it.
>> Roads are in good shape. very good shape. >> The weather's cooperating until probably tomorrow night, >> Christmas, >> Christmas Eve. >> Yeah, 10day actually looks pretty good. So, I think our guys might get >> Thank you.
>> Yeah. Thank you, Justin. >> All right. Next, we have a request approval for the voluntary furlow program. Good morning, >> good morning. Okay, I'm here on three separate um items this morning. The first one is
going to be the 2026 furlow policy. This has been a long-standing policy uh in Klay County. However, it is subject to review and approval of the county board every year. Um the furlow policy um has saved approximately $56,000 in 2025 as of two weeks ago. I don't have the
numbers with the most current pay period um or the payroll that is ending today. Um it is subject to department head approval as well. So, it's not just available to everyone. It is subject to um staffing needs, etc. So, um with that, I will yield for any questions.
I should also add I'm sorry. Um this did go to pick last week and was discussed that pick as well. >> Was recommended for approval. >> I was going to say the same and Mr. Chair, I'd like to motion to approve the 2026 voluntary furlow program.
>> I will second that. >> A motion by Commissioner Abinger, second by Commissioner Bear. Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. >> Oppos the same sign. Motion carried. Next, we have the approval of the 2026
meal reimbursement rates. >> So, this was also discussed at pick last week um and recommended to bring forward um the proposed 2026 rates for meals uh remaining unchanged since 2020. Breakfast at $15, lunch at $20, and
dinner at $30. So, if there is no objection to that, I will yield for any questions. >> It works as long as we don't eat at the motel or in the hotel. >> I'm just kidding. >> I'll make a motion to approve the
current meal reimbursement rates of 26. >> Second >> for 2026. >> Motion by Commissioner, second by Commissioner Ebinger. Any further discussion on the motion? Further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I.
>> I. >> Oppos. Same sign. Motion carried. And we have the request approval of the 2026 mileage rates. >> Yes. So, as of last week, the 2026 IRS mileage rates have not been released. Um
however we are requesting with um suggestion of pick as well that if an individual takes their personal vehicle when a fleet vehicle is available that they would be reimbursed at 50 cents per mile. If a fleet vehicle is not available um that they need for work purposes they would be reimbured at the
IRS rate. We just don't know what that IRS rate is for 2026 yet. >> And that's the same policy as before. >> That's yes that's correct. We just bring that forth every year. >> That was recommended by pick as well.
>> Yes, >> Mr. Chair, I'll offer approval of the 2026 mileage reimbursement rates. >> Second. >> Motion by Commissioner Mojo, second by Commissioner Einger. Any further discussion on the motion? Any further discussion?
All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Oppos the same sign. Motion carried. Thank you, Anna. >> Thank you, guys. All right. Next, we have the request approval of resolution 2025-38 for setting the minimum salary of the
Klay County Sheriff and setting the Klay County Sheriff's salary for 2026. >> Uh, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. As you may recall, in previous years, generally, we have a resolution that establishes uh the a resolution that
establishes the salaries for u all elected officials. In election year, state statute requires that we provide uh the amount that the elected official will be paid, but also uh also what the minimum amount uh is based on the county
action. And so this morning here before we have three resolutions in a row. The first one, as you mentioned, uh relates to the uh the county attorney. Uh this past board meeting, Mr. Melton came before this board and explain Oh, excuse
me. I think we want to follow the order. I think the first one is the sheriff. >> Oh, sorry. Sorry. Had my mind missed. I'm reading my >> mixed up. All right. Um, the first item we had uh the item is we had sheriff emptying was before the board last week
and explaining the the reasonings for uh a proposed salary increase. Uh the the board did make bring a motion forward to approve that request. Uh and so as as we discussed last week, we would be bringing that resolution forward uh here
today. And so with that, Mr. Chair, I would yield for any questions. >> All right. Any questions? >> Questions? Yes, >> I do a little bit. So, how does that um what we did last week, how does that
work for the minimum salary? I don't quite understand the correlation. >> Uh so, so Mr. chair, members of the commission, um you had received an email from from Darren, I believe last week that laid out a county grid uh for
elected salaries. Uh and uh while both the county attorney and the sheriff were at the end of their grid, Darren has kept up the grid each year with the cola colas that this board has provided. uh and that uh the minimum is the step
one of that grid. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Based based on um what we did last week, the the the current salary would still be
adjusted as the top of top of the step system. Right. >> So, Mr. chair, commissioners, uh this with the adjustment yes last week, uh this would go up and above over and above step 12 because it was not was not a a
the next step for the sheriff to receive that funding. They he was already at the end of the budget and therefore the board took action to to go above. >> I guess my question let me rephrase it then. So are we re how many how many steps are there in this?
>> There are there are 12 Mr. So does if this is approved, does that new amount become the step 12 number? >> Um my understanding does not. I I think what I did was the the new
step number would be the step 12 would be the high wage of the sheriff and the attorney because if somebody was going to be run for those two positions that would be the highest that we would pay for that position. So, I I think I did I
was just trying to pull it up to remember what I did, but um I think what I did was uh added that percentage on to the last step, which would be the step 12. >> So, it's a new step. >> That makes sense.
>> That's so that does become a new step 12 amount. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> I just I just wanted to be clear on that that >> Yeah. I mean, he's he's not going we didn't readjust the grid to put him on
something less than step 12. >> No. >> Okay. I just wanted to make sure of that. >> Any further discussion? Yes. Paul did that. >> So, if you don't mind, I'll go back on that. So Darren, if that's the new step 12,
then does that affect step one? >> No. Step one would remain step one because every year I every year I adjust the grid to the percentage that's been approved by the board for the two elected officials. So the step one would
stay the same. the step 12 which was now approved at a higher rate. I added that 14 and 13% to that step 12. So that would be the the um >> So then so then it becomes a big leap
from 11 to 12. >> Yes. >> Unless we unless that you want to do it differently. Uh, I'm okay with it, but I I just want to make sure that minimum number doesn't get too high. >> Yeah, the minimum has been adjusted
according to the colas throughout. This is actually the first year that I've been involved where the electeds had a higher cola than the rest of the the employees. >> And so I just added that cola to the
step 12. Now, you could say, "Let's do the cola for step 12, and then both the attorneys and the um sheriff would be above above the grid." But I'm not sure how that then interacts with somebody
that is maybe looking to run and they're trying to figure out how much their wage would be next year. >> A little confusing. Just a clarification, none, when you mention that the electeds would be above it, it's the elected in terms of the um
>> sheriff and with the county attorney. >> Correct. >> Not the county commissioners. >> Correct. >> I I just >> We are elected. >> I just added that. Yes, that's correct. I just added the 4% to the commissioners. >> Yeah. So, um, and again, I think both
the, uh, sheriff and our county attorney last week really explained quite well. And I, and it's probably hard in a in a news article to to be able to really bring all of that information out that,
you know, that we used in making our decision. there's compression issues and all those other types of things that we have to follow that unions require us to deal with and you know so there's an awful lot of things that come into play
uh on those on those rates but um and and it you know in terms of the uh my time on this board when it when it comes to the uh sheriff and the and the county attorney new being newly elected a new
when I say knew coming in um and I saw two I guess seen two in sheriff with being with Mr. Burquist and then Mr. Empting that um when they were hired typically they're not going to be hired at step one,
>> you know, but I but again I think anybody who was to go to run for those positions needs to understand that the final decision on that compensation is is by the board at that time. and that the board at that time has the ability to go
anywhere from step one to step 12 is that newer number. >> Yes, that's correct. >> So, so just to I mean so somebody who would would run could potentially run for those positions need to understand that. >> Yeah. So, so that like um
like Commissioner Kahal said that the step between step 11 and 12 is greater than what the normal cola would be. All right. Well, that answers my question on on the grid part. Anyway,
Commissioner. >> Yeah, Mr. Chair. I'd like to make a motion to approve resolution 2025-38 setting the minimum Klay County Sheriff's salary at $137,364. Resolution also sets County Sheriff Mark
Empting's uh salary for 2026 at 184,67821. >> I will second that. >> We have a motion and a motion by Commissioner Eer, second by Commissioner Bear. Any further discussion?
Any further discussion on the motion? None. All in favor signify by saying I. I >> opposed the same sign. >> Motion carried. All right. We'll then move Oh, excuse me. Yes. Yes. >> Thank you. I was not able to attend last
week and so I appreciate the dialogue and the presentation from uh both our county attorney and our county sheriff. And uh just from someone who lives in the rural area of of Klay County, uh we had a pretty substantial fire at our
house a few years ago. And uh while waiting for the uh fire department, the sheriff was the first on scene to help mitigate uh the damage what was going on. And uh Mark serves uh in that capacity to all residents of Klay
County. It had nothing to do with the fact that I was a commissioner. He had uh seen and heard uh what was going on and was first to respond. And so I am really grateful in a time when um you know public safety is really challenging that Mark is there to serve uh Klay
County. >> All right. All right. Next we have the request approval for resolution 2025-39 for setting the amendment salary for the Klay County Attorney and establishing the Klay County Attorney salary for 2026. >> Uh thank you. Thank you Mr. Chair,
members of the commission. Uh this is essentially the same format that we just discussed with the sheriff. Uh the resolution uh resolution 25-39 uh would set the minimum county attorney salary at $155,644,000 $640
uh and setting uh Mr. Melton's salary for 2026 at $23,5425. With that, I'd yield for any questions. >> All right. Any comments? >> I feel like I heard a different number. Say your last number again.
>> 203,5425. >> 184. >> We got >> my resolution. >> Are you looking at item number 12? That's >> Yeah.
Okay. I'm looking at the back. >> The back also shows the same number. >> The very last they match both the front and back match at 203. >> I think what he's saying is that does that match the number discussed last week?
>> Oh, that's what he's >> I think the back of this the way they printed out the back of this is still referring to the sheriff. You look at page 61 of 70, I think, is what we're looking at now.
>> Okay. I'm with you. Thank you. Again, I so I I just want to again point out, you know, that this in the terms of the county attorneys, there was there was um some action that was taken at the state level that really
increased the salaries of um public defenders um throughout the state of Minnesota. And these were significant increases in salaries. And when that happened, of course, uh, one of the things that we like to do is
we like to retain our county attorneys here in Klay County. And with those types of numbers, we were seeing some activity where some of our county attorneys were willing to move into those public defender positions because of that increased salary. And
so, you know, there's there's times when when we have to make decisions based on um being able to keep our staff and being competitive that we have to make those adjustments. And so when we make when we make those
made those increases then you heard me mention the word compression before and the compression comes in that says that there has to be a difference in in wages between a supervisory position to somebody
below that and go on and on throughout and up. And so some of these things that when it comes to the um chief deputies or chief u county assistant county attorneys, those
those really it required those uh changes to be made too because of just the process and ultimately up to the county attorneys. Um, when you talk about workload, the workload in the county attorney's
office has certainly not gone down in my time on this board. And when you look at the docket and there you look at the court proceedings that go on, they are full. And almost all those cases, there's somebody
from the county attorney's office in those courtrooms. And so it's there's an awful lot of work being done. So I you know just again I you know I think some of us had probably received more calls regarding these
these salary adjustments than anything else uh that we've had there and and once we're able to explain that those reasonings I think the the public certainly was more comfortable with it. So but I just wanted to put that out there.
Commissioner >> Yeah Mr. Chair, just to to to reiterate what you're saying, kind of add to it. I've had the the good luck of working with Mr. Milton just about the the entire time I was chief of police.
And in that time, I watched the size of of his staff, the the case load, as we've seen in this community, the demand on the criminal justice system expand. And to we're at the point now with the salaries that we've got to keep the
talented people we've got on board. If we don't these homicide cases, these sexual assault cases, some of the most serious cases we have, you don't come on board in three years out of law school handle one of those cases. We have to have people on there who are really
competent and we do. And Mr. Melton has been uh diligent in getting them the salaries they deserve. Uh particularly the chief uh deputy county attorneys and in doing that and has caused
compression and there was one set of numbers I saw that offered Mr. Melton more money than this and he chose to back down and not take a raise larger than what his people underneath him got. And I think that showed a concern about the budget as
well as concern for the people he's got on board. So, uh, having said that, I'd like to make a motion to approve resolution 2025-39, setting the minimum county attorney salary at $155,640
and setting Klay County Attorney Brian Melton salary at $23,542 for 2026. I will second that. Okay, >> we have a motion by Commissioner Eder and second by Commissioner Bear. Any further discussion? Commissioner Mojo. >> Thank you. Also want to speak to this.
Uh we are seeing some substantial challenges uh in our community and I maintain that this is still a really safe place to raise a family. uh to that. Uh last week there was a
substantial amount of fentanyl pills uh found at the middle school in which my child goes to school. And part of what we're seeing in the the community is how do we how do we deal with some of these issues um from juvenile all the way to
adults. and uh Brian and his staff are at every table about how do we um deal with things in um non non- severe issues or how do we kind of do these diversion type programs all the way up to the hardened uh uh crimes that we're seeing
as well. And uh leadership comes from the top and I really do appreciate uh Mr. Meltton all of the work that you do uh to help all of us uh deal with the issues that we are dealing with. The other piece is there are uh counties throughout the state. We're all electeds
and there are counties around the state in which the sheriff and county attorney and county boards do not have healthy relationships in terms of working relationships. Uh obviously we have to um respond to the people and we are all subject to elections. But what I will
tell the community is um both Mr. Melton and Mr. are emptying work in such a great way with the county board and how do we address the needs of our community as fiscally responsibly as we can uh but also making sure that we are staffing uh your departments in a really great way
and so that's not lost on me the relationship that we all have I appreciate that it's a a constant work and uh that we continue to put the time in on that so thank you for that and the last piece is too this is not just setting these two individuals
salaries it is, but as elections happen, uh, we're setting, uh, minimum and maximums for the positions, and I think it's really important that the community knows that. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. So, Darren, again, going back
the So, the 20354225 that will become the new step 12, >> correct? I mean, that's we discuss. I did it. I did it for both sheriff and attorney. >> And I I I would like to just echo what Commissioner Mojo just said. And certainly in my time on this county
board and and with all the commissions that we've worked with, Klay County, we support our law enforcement and we we always have and we think it's important that we always do uh for the variety of reasons that
Commissioner Moer just said, plus many others. And along with supporting that, we need to also support our county attorney's office. And our county board continues to do that. And you know, Commissioner Ebinger brought up some of the u significant issues that do go on, there
are are serious crimes within our communities. And every day when those deputies or the sheriff goes out there, they're not going out there. And these people aren't out there playing with water guns.
There's some serious things going on out there and there's serious risk that's involved and we certainly support uh the efforts of our law enforcement and our county attorneys. So,
as Commissioner Mojo said, there's some some counties in Minnesota where that, you know, that support might not be to the degree that we do. Any other comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor signify by
saying I. >> I. >> O is the same sign. Motion carried. Okay. Then we have the request approval for resolution 2025-40 for establishing the county Klay County Commissioner Salary and PDM for 2026.
Uh thank you, Mr. Chair. has been the practice uh uh in Klay County when when uh the board makes a decision on the cola for our employees. That cola is also uh provided to the position of the county uh the the county commissioners.
Uh the 4% was approved last week which takes the salary to $40,82251. Uh in addition to that uh the the pick committee also discussed the pdium amount appointed for appointed assignment committees which you guys
will be discussing again next week and then and then finalizing those again for 2026 the first meeting of the year. Uh that PDM is at $100 per meeting uh with a maximum of of $100 per day uh with the
understanding that most days you have more than one meeting. Uh and so um with that I would look for look for approval of resolution 2025-40 establishing the county commissioner salary for 2026 at $40,000820
$40,82251 uh and setting the pdium at $100 uh for appointed committee assignments and other approved meetings. With that, I'd yield for any questions. Any further discussion? You notice there's no grid step one to step 12.
>> That would be the voters. >> That's our grid. >> I'll make a motion to approve uh the resolution um 202540 as presented. >> Second.
>> All right. Do we have a motion by Commissioner Kraov, second by Commissioner Ebinger. Any further discussion? I have one comment. I I don't know if we should be taking that cola bump this year. If we've asked all our uh staff not to bring anything to us that was dire important so we wouldn't
bring up that levy. I think we should keep the cola the same as last year and not take that 4%. Any further discussion? So that that would require an amendment to the motion. >> I'll make that a Can I make that? Can I? Yeah, >> you certainly can't.
>> Can I make that amendment to the motion? >> And yeah, so you would have to specify what percent you want. >> A 0% increase on the commissioner salary from 2025 2026 or 2026.
>> Motion. Is there a second? Is there a second on the amendment? >> Mr. Chair, >> we're back to the original motion or cut. >> Thank you. If I might, um, we are not in the business of public service to get rich. It's not, um, not
the what drives us. uh it's not the the measures of success that any of us see. Uh but we also do have the responsibility to acknowledge that this work takes a substantial amount of time and I think as this board the presence
and the people sitting in these chairs revolve and new people come into these chairs. I think it's important that we acknowledge that people need to be paid fairly for their time. I think that um you know this many many weeks is over a
full-time job time capacity and I think that in order to continue to raise up great uh people that can be good leaders uh for the county, it's important for people to be able to be sustaining uh financially in order to do uh put the
time in. It's important to acknowledge that so that you can continue to have varied voices around these tables. Uh so I appreciate uh Mr. Bear uh bringing up that that motion. I think it's really important. We also will realize uh if
you do uh wage studies in future years that you will have to likely have adjustments to uh see what other uh to align with what other commissioners make around the state. I will say that Klay County is lower across the state than what other uh county commissioners are
making. Certainly not why we're doing this. I think we will be able to realize some savings uh in other ways that will likely help keep that cost down. >> Any other comments? Comments?
Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose the same sign. >> Is there a motion? >> Oh, I think there was a motion. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> I don't ever the Yeah. >> Got it. for voting on the original MO.
>> Thank you. >> All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppos the same. >> I motion carried. All right. Next we have um view lakes and prairies community action
rural bus transportation funding for 2026. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh this board has previously worked with CAP LPP in providing uh funding for the senior transportation program in prior budgets.
Um during our budget planning uh discussions this year as a board you faced many numerous competing priorities uh and difficulties in in making funding decisions. And after careful consideration uh the CAP LP rural routes
senior program was removed from the 2026 proposed budget. At the truth and taxation meeting this past uh past week, uh we had several residents uh that came forward and expressed uh concern with discontinuing the funding of this program. And so at the end of truth and
taxation, the board chair asked that this uh topic be brought up today uh for further discussion. And uh we have uh both Lori and Robin here from CAPLP today if you have any questions. Uh but uh uh with that I would uh turn it over
to the board for discussion. >> Yeah, thank you uh Mr. Larson. So yeah, as you mentioned at the truth and taxation hearing, this was brought up by a few residents and and um I you know I
I think it's important you know transportation in the rural areas for our elderly is is critically important. And I think when you know when when the county was put in the position to have
to make tough choices, we were seeing ride numbers that were low compared to the investment. And I think the, you know, I think the board had taken the position that paying um, for example, $250 or $300 per ride
was just not uh, sustainable. I mean so we you know so we need to look at some need to look at some other other ways. Having said that I I think you know the conversation that was brought up at that
meeting and I I also liked hearing now the new partnership that you have now with reach I think really might really be a positive component in helping with some of that rural transport those rural transportation needs and maybe a better plan.
Uh, but I I'm going to So, I talked with with with Steve and and I I would like to see us reinstate that number uh in into 2026
and without readjusting our levy. I I think we can still do that without readjusting our levy. And if need be, if if we have to, I think there's still room within our reserves where we can do a one-time deal and to to fund that in
2026 with the idea in mind and and certainly the folks from um Lakes and Prairies can come up and talk to us about it. But really trying to come up with a a plan that improves that price per ride for lack, you know, I think
that's that's really important. I think because we don't want to see that. I certainly I don't want to see that service lost and I don't think any of the commissioners up here do either, you know. So, um that I think that's my was my suggestion that we reinstate that um
those funds into 2026 without having to make that adjustment to the levy. >> Mr. Aberinger, did you have comment? >> Yeah, just wanted to make a couple of observations. I serve on the CAP LP seniors committee and on Dancing Skies
Area Aging uh agency for aging. And when you look at rural Minnesota, one of the critical needs that we've got to keep people in their homes, keep them healthy, is transportation. As we all know, it's difficult to get around, particularly this time of year.
Um and it's it's that's only aggravated for senior citizens. uh this is a a a uh work in progress. I think the new partnership I will will will contribute towards facilitating what our rural seniors need to stay at
home. But uh this is a good start and I think it's money well invested. The breakdown on cost per ride needs to be addressed and I think with the partnership and some innovative thinking that can that can be worked on. But right now, as we heard from the young
lady last week, you know, she's she and her sister are trying to keep mom going twice a week to to dialysis and they're working and trying to take care of their families. That's the critical position so many people are put in. And
here in the metro area, we've got senior rides. We have things we can address this with. We need to maintain something for our rural folks. And if there's a better way to do it, we need to figure it out. But right now, I think the funding for a year is is a good
investment. >> Commissioner Kraov, >> I don't know if you want them to >> talk first or >> Well, I mean I mean I can get your thoughts and then we can >> Thank you. All right. >> I mean, if we're going to fund them, maybe they don't. >> Yeah,
>> I have question. All right. Well, I know what I know everything they're gonna say, right? Um I've spent hours on this and in conversation looking at their budget, looking at how we can grow this
program and again uh when we started talking to REACH three months ago, four months ago, this was right at the very beginning. And uh to the points that have already been made, I'll add to that. Um there's socialization, there's
a there's senior living rides, there's just so many things beyond medicine that this is a vital need and and you know when I and again it is um to think of someone whether they're in Felton or
Holly or Barnesville, I mean it's it's a wide scope and is a little more expensive. I think the program's well under $250 a ride, but uh uh the develop development of that um will be more
efficient all the time and the wrership um the main thing for the the the money which we're sharing. This isn't all on us. This is a $80,000 budget. um you know they're using their CSPG grants to
uh um help make this work. Um and um I lost my thought here. Um anyway, the continuum where we can take this and grow it is uh I I don't have any doubts about it. We've been supporting this for
the last five years. I think we need to continue on with our effort and I think it's for uh cap the uh in the future uh starting this year um to be able to improve upon that and be able to come
back and show uh that they are moving in in the right direction. Uh the last uh comment I'll make what they're taking on at reach um it isn't for sure but more than likely this bus now would be out in
Holly finding people in the Holly area to help within that outer community if uh if we can all work that way. So anyway, I appreciate the uh thought of continuing this and certainly I would be supporting it. >> Mr. Chair, >> yes, Commissioner Mojo.
>> Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Kavanagh. You have really worked hard on this. I serve on CAPLP with Commissioner Kabanoff. And so, we've talked a lot to CAPLP on how do we get creative with funding? How do we find partnerships? When the original request came through,
those partnerships were not identified. And um I appreciate you bringing forward the fact that there is a reduction in levy request because you understand times are tough, but we also understand that these are our most vulnerable seniors throughout Klay County that
really are isolated. We talk a lot about making sure wanting folks to be able to stay in their homes because the price of uh assisted living is so astronomical. Uh I think when we bring reach to the table
we will identify a pool of users wrership that we we haven't been able to identify. My hope is that we'll continue to get creative. But you need to understand in a time of when uh federal funding is so unknown and so many cuts are happening at different levels, CAPLP
has identified in their community assessment that this is a pocket of individuals that we really need to figure out how we maintain their ability to get to their caretakers, to get to dialysis. These are these are not just Walmart shopping trips. These are
lifechanging medical appointments to have that availability. I appreciate uh bringing this forward in a different way. Thanks. >> I I think there can be an awful lot of dialogue moving forward. I I know we have some other areas in our social services where we also have because the
gentleman from REACH that was here on the truth and taxation night, you know, he he brought up the fact that how many volunteer drivers they have in the reach program. That's a that's a significant deal. And I so in social services and
some other areas, we also have volunteer driver drivers. And one of the things when we talk about volunteer drivers, we we do have a stipen for them. And I think it's I think it's a really good investment. And you know and so I think in this whole process and we start
looking at how we're revamping this uh maybe by when I say a stipened it's not very much you know on for on an hourly basis but maybe maybe taking a look at how we pay volunteer drivers uh that
could that could really help out bringing that price from $250 a ride down to something else. You can even still do that by having volunteer drivers being paid a stipen. So, that's just one of many things as Commissioner Mojo just talked about and Commissioner
Rabnoff talked about, but um I I certainly think that we we should take this put that levy or put that dollar amount back into the budget for 2026 and let CAP LP and reach uh study this
and come back to us with some options then that could better work for 2026. Seven cap LP anything to say >> um hi everybody. I I really don't have anything to add, I guess, after Commissioner Krabanov and Commissioner
Mojo spoke um other than we so appreciate you uh allowing us back here and that you're reconsidering the ask. Um, you know, we've, like Commissioner Krabanov said, this has been around 5
years now, and um, I I completely understand, um, being cautious with this. Um, I know that there has been so many different factors that have been played into, you know, not being able to grow the
ridership where we want it to be. But I I truly feel that that this acquisition of reach and us becoming one entity will enhance and expand the writership. I I really do. We have some other
in-house uh things in play that I I again think that is going to make this program so much stronger and that just really has to do with staffing. That's an internal uh thing. But uh we have two veteran staff that have been on with us,
one for 26 years and the other for the past five years and they're super strong. Um, and I really think with our our um becoming one with reach and having two very strong veteran staff on that um are going to be able to build up
the relationships with the with the seniors in Royal Klay County. this is um with that's that's a population that we serve that is extremely important that they feel comfortable with us and that they feel comfortable with the driver
and have a relationship and I this is the year we're going to be able to do it. >> Excellent. Um anyway, I I guess um for the board, you know, my my uh suggestion would be that
uh we reinstate the requested funding for 2026 and to take those dollars out of out of reserve for 2026 while we review uh moving forward beyond that. >> Mr. Chair, are you talking the 42,000
number? >> Uh what? Yes, that was the number >> updated request. >> Yeah. 4258350. >> Mr. Chair, I'll offer a motion to reinstate the request of 42,58350 to the 2026 budget. Understanding it
would not uh come with levy dollars. >> I'll second that. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Mojo, second by Commissioner Bear. Any further discussion on the motion? Any further discussion? I Lori is probably thinking, where am I going to get this reserve money from? But she'll figure it out.
All right. Any further discussion on No, I'm talking about Lori Johnson. >> Oh, Lory's like, "Wait, what?" >> All right. Any further discussion on the motion? >> Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I.
>> The same motion. Great. All right. You're good to go. Make your plans. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Oh, we're going to take a break. Yeah. All right, we are back in session. Our next
item is the request approval for resolution 2025-41 for adopting the Klay County final levy and budget for 2026. Larson. >> Good morning, Mr. Chair. Again, commissioners. Again, today is as you mentioned is an important day as you
consider establishing the 2026 budget and the levy. Uh establishing the max max establishing the levy provides the maximum amount this board can ask each of our citizens to provide. Uh early on this year, we we knew that this budget
process would be a little bit different. Uh we went to our our board to excuse me to our departments uh and encouraging them to look look keenly at their their budgets and minimize any requests as always look for different ways to
adjust. We reached out to uh our non-county entities that provide levy funding uh and requested them asked them to look at their budgets. uh many of them decreased their budgets uh as they came forward with their requests. Uh
with that we started our budget process uh in May. Uh our department heads presented their budgets to Miss Johnson. Uh ultimately those came before the county administrator, auditor treasurer and then before this board. Uh this board provided multiple scenarios and
situations where you provided direction uh and feedback uh in in looking at our budgets. On September 16th, we established a preliminary levy at 6.46%. Uh immediately after that vote, this board uh uh came back and asked our
county uh personnel to look at their budgets with the understanding that you would not be satisfied with that that figure uh at establishing the final budget. Uh we had uh several meetings uh with with our with our board. We had
meetings uh on a weekly basis providing updates. uh our our departments all had ongoing discussions uh throughout this process. Uh and last week after the truth and taxation presentation uh the
updated the updated levy amount uh was 4.4% that was brought forward to this board. uh after the board actions and one final review, what you have before you this morning is a with a minor adjustment is a levy proposal of 4.35%.
Uh just to keep in mind for our citizens, this board was faced with many challenges. We knew some of them were coming. uh we knew there were a number of them that we were not aware and and this board was nimble and adjusted as we
as we went through this process. And to kind of put this in perspective, there are many boards uh that are wrestling with eight nine in some cases double figure not preliminaries but final levies that have been established. Uh and through this board's direction and leadership, uh if you were to set the
the levy at 4.35%, uh that would actually be a point10% lower than what you what you agreed to last year. And so uh with that, I'd yield for any questions. Uh if there are no questions, what I would be looking
for is is to to take two motions. one on the levy of $47,284 uh $284,559. Uh and then establishing the total budget which is $128,981,62. And again, with that, I'd yield for any
questions. Any questions? Questions? Just a comment, this is my first budget to go through on this board and we started out with a 6.46
and we got it down to a 4.34. I had a number in my head where I wanted to hit and we got very close to that. But to get to that number that I had in my head, I don't know if we could get there without actually cutting real things and I think we've cut everything out of this budget that we possibly can. So, I'm in
favor of this 4.35. I it's not where I wanted it to be, but I I think we got as close as we can get to my number. So, I'm in favor of this 4.35 uh budget increase. >> Any other comments? >> Mr. Chief, >> Commissioner Mo,
>> you're welcome. >> Okay. I uh concur with what Commissioner uh Bear is talking about. I would I would argue rather we were in double digit estimates in early February, March, May. In my time on the board, I
don't recall a time in which we thought based on what the pressures and the shifts from the state would uh offer to us uh would result in levies of double-digit increases. I I think this has been a budget cycle that I've not experienced on this board and uh know
that there's been some real serious conversations internally about where are areas where we can cut, where can't we cut because of mandated pieces. uh but what are the services that our residents are not willing to um see reductions in. So to be at this point
today is the result of many many conversations and hard work specifically with you Mr. Larson and with Lori Johnson as well. Uh really grateful for your work on this. Um I I will say uh
we have our work cut out for us uh at the state and national level to uh talk about the pressures that are happening on local entities that are just not sustainable anymore. uh it it 27 is going to be a huge challenge, but I'm
really grateful for the work that this entire board has shown to say uh we're willing to make those trips to go to the tables that we need to to talk about those issues. Um, so I I know that's down the road, but I I uh am really grateful that we've been able to realize
some um wage adjustments for employees. Uh but also making sure that we're continuing to stripe the roads that need to be striped and uh work on the road projects to keep our public safety or our road infrastructure safe. Uh to that, there's a lot of good that comes
out of the work in this budget. Thank you, Mr. >> Abiger. Yeah, Mr. Chair, I just I really appreciate the comments made by Commissioner Bear. Uh he came in, he had something set in his mind,
and when we first heard the the initial figures, it was 12% in change. When you looked at everything our staff asked for, we met every meeting, which is something the chair wanted us to do this time. I
think that was extremely beneficial. It gave us an idea to see how this thing unfolded. And what we saw for the most part, and I'm proud of this commission for for the diligence we've put into this, but we have a staff and we have department
directors who really honestly took a look at where they could make cuts and really diligently supported those things that we didn't want to cut because it'd be detrimental to our the public or we would be losing more money
than we're saving with cuts. This was a wellthoughtout uh activi or activity here in setting the levy and uh I think it was a team effort and I don't think it get any lower without as commissioner bar
pointed out without hurting things that we don't want to hurt. So having said that I'm going to try to we need two different motions. >> Make the first one by yourself. Make the first one and then we'll make a second one. >> Okay. If you and if you could start with the with the full budget
>> the the the the uh 400 or 37 >> or the 128 million number. >> Okay. >> 12898162. >> Yep. Uh I'd like to and is it is that going to be part of uh resolution 202541?
>> Uh that is not that's a separate resolution deals only with the levy. So, I will just make a motion uh to approve the full budget for uh Klay County for 2006 of 128,000
million 98162. >> $62. Repeat the number. >> Let me find it because my notes are wrong. $128,98162. Boom. >> I didn't say a thing. >> Yeah. >> 128,981,62.
>> Correct. >> All right. That's your motion to approve that. >> Yes. >> All right. Do we have a second? >> We have a motion by Commissioner Ebinger, second by Commissioner Krabanov. Any further discussion? And I just want to point out that that 128,981 is different than our levy. And the
reason that that's different is that 128 million is a total dollar amount that we that we money that goes through Klay County. The difference between the levy and that are funds that we get from other sources such as the state and federal government. Just in case there's somebody questioning why they're why
those are two different numbers. All right. Any further discussion? >> Just just to clarify, you did say 2026. >> 2026. >> Okay. All right. Any further discussion? Roll call vote, please. >> Commissioner Kmanhoff, >> I.
>> Commissioner Mojo, >> I. >> Commissioner Campbell, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bear, >> I. >> Commissioner Ebinger, >> I carried. All right. And then we have the 2025-41 adopting the final levy and budget or
the final levy. >> I'll make that motion. All right, we have a a motion adopting the resolution 2025-41 adopting the 2026 Klay County final levy. Is there a second? >> Second. >> All right, we have a motion by
Commissioner Abbeer, second by Commissioner Kraban. And I just want to under comments, I just want to mention that since the preliminary levy for the first time, I I did ask that this be a standing item on every uh agenda from
that point on. In the past, I've in past years, I've been very frustrated that we'd set the preliminary levy and there really got to be no discussion until December. And what I felt important was by having that on every weekly agenda, it allowed
any commissioner at any point in time or administration to come before us uh offering suggestions that could be different than what the preliminary levy was set at. Uh so I think that that obviously I think has
helped a little bit. I do want to mention uh Commissioner Mojo talked about on her time period on here. Uh, I can I go back a little bit longer than Commissioner Mojo and I I do c I can recall um the time frame of around 2008
2009 where we had some very difficult times to the point where I think we had backtoback years where we had zero colas for our employees and that that is that is not good either. Um, but again,
um, I think the difference between what we're seeing today and back then, back then it was economic conditions. I think today what we're seeing is more political uh, decisions that are being made at
state and federal levels that impact the county. Um, and I I'm I'm thankful for and I'll always stand up for our county employees. I think they do a good job. They're 80% of our budget and they are the face of what we do and the services
that Commissioner Mojo talked about that we provide in all sorts of different aspects. So, um, so I'm thankful that that we're able to, um, continue on and not not be in a position where we could not offer
colas to our employees. I think that's that, you know, and I think Commissioner Barry, you're satisfied with these numbers in your first budget. Um, so that being said, >> I just wanted to make a couple of comments, too. uh thank you for your
leadership uh that you helped us through this because I agree bring this um forward uh if not every week most every week along the way I think it helped uh s helped me u personally stretch my mind
around a little bit because I didn't think it would get this low either and uh I think we did um in this process treat our employees the best we could um the the other thing I I do want to go
back to a quick comment made about the departments. Each of these weeks that came through, you could see the departments working with each other in in ways that they be more efficient and we saw some moves
between public health, social services, detox. there were a number of places that it made a difference and you know whether it was 50,000 or 200,000 you know I mean these were differences that really added up and I just appreciate uh
uh everybody involved for uh um I think good healthy conversations um sometimes a little hard but at the same time uh a very unified uh um process here that came together at the
end. So, thank you. >> All right. Any other discussion on the motion? Any other discussion? >> Is there a roll call vote, please? >> Commissioner Kenhoff, >> I. >> Commissioner Mojo, >> I. >> Commissioner Campbell, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bear,
>> hi. >> Commissioner Abinger, >> I carried. >> All right. Thank you, Steve. Thank you for the work that you've done. and um Lori and to all of our uh department heads that were involved with um doing what they
can to keep that levy as low as possible. So, >> it was must have been a rough budget cycle because Lori started it not being in a sling and ends it in a sling. >> Sorry, a little levity.
>> Yeah, little levity. >> Yeah, I'm walking with a real You always had a >> All right. Committee reports. I'm going to start again today with um Commissioner Bear. >> I had uh two committees. I was at both
of them on December 17th. The first one was up in Krookton with West Central Regional Water District where we had a meeting with MDH and we got them up to speed on the project and where we stand on that project with the court systems and just making sure we're all on the same page for when we do go in front of
the judge the second time. hopefully by February, March, so when we send out all those mailers, the 19,000 mailers that we'll have to send out for the whole district that if they get any phone calls, we're all on the same page. It was a very good meeting up there. And then I went down
to Morehead where we met with uh we had a update meeting for the White Earth Casino technical discussion down at the Yum Center where we had everybody but White Earth there and we had an update on how
that process is going. It's going very slow on our end because we're waiting for more information from the tribe. And that's about all that was discussed there. So if anything else want uh Commissioner Campbell was also at that meeting so if he wants to add
anything that's he can and those were my two committee you commissioner. >> Thank you. Uh on the 17th I attended uh which was Wednesday, I attended the
uh EDC Greater Fargo Morehead EDC ex uh board meeting. Had a review of the dashboard there on projects and document ready sites. um discussed the retreat that had uh been on the previous day which I had not
been at because we had truth and taxation. Uh the governance committee is working and on uh reorienting the governance of the EDC. Uh they're they they have a agency group
that's going to look at feedback that came up during that uh retreat. uh they had an I20 inter uh I28 update talked about the joint leadership that they've got and some areas they need to
focus on that and they had an action item that came out of that which was to extend board nomination process. It's taken longer to put together and we are not going to have a restructure and a selection of board members until uh the
end of the first quarter which would be March 14th. uh some other discussions about document ready sites and m uh macara site and some goals and then we voted on the budget which passed
and that was the end of that meeting. on the 18th um 18th I attended the Rethink Mental Health and Substance Misuse Coalition meeting, attended it virtually. Um
Annabelle Default presented uh homeless issues and uh public uh health and churches united work that's being done together. She had a really good presentation on harm reduction efforts are made here in uh in Klay
County and uh some of the some of the uh money that's being used from the um or the uh
opioid settlement and she covered that. Then Karen Nazowski had a a presentation on coping skills. Basically, just some things that you need to do as you work with people.
Uh later that day, I'm sorry, on the 18th, I'm slow here because I didn't bring my notes. Okay. Later that day, um I attended Morehead uh diversion or the metro diversion authority board of
authority meeting. We had a 2025 video review of the programs that uh or the projects that been completed this year. had discussion on P3 settlements, uh recap of the statement of principles we had in the
settlement with them, and passed the 2026 cash budget. 1 billion Oh my gosh, Kevin, what was that number? 1 billion 168,000.
That would be 101 billion68 million >> million 93, and87 >> pocket change. >> Yeah. What What did that figure out per week? >> $3.5 million per day.
>> Per day. >> My god, it's scary to have a budget like that. Anyway, it did pass and I think things are looking good. the end is end is in sight and we have one more spring to sweat it out and then we're going to have flood protection and a lot of
effort has gone into that. So very gratifying that that happened. And then after that I attended the Lake Agassy Library Executive Board meeting and basically we called it because we had one policy that we determined was
out of uh kilter with state law and we made a change to the meal and rest break policy and uh that passed. So, when you're running operations that are open for six hours a day, sometimes it's kind of hard to get people's breaks
in there, but they figured out how to do it. And that completes my report. >> Thank you, Commissioner Krabanov. >> All right. Just uh two meetings. They were both on December 18th. Uh one Commissioner Abiger has already brought
up the rethink mental health and substance misuse meeting. Again, uh Annabelle did a great job on the opioid um presentation working along with Churches United. And then I'll just touch Karen Narski on uh the main thing
that they were doing was um in their in their work uh the strategies that this group had. uh they were just um mainly sharing well-being practices uh that work uh in their profession and it was a
pretty in-depth um um or reviewing of that program. Uh after that I did have my monthly meeting with HA and um very glad to see what Quinn came
forward with today for new proposals. I'm guessing that H will be involved in both of those and um things right now uh as he mentioned on the one um the um housing aids, the security system,
different things that they've been able to do there to some of their properties. They're now um really being able to um have uh better operations run uh without
disruption. Uh better better tenants. Uh the vacancies are as low as they've been in a number of years. So the budget is looking better and better for them all the time. And uh things are just improving uh overall. So, uh, they were
happy to, uh, end the year on such a good note. So, with that, that's what I had. >> Commissioner Mojo, >> thank you, Mr. Chair. I need to go back a couple weeks. I attended the AMC conference with all of you. Grateful,
grateful for the opportunity to network and work at a state uh wide level. Appreciate the opportunity. Uh, board of directors meeting met before the conference. We did discuss the legislative priorities that we'd be pushing forward. Uh obviously uh you all
reported on that last week. Big issues there. I attended the candidate canvasing meeting. Uh MRC had a great update. Uh really helpful when we can get some legislators in there, hear their insight, especially um insightful
when they don't necessarily represent all of the rural counties. So it's important for them to hear that dialogue. did have the environment natural resources policy committee meetings. Uh pretty heavy on uh solid waste issues that continues as the citizen brought forward today. Uh
continues to be something that counties are grappling with how is the best most effective way to deal with these issues understanding uh constraints but uh getting create creative there. Uh and then had a lot of different policy amendments. I heard that you talked
about that last week. uh uh had the opportunity was invited to present with our administrator and commissioner Evinger on the at the public safety policy committee on their juvenile detention project. Exciting to see that out of that
conversation, we've had additional uh memorandums of support from other counties. I believe Benton County was the most recent on that. Had a meeting with the governor's office about the projects and then attended breakout sessions on solid waste mitigation. the act, mental health succession planning
and additional pieces and then um really appreciate the opportunity to uh serve over the next year as uh second vice president of the organization. I think it will be really helpful to Klay County to advance issues that we're seeing on
this side of the state, the conversations not only in St. Paul but also DC. And then I had a meeting with Judge Rosenfeld on our drug or specialty courts. Appreciate her insight and
excitement about that. The next day had a FM West Fargo Chamber public policy committee meeting. Appreciate that Kale's here today uh including Klay County's priorities as the legislative priorities as well. To that meeting, I
attended the Klay County Extension Committee meeting. We did have a long discussion on focus and uh scheduling over the next year. We do have openings to that committee. It would be really exciting to fill those openings with folks that have uh
experience understanding what the work of extension is in Klay County but also statewide. So more to come on that and attended the Klay County leaders roundt that was hosted by the chamber at Concordia. really great insight from all of the different organizations and entities
that were part of that dialogue as we move uh into the legislature legislative session. Uh but also challenges making sure that we're communicating with businesses on what uh will go into effect January 1st. So thank you to the chamber for your
leadership in that regard. And I attended the Prairie Lakes Solid Waste Committee meeting that Commissioner uh Campbell reported on uh that day. I also attended the FMDA land management committee meeting. We
followed that uh meeting up with uh the MCC JPA meeting. The following day, I talked about a couple um well, one the litigation and property acquisition updates and then the excess land recommendations that had been talked
about at the uh meeting the day before. approved uh reimbursement requests, the contracting actions for the MCCJPA and then uh BNS easement agreement. And if you know anything about entities that are difficult to work with, the
railroads are one. So, a huge gratitude for uh the uh conclusion and securing that easement agreement and then the farmland leases were approved and I'm trying to hurry. Sorry. Uh metrocog meeting the that afternoon as well.
great reports and studies going on. We had the reports from them at the meeting prior and then Commissioner Bear had requested that they come in and have a a presentation in January. They're working on that uh nonsecure juvenile detention legislative strategy meeting, the flood
mitigation funding strategy meeting, and yesterday I attended the Lakeland Mental Health Center uh board of directors. We had a finance committee meeting to approve the 2026 budget that we moved forward. Again, no new dollars from Klay County or the other counties are being
requested. Uh did look at our strategic planning process um and in key performance indicators. We're uh given the fact that a paid family will go in January 1st there, it's really hard to um understand where where access numbers
will be because that their margins are so tied to staffing level particularly at those high doctor level um positions. So it's it's really hard and challenging to kind of pinpoint that. I think we've got the best case scenario on that. Uh
budgeting in in a 3% co margin. And then they are um working on addressing urgent care options. Uh so as we've talked about mental health uh doesn't always understand a 9-to-f5 uh workday.
And so they are going to do some piloting in Ottertale County on available urgent care uh psychiatry options. And I think that concludes my reports. >> All right. Thank you. On um December
17th, I attended the Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste meeting in PUM. Uh the action that we did take uh from a financial standpoint, our budget was um in good shape. So we did authorize the
annual reimbursement payment to Ottertale County in the amount of $175,000 um towards the loan that they had provided for us when we had shortfalls. We also approved the um putting the
$250,000 budgeted into the internal service fund. We authorize that transaction to occur. And then we did authorize $160,000 for the ash disposal for the project
that happened in Ottertale County um right along by outside of Wadina County. Um, so that basically is the cost that we had for the tons of ash that we took from our ash landfill and provided into
the road system. We had to pay for that. Of course, that's probably cheaper than I think was even brought up earlier about how how costly it is to maintain landfills. And our ash landfill is no different. And um
and that a after those things we should end up with a cash balance somewhere in the area of 620,000 and that compares to 676 at the end of 2024. So we're very very close.
Uh we also um intend to use about 8,000 tons of ash for the Becker County or Becker County Road project in 2026. Uh by doing that it also saves about two years worth of close to two years worth
of life of of uh the ash landfill. I think the ash ash landfill we send about five to 6,000 tons per year into that ash landfill and and of course if you recall in my previous updates that landfill is going to without these
activities that we're currently doing would have been full in 2027. uh and which I I've also been pushing for us to make sure that we continue with plan B which is um allowing for the
u expansion of that ash landfill and that permit process for those of you don't know can take up to 10 years. So, we're we're behind the we're behind the eightball in that regard, but we're trying to make do what
we can to reduce what's going into that, putting it on our roads. And by the way, MDOT is really researching this as a real potential for use of that in roads throughout the state.
Uh then on the 17th I also attended the I came back and I attended the um meeting on the regarding white earth. I think commissioner bearer um gave a good report on that. I don't have anything to add that afternoon. We also had our land
management committee meeting for the diversion authority. Commissioner Mojo talked about that and I really don't have anything more to add to that. the 18th. I also attend the Morhead Clay count or Mor Clay County joint powers and um
we did had some contracting actions and and a a reimbursement request that we approved and some farmland leases that we authorized for 2026. On the 18th, we had the diversion board of authority meeting. Um, Commissioner
Ebinger um mentioned that big dollar number in terms of our 2026 budget. And when he's when you talk about $1 billion being paid out in 2026, you got to remember that this pro this this has been a project that's been going on for
several years. And the way the um contract worked is that um the developers pretty much upfronted most of the money in terms of the construction project. And what happened was is they had they had to meet
milestones and then they'd get the milestone payments. And so in 2026 2025, we had some milestone payments came up, but the majority of them are going to happen in 2026. And that's why that it may seem like it's a lot in one year,
but it's basically paying the contractors for all the work that they've done from the beginning on that. So that's why that number is so big. So $3.5 million a day is what it boils down to for this flood protection.
And then on um Friday the 19th, I did attend the um meeting with the public policy committee, chamber policy committee meeting where and I want to thank Kale and and Jason Benson for their efforts and making sure that we're
staying on top of uh the legislative needs that we have for um for the county and Morehead in terms of what remains to be in flood funding that we need to aggressively pursue.
And with that, um, that concludes my report. Steve, do you have >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, 17th, uh, Darren and our labor attorney continue with union negotiations. So, participate in several conversations. Uh, that afternoon, participated in the White
Earth Nation update, which has been well covered. On the 18th, I met with Dan Molly and Brandon Lunick on a series of shared uh, issues. Uh on the 18th also participated in MCC JPA meeting which has been addressed. On the 19th uh the
strive committee met uh this board has supported uh the no high performance leadership uh program for the last two years. Just to report we've had 26 staff that have now completed that program. Uh and so uh we're looking to offer that again. Our goal of course would be to uh
to have all leadership, supervisors, department heads and uh future leaders uh look to participate in there that we talked about having our interdep departmental retreat. I think I sent out an email to each of you looking at tenative date of April 24th and so if
that works for you we will move forward with that. On the uh on the 19th I had a my regional Maine in Fergus Falls. majority of our time was spent on budgets, uh, paid family medical leave and other legislative impacts that are
we're going to face in 26. Uh, and lastly, just for our citizens awareness, normally we don't meet on our fifth Tuesday. Uh, but uh, with the end of the year and for auditor treasur's office, we are going to be having a board meeting next Tuesday. That concludes my report. >> All right, Brian
Darren. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh on the 16th I had truth and taxation as well. On the 17th um Steve mentioned that uh we had lieutenants and sergeants negotiations. Those are moving ahead slowly. Um I also had a meeting with uh human resources
and the auditor treasur to discuss preparations for the paid leave starting on January 1st. On the 18th, I had a meeting with MC and then we had a breakout group for counties that are considering the private vendor for Minnesota paid leave.
So, that was a very informative and and good conversation we had with other counties that are are in the same boat as we are with the private vendor. Um on the 19th, Steve covered the strive meeting which I attended as well. Had a
brief PRTF meeting and then on the 22nd um just basically started some end of year tasks after the um payroll was the last payroll was closed on Monday. That it Sarah, do you have anything?
>> Okay. >> All right. I I Pardon me. said, "Merry Christmas." >> Oh, merry. Okay. I did want to um point out that we I did receive a letter from the Minnesota DNR regarding the complete completed water study that we presented
to us here. I gave that information to Steve uh to pass along to Matt and to Brian uh and maybe to Mark Sloan. And then so if any of you have want to review that, you can certainly get a copy of that
from Steve. With that, um, I like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy holidays. Hope your all of your holidays are great and stay warm. Hopefully, we're ice free
and we'll see you all on the fifth Tuesday of the month. We're