All right. >> Are you going to meet up better? >> I am. >> Go for it, please. >> All right. Uh hopefully, Commissioners, you've had an opportunity to review the motion session packet. Um so, today is the first look at sections of the draft
budget. Um we currently do not have the general ledger uh full packet for you but that will be in August. Um we are still meeting with three departments and that's part of why we have not um
brought forward the general ledger uh report for you at this time. Um we do want to continue to be transparent. So we want to share what we have at this time. Um so along that line uh in the packet
we have shared the capital requests. Um there is a summary of that page >> 13 >> 13. Um I don't know if there are any questions on that part. Um please note
we are still working with the departments on this. Um, we are seeking clarification on some of these in which, um, so let's say they would like a large piece of equipment. I'm just going to pick on the excavator. Um, we're asking
questions such as how many hours are on the current piece of equipment? How many years have we had it? Um, what would it cost to lease it? Um, you know, rent it or however you may phrase that. So, we're we're asking clarifying questions
to determine whether it's really in our best interest to purchase or to lease for the need. Um, >> along with that, because I see that, you know, highway is always looking for um equipment and such. Is you could also ask, does a neighboring county have that
piece of equipment that we could borrow? >> It's not just them, it's also the state. >> Yeah. No, I mean, there's some pieces of equipment that aren't used but >> very often. Yeah. >> And and again, we are having those uh discussions and it's just taking a
little more time to do the research. So, please note that yes, it's listed here as the request, but we have not this is not necessarily the recommendation. So, of course, the big item is the county that is the courthouse row and we're planning to bond for that if we do it >> if we do it.
>> And I'm assuming that there's nothing else on here is a long enough term investment that it's suggested that we would bond for just that one item. Not at this time. Yes. >> Well, the RA the public safety emergency the radio replacement. >> Yes. >> Um
we haven't had a meeting for a little while, but I know at our m emergency communications joint, you know, meetings, they were talking about funding coming through the state to replace some of these 800 megahertz radio systems and everything. So, >> must be really new because when we met
with Ben, he did not allude to any funding. >> Nope. But we did ask him to go back and evaluate whether we can rent or lease. Um, and again, the intent is to kind of level out so that levy isn't spiking all the time, right?
>> Um, and is it really more effective or efficient for us to lease? I don't honestly know the answer to that, but we I think he estimated 60 to 70 radios. >> And again, you're constantly buying the batteries or etc. Um, so we are
researching options. Okay. But we he did not mention the funding, but um >> well, of course, as county commissioners mostly serving on that committee, we always try to push for the state because it's a it's a universal system that shouldn't
discriminate one county funded and another not for emergency services. So, >> yeah, >> that's our ploy. >> Well, hopefully by um the first meeting in August, hopefully Ben will have additional information for us. Um, but
just so you're aware, we are asking for the departments, even if they have a replacement plan such as the highway department for the um trucks, we are asking him to update that plan because it's a 20 2000
>> 2020 >> 2020 is the last time it was reviewed. So, we are asking to verify that is the 12 years the right amount of time in which we should be replacing So, um, more to come on the capital. Any
questions on that part before we move on? >> One point, and I know Chris mentioned this would also fall if we did any kind of um, renovation upgrade to the law enforcement center if that also would be bonded, right? >> Correct.
>> Yes. >> Okay. The next item that we have is the SNAP update. Um, again, I threw in the latest information that we received as county. Um,
and I'm not sure if this is set or or if it's just still preliminary. Um, but it looks like we may get a one-time contribution uh for 2027. And I have to look here. I thought it was
>> $92,06. >> Thank you. Thank you. Yes, 92,06. Um, so that will help. However, we still are going to have a pretty sizable adjustment that we'll need to do for the the admin fee and the county share of
the benefits. Um, so again, as soon as we get a little more confirmation on that, that'll be part of the more concrete information you'll have in August. >> And their estimate, this is like Maxa and AMC, their estimate is kind of higher than >> your estimate. Yeah, let's say that.
>> Yes. Um, but that's exactly why we want to wait a little bit before we say here's what we're looking at. >> Yeah. Yeah. Any questions on the SNAP information? >> Do we have How many people do we have clients or people using SNAP? I don't know if I've seen that for a while,
>> you know. Yeah, I haven't seen it for a while either. >> I provided it last year. >> It was a few like two and between two and 3,000. I think it >> something like that. Maybe if we could get enough. >> And they said, you know, they used to say it was 1,500 households, but it was
almost twice as many people. >> And I there >> you may come across that as we um continue here today, but I know that we provided it in the SNAP update previously. >> Yeah. >> And I've seen it before. I think the Federal Reserve of all places
has that. Yes. So, we'll make sure we have that for you and maybe when Jill comes back, she can also she might have that hand for. >> Okay. >> Um, according to the internet's quick AI
response, uh, 2023, 3,176 persons were receiving SNAP benefits in Winona County. >> What? 2,300 >> 3,176. >> And that what month >> does that include? Does it count a child? >> Yeah. Mhm.
>> I'm sure an adult and a child and a household over there. Correct. >> And that's what month? >> Um that would have been 2023. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So been the end of the year, I'm assuming. >> Okay. Any other thoughts or comments on
the snap part? Okay. Outside agencies. Um, so in your packet that starts on page 18, um, I want to note that there are two entities that did not submit their
requests. However, we have, you can kind of see it's, um, in the colored version is yellow. Oh, however, it's a otherwise it's light gray. And so the one is Veterans Memorial. Um, one of the veteran programs uh, did not submit
theirs. Phil, do you remember which one that was? >> Um, no, but they said they weren't going to submit that. I can get the exact name. Um, they they found it more cumbersome to submit the paperwork for the $90 than um it was to go without.
>> Yeah, because it's only $800 >> total. It's 80 or 90 $90 per Y memorial. >> Yep. It used to be 900 last year. Now it's down to 810. Um, and you know, so now it's down to 7. I've been asked this question in the p just recently in the
last couple months. Is there a way to make it such they don't need to apply? Well, we went through this um actually the county has went through this a number of years and um I believe at the beginning of your work working session
big book it has the policy and the legal uh opinion from Konaman. Um and I believe the state also chimed in on that. Um so again if we're going to properly
give money um it has to be through this process otherwise that early the board does not have authority to do that >> it just does it it's sad that it's not worth the 90 the paper the hle >> that I think it's being perhaps blown
out of proportion a little bit because really literally for the veterans they have the form all they do is take their previous year nothing's changed because it's for the memorial services. They just have to change the date, sign it, and send it in. >> But they have like nine or 10 of them.
>> Nine. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And there are different people involved with each branch, right? >> Um so I mean it's not just one person doing it. It's it could be a collective of one person doesn't mind doing it and the other person's like, "Yeah."
>> And we have veteran services has completed the form and sent it to the person and they just won't sign it. So, we truly are reaching out trying to help them. So, the Humane Society is the other one. >> Are they going to apply? >> Um, uh, so, uh, Colleen in finance was
spearheading this process for us this year. Um, she reached out to them, uh, two times via email. I reached out via email and then just yesterday I called um and I'm not getting a return message from the individual responsible for the
contact at the Humane Society. >> No, no. >> Uh correct. >> So, we'll give a little more time, but if we do not receive it for our August proposal, then we will remove it from the request. >> Oh, yeah. You should you shouldn't you
shouldn't be spending a lot of time trying to give away taxpayer money. They can't they can't know. Then I just >> again have things to do. >> The sheriff does if the sheriff picked up a stray dog that's where he would take it. So we are paying for that service, right? >> Yeah. We we have we're doing what we
have to mand statutoily. It's this additional funds that were not mandated to get. >> Now doesn't the sheriff have a contract though? That's all under contract. Isn't this just >> contract? This would be the contract. >> Okay. >> Yeah. But I'm guessing that if he had a dog, they'd take it in.
>> Well, that's under the statutoily part because there's two sets of money. Yeah. >> Other questions on the outside agencies? Again, we're not asking for decisions today. We're supplying the information
and seeking to understand if you need more information um or if you need to get back to us. But again, we need time in order to be in contact with the agencies. We tried to include those who did submit their 990s.
>> Y um and again, some entities don't have the 990s, but um so those are included in here. Um you should have everything here to uh base your decision, but if something's missing, please let us know. Um again, we'll be looking in August for
some direction from the board. Any questions or discussion? >> No, I appreciated all the additional paperwork that I made your packet kind of thick. >> Yeah. >> The budgets and all that
>> and you have I I appreciate you put the statutes there that >> if we have to fund it or >> what our requirement is. I think one of the one of the big things here is for me is just going to be looking at you know slush fund side who's got a lot of
reserves and do we need to continue to fund the reserves where we have some necessity things that need to be adjusted to that we can go back and forth. I think that's going to be a lot of basis of my decision in some of these that we're not just continuing to stack up public funds in any particular sector
especially outside agencies that were not required to do that. um you know just we talk about the hardships and everything else and continue to stack up some of these funds. So I think we need to be conscious of that.
>> And just a gentle reminder that also on page 18 where we list all of the outside agencies, we also have the general ledger number associated to that off to the side so that when you do get the general ledger report, you can easily go
look for that in there. Okay. So, next uh just to touch on some um assumptions that we made in the budget. So, um >> you got a particular page you want to jump to or
>> uh I think it's only in the memo. Um so that would be uh page 10 bottom board some assumptions that we made. Um we do have a 30% increase on the health insurance cost and
>> why that caught my I mean you you fed us that line last year. >> I didn't finish my sentence Marsha. Um the reason is because we are doing a request for proposals right Mr. >> Sav. Yeah, I mean it's but the initial
projection 16% but without the you know RFP speculation but >> so but who's that great um >> CA what what the report on on that
>> it worked very good about 16 to 20% which is higher than they've seen the utilization is really good I mean to see that immediate return you know but I thought a 16% was admirable. I mean, did you say 16?
>> Yeah. Is what they project >> for participation. >> I think you have a letter saying that that would keep our rates down to single digit. Don't you don't you Todd? Don't you have a letter that said that would keep our rates down to single digits? >> Writing last year. >> He's asking to forge something.
>> Yeah. Okay. I did give blood. You're right. Um >> but yeah, if I can answer the question. So 16% is what the projection is for our insurance increase. 30%
based off the first quarter. Y so we met with um the insurance folks three weeks ago. So >> is that is that heavily weighted towards our usage? >> It's at our utilization is is it's down a little bit but it's high. I mean, as
you know, being a business owner, that's what drives our insurance is the utilization. So, >> is there a couple large incidences again or is it just overall? >> We still have some large incidents, very costly. >> Oh, >> and our numbers, you know, looking at the folks that left a lot of times
you'll see the the healthier employees leave, go to their spouses or somebody else's. So, that's doesn't help our numbers either. So, you're estimating 30 in here. You're hoping for 16 and we're not going to know by the time we set the preliminary levy. We
won't know till September, right? Okay. >> Yeah. I mean, our RFP, we should have some end of September, excuse me, end of August for September. >> But they they should be able to give us some realistic projection, shouldn't they? >> 16 is what I have right now. >> That's what that's their number to you.
>> That's their number right now. So we might and we might not we might know by the second meeting in August when we set preliminary but not yeah I mean and especially looking at first quarter I mean the thing with our budgetary cycle when you have one quarter of data and they look at our
past data you know there's a lot of speculation there >> unless unless there's some sort of a documented something major happens in in the me in the end term we're going to kind of know it's business as usual with even with the higher ones factored in. So we could
I go through this too. So I understand we can realistically granted the budget side for us a little bit different obviously it's fluid but um we can kind of count on that number to a certain extent unless there's some major event that comes into play. I mean that I would say that that would be
>> I mean I'm on mic and I'm being recorded. Sure. >> Yeah. I mean, just like Commissioner Ward said last year, you know, I said I would like to get single percent, but you know, anyway 16% is what the their business >> major event to probably fluctuate that >> it would
>> pretty substantial, right? So, we're going to know if we have that whether we you know, obviously we can't disclose what happened, but we can say, hey, we had a couple big things come in. Yeah, we we're going to push that number where it needs to go. >> Wait, does 16% mean dollars and cents?
>> I increase. We don't have that. I don't have that in front of me. I mean, cuz again, it's just a projection. At that point, it was preliminary. Um, if it was a more affirmed number, I'd be more comfortable giving, you know, what the cost is going to be. >> But our rough What's our rough cost of
health insurance for the county? >> How many millions? >> Yeah. >> I I don't have that. >> Okay. We don't have Okay, that's what you're saying. >> And then Cava is I mean, just to plug, Cava is good. I mean, I want to make sure our employees understand that that
it is helpful. It reduces their cost because of the prescriptions that they can get and also getting the labs at home and some of this stuff. It is a substantial savings for our employees. So, I've heard some comments, some questions. I get it. But definitely be willing to sit down with any of you
anytime to go over it like 3 million or something. >> I think it's higher than three million. >> Higher than three >> because I think our increase alone in health insurance last year was over a million. >> Yeah. You know, well, yeah, because that was 30%. I thought
>> close to that could be maybe four. >> Yeah, I did not. >> And insurance is it's an alphabetical order and a half. >> Yeah, it is which is good. And I've heard some really good comments from employees utilizing
>> help other if somebody's like hey yeah somebody else will be like oh maybe talking about their be like hey no you can call this >> be like no I I deleted the first 20 emails that was sent >> well it's it's an it's a little sidlight
but I've seen them advertised lately it's not CA it's on it's on public TV it's some doctors pushing some type of little home medical kit that's got a number of different >> prescription drugs in it. >> Yeah. >> Can that you can you it's it sounds I I
should call and and find out >> self-prescribe. I don't know you know >> list you talk about this tella health and it lists a number of different uh conditions like even urinary tract infection uh kids um you know ear and such and then there's there's a certain
amount of drugs in this kit you buy >> your augment your other things but if you're allergic to augment you don't know it that's where yeah but you know tellah health is >> I'll have to write the number down next time and call it >> so in our meeting that was held on May
12th in that agenda or packet item. Um the estimated uh 2027 for health insurance if we used 30% was $1.7 million. >> That's the total cost of the injury
>> which equates to a 6% levy. >> Thank you. >> So again that is under packet in your your >> that was that was last year 20 >> 2027 projection. 2027 project. >> I had done prepared that in May for you. >> Okay.
>> So again, I'm hoping 16%. >> So >> we're trying. I mean, >> okay. Um so some other assumptions that we made um for the capital again you know the
fleet life cycle replacement equipment uh maintenance IT upgrades uh and and again all of these are under review and facility maintenance and we'll have more in August for you. Um
the contractual wages and benefit increases. So, we just talked about the health insurance. Um, the estimate that was provided again on May 12th for wages, which includes taxes and pension, and again, this is an estimate, is 1.7
million, which is a 6% increase in levy. Um, we will have again more updated numbers for you in August. >> The fundraiser projections, I mean, we really haven't had to tap into that. We set aside 750,000 I think in case something needed
to happen to the J like that. So are we looking at some sort of increased projection for the updated fund there projections or is it kind of because we haven't tapped into them status quo besides we used this I think some of it or
we use any of that for the hijack >> for the cyber attack. Yes, >> we use some of it. >> Yes. So, we're going to have an updated cash reserves um at at the August meeting, August 11th. >> But I mean, is it is it do you think it's substantial? I'm just curious.
>> I really couldn't tell you. Phil, do you have any? >> It won't be better than what you saw the last time we talked about reserves because of that. >> Yeah. >> I was just thinking even though I know we use some of that, we also didn't use any for some of the things we actually
>> designated some of those reserves for. So, we're kind of and it wasn't near as much as what we said again potentially designated for. So, I just thought maybe we could there was a little room there to recover from. >> Yep. >> Yep. Have we uh filed the first set of
paperwork for the first cyber attack um emergency >> for the governor? >> Yeah. Potential. >> My understanding for the meeting that the emergency management meeting that we had this morning is that that's going to be submitted next week. >> Okay. Yeah. And then I don't know it's
we won't know that by and we won't know from the second one >> for a kickback. >> We're gonna submit both of them at the same time. >> Yeah. Okay. Yeah. >> And again it's an estimate because we have one year to submit additional information. >> Sure. And we potentially could get 75%. >> Yeah.
>> That's what which is begging which you know maybe in 27's budget we don't see the reflection but in 28 we can use that as a partial I guess refund to the reserve. Should >> we offset revenue? Yeah. And yeah and
our half million helps too. So nice. >> Yeah. >> Is that what what's the plan with the half million? Where does that mean? >> So we will be bringing that back to the board um for further discussion with your cash reserves discussion >> because you need to look at it from a
holistic perspective of do you want to use it to pay down bond? Do you want to put it into the cash reserves? Do I mean how do you want to allocate it? >> I would you know again we'll have that discussion but I would say you know we we have I would say do the immediate
thing because the bond set it's very static. We know what to expect versus trying to just pay that down versus here we can have a direct impact on taxation this year. >> What are you talking about? >> We got a half 550,000
which is coming >> rebate the jail a rebate. The jail bond. >> This is what >> the general obligation bond. >> Yep. For the jail property acquisition refund >> um grant program
>> from the state of Minnesota. >> Oh money that had to do for buying the property under the >> It is. It is. Okay. >> It's the same thing. >> Okay. >> But it's all tied in the jail. So >> I was glad I asked Marine some questions about that. I was glad to hear that we
have flexibility. I thought we'd have to use it to pay down. I'm glad that there's a we have a choice. >> And that I think, you know, that my my goal would be to use it to offset immediate tax something, you know, put it back in the reserves or something. So, and we might be able to do that to offset the last two attacks and then
turn around and get that back and use that kind of continuence. >> And do we know where revenue is in terms of sale effects for paying the debt service? >> I did look at that. [clears throat] Are
we ahead or behind or We're behind. We're behind. That's not good. >> Drastically, >> 10% 5%. >> When I did the average, because it was 6 months. Excuse me. Having my throat. It was for six months. Oh, do you have it up there?
>> No, I don't. >> Um, it looked like we were about 200,000 behind. >> But is part of that from the delay when it kicked in? >> I believe it is, but I I >> Yeah, because if we go back to the initiation, we had that lag time. So, it's going to show that lag and that'll
cost average out as time goes on. So, I would think it was just going to get better as time goes on. >> And we can give an update at August 11th on that. >> You follow you follow what I'm saying there? >> I sure do. >> Yep. >> Yes. But we can go over that as part of the whole cash reserves and where do we
sit? >> Yeah. Especially if it's substantial. >> I mean over 100,000 I think to me is Yeah. Okay. We will make sure that we do that. Because it seems like Dave Kramer always the sales tax for the highway always seems to be
>> his running low right little low now >> running low. >> Okay. >> Lower lower than what it has. Let me >> as long as you're doing one. It'd be good to know both because they're it's 1% and a half cent, right? It's 1 cent and one half
>> half and a quarter. >> Yes. Very good. >> Okay, we can do that. All right. Um, so we already talked about the increase in the SNAP administration fee with the
federal allocation. Um, so we are working on a number of initiatives to support uh stabilizing the levy. And what I mean by that is to look at uh the things that are causing us to have the spikes such as purchasing 70 radios at
one time instead of figuring out a way not to have that 100,000 hit every 3 four years. Um and again you'll have more of that at the next meeting. Um I want to make sure that I'm able to give you facts instead
of just broad statements. >> [clears throat] >> So for the personnel recommendations um we are also targeting the 11th of August to give an update on that. We are reviewing and having discussions with departments about how can we look at
this differently? Can we partner across departments? Can we consolidate um what things are we doing that we don't need to do? um you know so a lot of discussion um so hopefully we will be ready with some recommendations on the
11th for you >> great >> are we I've been asked um one of the documents we have on the website uh says it's a very old as far as number of people we have it's like back in 2022 number of employees in one of the financial
>> FTEES >> yeah up or are we down >> uh we're down well it depends from what period of time So [laughter] >> yeah, we do have the latest one. Um I actually am working with the HR to update it for 2027's proposed budget.
>> Okay. I think the old one was it it I was I I didn't go look at it myself. I was told it was pretty dated information like macked to 2022 maybe. >> I thought we did actually give that not that long ago, but >> Okay. FP.
>> All right. No problem. >> Thank you. But I know that we're down compared to the last three years for sure. Um, let's see. So, the only aid that I'm aware of right now that we are going to have a decrease
is the county program aid. And if I recall correctly, is that about 80,000? Is that what you recall, Chris? >> I can't remember. >> I want to say it was about 80,000 that they were decreasing >> for 2027. And again, you're going to have all of those listed in your packet. So, August 11th, the ones that we know
about. Um, well, they said, I know I sent this to Phil, that the there is a 15 million allocation for the state for the act and that every county would get 100,000 flat and then there'd be some more on top of that is what they said.
But I suppose the formula is not that was at least a month ago because I don't think they had a July meeting. So that would have been >> I haven't seen anything like reassuring that we're going to get that. >> So that's why we didn't put it in the budget because we really don't have anything. Yes, you're going to receive
it. >> Yeah. And as far as the act, we are working with um other Minnesota counties to see what are they doing in reference to hiring additional FTEES because as you
recall last year, we anticipated hiring at least three. Um as of right now, we're working with Health and Human Services and talking with other counties and whether or not we'll uh potentially need to ask for one. Um but I don't think we're going to need to ask for
three. So again, we'll keep you posted at the next meeting. Okay. There's still a lot of unknowns with the act implementation. Just to be completely sure, she's shaking her head. Yep. Um so again, we'll keep you posted
as soon as we hear more concrete information. >> One thing that makes it in my mind less stable and predictable is that there wasn't necessarily concrete changes in the statute as much as giving um
agencies authority and they decide that they were going to change exactly the definition as of 27 what will be our responsibility. So that leaves some uncertainty of >> but considered active >> right. Yeah. Right. And and who's
considered in that pool? >> So that leaves a lot of uncertainty if they're going to change their mind again and what that means. I've said many times that 95 plus% of our cases and now that may not be the case but then what
does that look like? >> Okay. Um see Oh, I did write it down. So, the Oh, the outside agency funding. I just wanted to note that the total being requested is 88,285 above what is current for 2026. And
again, it's just so that you're aware that there are some increases noted in there. Um, we already talked about fund reserves and how we'll bring all of that back at the next meeting. Marine, in this document, is there a
one-page listing of the current and the if there are um increases for outside agencies? There's there's not a >> agency report. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Page 18. >> Yep. It's in there, >> right? >> Didn't that get updated? I probably have the old one. Didn't didn't send out
something was up changed. >> That's the That's the pages behind that were updated because formatting covered. Yes, that's what my form says here. >> Yeah. So, if you look at the historical society had an increase in in their
request. >> Yes. >> Along with SWCD. >> Yep. >> Um the >> senior service >> advocates. Y >> some >> Yeah. >> Yep.
>> Oh, that's some ke didn't change. Yeah, >> thank you. I missed that one earlier. >> Okay. Um, let's see. So, just to kind of reiterate as far as
the initiatives that we are looking at. So, we are updating and creating capital uh replacement plans where there are or were none are none. um and updating the ones that are currently in place. Um we are reviewing the fleet utilization and
leasing versus purchasing. Um we're reviewing the procurement improvement uh and potential cross jurisdiction partnerships. Uh we are reviewing human services budgeting enhancements to better uh capture revenue.
And again, all of these will bring information forward if there's a recommendation to uh move on them. Uh the motorpool you uh usage evaluation and major purchase cost effectiveness. We're looking at that. Uh development of
an annual grant utilization plan. And what I mean by that is to maximize our grants prior to using levy money. Um and to be paying special attention to the timing of when you must use those funds. otherwise we have to give them back or
repay. So, um or we lose them altogether. So, um we're just trying to be more um conscientious of those timelines and maximize those grants. We we might have given back that DNR grant for the pavilion, but I mean, are there
other grants where we uh messed and didn't spend it in time and had to give it back? >> There are >> really >> there's not a lot, but the point being is we've gone through the trouble to obtain the grant. We need to have a plan and proc a process in which we can
maximize that and use it before diverting to levy. Yep. Um we're also reviewing contracts uh renegotiating where we can and um targeting where we can outsource. So those are all things that we're working on. It's not a
complete list, but um I have to give a hats off to all of the individuals who have worked on the budgets. They're doing an awesome job. Um, Phil, did I miss anything that you want to? >> Um, no. Just that, um, again, this has
been an ongoing process. Uh, we started this beginning of or middle of May. Um, you know, had a majority of our meetings wrapped up. Um, you know, around the, um, beginning of July, they were done. Um, and we still have some um that we're
meeting with and it's it's tough to wrangle cats um when they're on vacation sometimes and when you know people are gone during the summer months here. So there's you know it that there's a reality of not having time to meet with
the folks that make the decisions around their department's budgets. Any questions from the board or things that you would like to see that we haven't noted that we'll be bringing forward at the next meetings? >> Not off the top of my head. Well, I've
got some, but they'll they'll come to fruition this. >> Okay. Um, that's all we have for this meeting. Well, if we're done that early then [laughter] can you >> see? Yeah. >> Um we had asked questions two different
meetings at least about the license center about possibly looking at questions like can we um require that they operate in Mona County etc. Has has anyone had chance to work on that information? >> That research has already been
completed. Um so we can bring that back at the next meeting. Um, I'm going to propose something that I realize normally county boards shouldn't do. Um, the the act the name the bill that's so long that no one even
knows what it is anymore. So, we just call it the act. Um, that is, correct me if I'm wrong, like a clear example of unfunded mandate, right? Y >> the state wants it. It's a good idea in theory, but if you want it, then pay for it. >> Is there anything that we could do to
like I'm here's the I'm just thinking out loud. This is not well thought out. I own that. Is don't allocate any funds for additional costs and don't do it until state funds us at at the full level required. I think if we started other counties
might follow >> we're going to get >> that would that would as the person that does the job >> I would never advise my that team break the law and they would literally be breaking the law by not by not making
active efforts for the groups that that the state says we have to make active efforts for >> I hear you but I'm not saying not do anything just not do the additional work >> but that's what their >> the new statutes would be >> yeah the new statutes are saying if they're doing reasonable efforts you
need to do active efforts and >> what's the penalty is is a statute a law or is it a highly recommended procedure >> the statute is the law that the statute and law mean the same thing in the state of Minnesota additionally okay a scenario that could happen is the
court's going to dismiss it these kids that need protection are not going to give protection and that's whoa county should in my opinion want to protect the is the children that need the protection, they're going to they're not going to get protected. We're going to even if the court says, "Okay, the
county board says you don't need to do this, so I'm going to let you guys do this." The court of appeals isn't going to allow that to happen like that. And I and I cannot advise the social workers not to follow the law. >> Good points. I'm thinking of something
to make it crystal clear how this is an unfunded mandate. is all being dumped almost except for, you know, in transition years and Henipin and Ramsey got, you know, seed money. But yeah, I hear you and I don't want those. Um, but
I don't know what to do. Um, Representative Jacob contacted me, sent emails to a dozen lawmakers and they all gave me the robotic responses and main and I understand I'm not in their districts. I was trying to get some key trying to get a couple DFLers to to
vote. They don't they don't even understand what they passed or what the ramifications >> are of this for their local >> right good idea but fund it >> right >> or take it away. >> I know um AMC is really working on
>> trying to you know narrow this down. In fact the other um last weekend I was in the metro area and Scott Schulty he used to be he was president of AMC a number of years ago. He was being interviewed by I think it was KSTP one of the things about all the unfunded mandates that the
you know the legislature has put on county governments and of course Anoka County is on a whole different playing field but he reiterated the act. Yes. How it not >> so just to reiterate um again we are in contact with other counties and there
are counties who are not putting additional FTEEs in their budget or adding additional monies. They're not saying they're not going to comply with the law. What they're saying is they're not going to increase their levy. >> And again, I I'm not saying right or wrong. I'm just saying that's what some
of the counties are doing. Um, but anyway, I'm not following that path. I'm actually looking at what can we do to comply with the law and only hire what we need. >> So, but to get to the other comment, uh,
Commissioner Vaguely on the license center. So, on the March 24th uh working session, that license center information is in your packet. It's on the very first page of packet one. Um, and I don't know if you want me to read it,
but it's right in your packet. March 24th, packet one. >> But that's where I have the questions from, but there were some following questions like, can we require it to be located in Winona County and can we take it back? But maybe unless that was added, maybe it was added later. Those
were the questions that came up after the meeting. >> Okay. So, I know that we can't require it to be in Winona County because it has to be within the criteria that the state um establishes, but they assured us that it would stay within a certain parameter
like so many miles. Um but okay, I I'll follow up on that, Blaine. >> Um >> but I know that we did the research on it. Okay. Thank you. >> Uhuh. >> But back to your one of your concerns and I I did I googled here. Yeah. A statute is a law but not all laws are
statutes. Yeah. This has in there. Um but it used to be the legislature when they did these things there had to be a fiscal note with >> right >> it was required and I think they've totally avoid you know avoided their responsibility to put fiscal notes with
these uh statutes. And so do we do we make them follow their own rules? I don't know that was that statutory or was that just a highly recommended practice seem to have totally avoided a >> lot of that funded for two years drop it now it's your responsibility all that too
>> that all the time and sounds great until they cut the funding agree arguably we're all paying for it anyway. I'll go ahead and adjourn the budget board session. >> Okay. >> So, we're done till 6.
>> Yeah. 6 o' >> start we start start our meetings with a public comment period. So, if any of you are here in the audience and want to make uh some statements, please come forward. I I guess we're going to have a presentation first from the share.
>> Short one. Few minutes here. I uh invited Jennifer Lavala to come to tonight's meeting. I have a letter here I'd like to read and then uh give to her. It's a letter of commendation
to Jennifer Lvala, PAP supervisor. The most difficult part of writing this letter was recognizing 13 years of except exceptional service on one page. Jennifer Lvala began her career as a dispatcher with Winona County Sheriff's Office in 2014 and was promoted to
dispatch supervisor in 2017. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation of someone people can depend on. Whether serving as a dispatcher, supervisor, emergency response team negotiator, or leading major county projects, Jennifer
has consistently stepped up whenever she was needed. Her departure will be a significant loss to Winona County Dispatch Center and the agencies it serves. As both a dispatcher and a supervisor, Jennifer was someone deputies looked forward to hearing on
the radio. We knew she would remain calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and do everything she could to help. Whether it meant tracking down additional information, making another phone call, or finding an answer to a problem, Jennifer always went the extra mile. She had a way of
making a difficult job look easy. Even after becoming dispatch supervisor, she continued to work dispatch shifts when staffing was short, something rarely seen by administrators. [clears throat] One of the best examples of Jennifer's leadership can be seen during National
Public Safety Tele Telecomuters Week. Every year she puts on incredible puts an incredible amount of time and effort into making sure her employees were appreciated. From creating themes and decorating the dispatch center to putting together personalized posters
for each dispatcher and providing snacks, drinks, and treats throughout the week, she goes far beyond what anyone would expect. Others should strive to match the level of commitment Jennifer brought to her role. Jennifer has played a vital role in several of the sheriff's office most significant
challenges and projects. She led the coordination of our central square implementation involving multiple law enforcement agencies and guided the dispatch center through two county cyber attacks, quickly developing solutions that allowed public safety operations to
continue with minimal disruption. On behalf of the Winona County Sheriff's Office, thank you Jennifer for your 13 years of dedicated service, your hard work, leadership, and willingness to always step up. It'll have a lasting make a lasting
difference. The improvements you made to the dispatch center and the example you set for those around you will continue to benefit Winona County for years to come. >> Thanks for having me. >> Thank you for your service. I appreciate that. Bless you.
>> Continue in a part-time role. Thank you. Thank you. Uh is there anyone else in the audience that would like to share some thoughts with us during the public comment period? If so, please come to the microphone and tell us your name and address. Um and please try to limit your
comments to two minutes. >> Good evening. Uh Chelsea Wilbright, Wis Township Auditor Treasurer. I have a few comments today. The first one is that um at the next board meeting, you guys will be selecting the two um commissioners
that need to serve on canvas board. Canvas will be held August 14th. So, I'm just giving you a heads up in advance because it's only just a few days after the next board meeting for the primary canvas board. Any of you can be on there since none of the um ones who are
running needed a primary. So, anybody can do that. When we get to November, that won't be the case. Um, the next item was I was recently quoted in the post concerning the gravel
on 19. While I did say that the gravel was safer, um my comment was more pointed to the disrepair of the paved portion between 19 or between I90 and where the pavement ends. There's a cone
in the road at one point. Um and yes, the gravel was safer during the winter times, but that's less to do with the paved versus gravel than it is that all of that gravel is surrounded by woods. So that was the end of that second
point. Just wanted to give you an update. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Is there anyone else in the audience that would like to participate in public comment? >> Uh my name is Mariah Montgomery and I'm a Winona resident. Um I'm also a person
in recovery and I'm speaking as the president of the Foxhole board of dis uh the Foxhole Discovery Board of Directors. Um there's a few of us here tonight. Uh we want to introduce ourselves and give some faces to our name. Um and to give an idea of what this work looks like on a human level.
Uh 2 minutes isn't enough to tell you everything about who we are, but we're going to start here. Um September 5th will mark the beginning of our fourth year um that the Foxhole serve the recovery community in Winona by walking out our mission to support, educate, empower, and guide people in recovery
and the community. Uh we support and guide the community by developing personal connections through recovery support meetings, providing a safe, sober environment for all and encouraging one another um and sharing our lived experience. We empower our Foxhole friends by providing volunteer and community service opportunities
through committees and facilitation of our space and offering accountability, growth, and self-discovery opportunities through our programming. Um, we currently offer Taichi and meditation, uh, 12step support meetings, pizza and game night, and my personal favorite, Operation Gratitude, a meal for
milestones, where we share a meal together and have a beautiful gratitude meeting that celebrates the accomplishments of our Foxhole family members and new friends each month. Uh over the years, persons in recovery have offered many different programs through our organization, including uh grief
support group, criminal re-entry group, um Bible studies, yoga, and other things. And we've also participated in tableabling events in the area and we have relationships with other organizations like the Winona Rivertown Lions Club, Winona County Treatment Court, Highwat Valley Mental Health
Center, and Ripple Drug Education Awareness. Uh we've served over a hundred different addicts since we opened our doors and many of which have sustained their recovery and found a family in the Foxhole. Those that have been in and out of our doors over the years have come back to our space during their darkest moments because they know
that Foxhole provides a safe place where we accept them, forgive them, and will love them until they learn to love themselves. We're more than a community. We're truly a family. and we've seen so many addicts find a new way to live, build their lives back up, reunite with their families, find connection, recovery, and purpose. Thank you for
your time and your leadership. >> Thank you. >> If there are other folks in the audience, please step forward. >> Hello. Uh, my name is Rick Montgomery. I'm also a resident of Winona. Um, some of you may know me as the state of
Minnesota versus Richard Lee Montgomery um because I have quite a past, but I am now um an addict in recovery and a Foxhole board member. Um, I'm here to show help show what this work looks like on a human level by sharing the impact
Foxhole has had on my life. When I was in active addiction, I left a trail of broken trust behind me. I spent years burning bridges and hurting people I loved. We call it recovery because often when we get clean, we start to get the things back that we lost. Unfortunately, we
can't recover every mistake or fix every relationship from our past. I've spent the last seven and a half years recovering many [clears throat] things, including reinstating my license, um getting my children back in my life, um we bought a house, and I even built um a
landscaping business. Some things I won't be able to recover, but I have found that service in my recovery is a gift. I get the opportunity to make living amends and commit to showing up
differently today [cough and clears throat] um than I did yesterday. That that's what the foxhole gives me and so many others the opportunity to do to do. The foxhole gives me an outlet to serve and give
back to the recovery community that saved my life. It gives me a safe, non-jud judgmental space where I can walk through the doors, be completely honest about who I am, and feel a true sense of ownership and accountability. Recovery isn't just about stopping a
behavior. It's about learning a whole new way to live. At the foxhole, those of us who have walked through the dark give give back by being available for the person who is still struggling. My past is no longer the source of my shame.
It's the tool for helping someone else heal. The foxhole is a place where everyone is valued, where we share our experience, strength, and hope. The foxhole isn't just a building. It saves lives. It's an outlet for service and a space for the for community healing.
Supporting spaces like this doesn't just save individuals lives. It restores families and strengthens our entire city. Thanks. >> Thank you. Thank you. If there are other folks, please come to the microphone. Um, tell us your name and address and share your thoughts with
us. And, uh, individuals who are online can also participate. Uh, you should be able to unmute yourself and just say something to catch our attention. I will ask two more times. If there are folks here in the audience that would like to share their thoughts
with us, please come forward. And for the final time, is there anyone here in the audience or online that would like to participate in public comment? Seeing no one hearing no one. Public comments closed. We'll move on. >> We have some minutes that we could
approve. >> So move. I'll second that. >> Okay. Commissioner Eling has moved. Commissioner Veglia seconded approval of the county board minutes from the July 14th, 2026 meeting. Is there any further discussion hearing? None. All those in
favor, please signify by saying I. >> If anyone's opposed, please say nay. >> Okay. Motion carries. Um, county attorney's office, assistant county attorney, do you have any adjustments to the agenda? >> No. >> Commissioner Vley,
>> few comments at the end, please. >> Commissioner Sing. Uh comments at the end, please. >> Commissioner Olsson. >> Nothing for me. >> And Commissioner Ward, >> uh I'd like to poll for a separate vote. 6.3. >> Okay. Should we make that 7.01? >> Okay. And then a possible comment at the
end, please. [clears throat] >> Okay. Administrator Holty, do you have any adjustments to the agenda? >> Nothing, Madam Chair. >> Okay. So, we have a slight adjustment. Um and uh I I guess the next order of business would be to approve the agenda as it was amended. So move second.
>> Okay. So Commissioner Ward approves and Commissioner Elsing seconds approval of the agenda with the >> amendments. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. >> If anyone's opposed, please say nay.
Okay. Then uh agenda is approved. Um administrator Holty, could you read the consent business for the record? 6.1 Approved renewal of docuign contract. 6.2 approved state of Minnesota 2026 2027 cooperative
agreement for treatment court funding 6.3 was pulled 6.4 approve resolution for donations received April 1st through June 30th 2026 and 6.5 confirm payment of dispersements.
>> I'll move to approve the consent items. Second >> and Commissioner Vagley moves. Commissioner Elsing seconds approval of the consent business as it was read. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. >> Then when opposed, please say nay.
>> Okay. Consent business is approved. We move on to item 7.01 previously previously 6.3. Approve the ask 65 labor agreement for 2025 through 2027. >> Uh I did pull this because again I'm I I
know we're working on it. um uh the pay for performance concept and and I do have a question on the insurance the amount that we are contributing the county share is that being consistent across all labor. Okay. So it's not
anything different. It's it's consistent. It does keep increasing the portion that the county is paying but um and we had a discussion earlier about the cost of insurance and it's it's a major uh budgetary item. So okay thank you
>> commissioner veg and and then you commission >> just to get on formally on the table. I'll move to approve item what had been formally 6.3. >> I'll second that and thank the uh members of me and management for bringing this forward. >> Commissioner. >> Yeah, I just agree with Commissioner
Ward. I knew she was going to pull this, so I just let it go. Um, but I I agree to you for the pay for performance and uh very thankful for everything that's here, but again, I think it needs to be a strategic part of [clears throat] how we uh work with our labor force. So, I'm going to, you know, obviously agree with
Commissioner Ward on this one. >> So, Commissioner Vley has moved. Commissioner Olsson has seconded approval of the ask me 65 labor agreement from 25 to 27. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> I.
>> Commissioner Ward. >> No. You >> You can't. >> We got it on tape. Come on. >> I I thought you going to leave me hanging here. >> No. No. >> Me there. >> I I have a question for our count. >> Okay. Well, let's finish the vote. Those who opposed, please signify by saying
nay. >> Nay. >> Okay. Thank you. The motion passes three to three. Did you have an additional question? Yeah, I do have an additional question and and I can direct it to u uh assistant attorney Rebecca Church. How many other counties are county attorneys
in a union in the state of Minnesota? Is this common or are we an exception to the rule? And again, I don't expect an answer right now. Maybe you can just research it and and I find it attorneys, you know, on a different >> hopefully a higher level deserve union.
Well, I I don't understand why they feel they need a union. I guess it's it's a different profession. It's not a you know, but anyway, she can she can research that. >> I mean, we have not always been in a >> No, you have not. And and people across the state of Minnesota um that realize
that Winona County probably has more union representation than anybody any other county. Um >> we have 10 unions and I bet there's only a handful of people not in the union. >> Right. Right. and and many counties there are only like three or four unions and it makes their job different than
ours. Thank you. Okay, moving on. Item 7.1 is to receive an update on the law enforcement center planning and feasibility study and there is also a request for approval of profession of a professional services agreement with fine McCarthy architects for the same.
Are you leading us off administrator Holty? >> Uh in conjunction with Mr. I see him. I saw him in the back. And this is on item This item is on page 173 of our packet. >> Yes. Starts on page 17.
>> Good evening. Aaron Lee, Winona County Fleet Building Superintendent. Uh looking to bring forward tonight a contract with Klein McCarthy to conduct a study on uh space needs within the county. Uh mostly the LEC and with some of the county office building. Um in
that contract there are two options. Option one would be if Winona PD would stay and option two would be if they vacate the premises and then we would have extra space there. Um >> I apologize page what page >> 173 >> on 173.
>> 173 >> and the document from Klein McCarthy is actually starts on 14. >> Yeah, I was going to say that's okay. That's what I'm looking for. Thank you. Um, in that study, we would also look at uh some of the buildings that we leased
like the wick and the license center to see if we would have room to bring those back for some cost savings in the future. Um, then also on the second there's an option one then there's a part one and a part B. One would be just for the the space study more or less to see how it
would fit in the building. Then that second part would be more of the HVAC to design and everything else. And then we would get cost of what that uh remodeling and renovation would be to uh do those options. >> Questions? Commissioner Nelson then
Commissioner Begley. >> Yeah, I we could have a whole conversation about all this and where it's going. I guess there there's a couple things that one of the options I'm looking at is maybe an option C that might not be on here, but have we ever determined is there room for both the
city, the county, and potentially a license center or something else to incorporate in there besides just the two things, you know, like IB could could there be a combination of a C in here that we're going to spend this if we're going to spend this money, can we throw a third caveat in there that says
how much space do we really need? we have some leftover space that isn't being used right now. Could that accommodate another entity of the government that we could wipe out another expense, for example, the license center or, you know, the public health boardroom, whatever it is. So,
>> may I Yeah, m >> um if you look on page 174 under additional county planning goals, those are some ideas that we're saying could potentially work in that space. >> Yeah. in in der you know going off from that can that be built in because I
would think that it wouldn't take a whole lot if we're really researching both sides that we could have some sort of a conclusive answer in that 50,000 that which I think is wise money spent um you know making sure that we're not setting some sort of precedent that hey we're
not creating an ultimatum or a timeline or anything like that we're just moving forward with what we need to do um but I would be interested to see I I would hate do the first two and then find out, oh, by the way, maybe we could. Could we throw that in on the deal? And even if it's another five 10% to make that
happen, I would love to see that information. >> Sort of assumed it was included. So, I'm glad you asked. >> No, it's really it's set up for these from what I read, it's set up for the two options, although there are some of these other ones, but I would like to see an option three potential of having
potentially all three of them. So, >> Commissioner Biggley and then you, Commissioner Ward, did you want to respond? No, go ahead. >> Oh, no. Then it's Commissioner. >> So, to get the um to get the topic on the table officially, I'll make a motion to approve both um studies, both one and
two. Um we need to move fast. Um there is still time, but there's not much time left. And I strongly believe that's [clears throat] what's best for the taxpayers and what's best for the services is to keep the county and city together. But we need to gather this information quickly before it's too late
in terms of the decisions that the city council is moving. I think it's important for them to have this information before they make they they cross the Rubicon to cross the point of no return no return. Um but I think it's important that they have this information and I agree with
Commissioner Aline um along with it we should look at other other possibilities as well. >> U Commissioner Ward and >> I need a second. I guess >> I'll second that. >> Okay. Okay. >> And then Mr. Church also wanted to jump in. >> Yeah. Commissioner Ward had asked for the floor first, but Yeah.
>> So, you know, I read the newspapers, too, and I see what the city council is proposing, and I do have some compassion for city residents. You're already paying for the jail. >> Thank you, Martin. >> Yeah, you're [laughter] already paying for the jail. We're all We are all paying for the jail. I won't have to pay for anything the city decides to do. I
do not live in the city and unless they do some kind of outreach tax that beyond their borders, uh I don't think that's legal, but I I will not be paying for anything that the city wants to do. And I I find it it's unfortunate for the citizens that uh I I did read an article
where um one of our neighboring town uh towns oat they're doing something and they by their funding mechanism it goes on a referendum which I am a very strong proponent of referendums let the people decide let the people express and
decide. Um, unfortunately the city of Winona doesn't feel they need to do that or they're using some other funding mechanism through the port authority or something that doesn't allow that. So I find it unfortunate for the citizens of of the city of Winona. Um, the one thing
that you know these these architect companies they're they're they're trying to do their you know create their their legacies. How can we emphasize that we want to do it with minimal? You know, can we use the space the way it is? Do
we have to move every wall, paint every wall, remove every piece of asbestous, change everything and such? You know what, you know, as a I had business buildings and we made do with what we had because it costs a lot of money. I
had a house that, you know, four kids uh we rearranged the furniture and made it work. Um, I just see when public entities go in to remodel or something, it it seems always to get blown to a high a higher scale than I'm comfortable
with. So, what can we use best by just, you know, leaving maybe some parts that are there like they are today? We don't have to, you know, change everything in that footprint. I mean, I think there's usable space. I mean, you talk about storage in here somewhere. It's, you know, that we need storage. Well, I
don't think you need to remodel and make it, you know, pretty for storage. Um, so how do we create that? I I understand we have to spend the money. It's it's a lot of money. Um, but how do we tell them to keep it to a, you know, a reasonable minimum? We don't need a palace. We need
a functioning, you know, safe. Yes. Heating, air conditioning, um, and those types of things. But it always seems like they get blown up a little bit. Uh, you know, and and I'm not for that. So, I don't know how we relate that to I'm sure the Klein McCarthy people I've seen
them a number of times at our conferences and they know they know where I stand. I don't know if the whole board stands there, but [laughter] they I don't mince words with them. I say you guys are just building too many palaces around the state of Minnesota and they have big there's a lot of business. Um,
so I do understand the need to do this. Um, but I just want to minimize what we do but yet make it efficient. >> Attorney Church, I'm gonna let Administrator Hold, you respond to that and then you will have you can have the floor. >> Okay. Thank you. So, I wanted to touch
base on Commissioner Elsing's uh comments. On page 215 is where it actually elaborates into considering any of the departments to move into that building or into the COB. So, it it leaves it open for how can we best
utilize the space. So, I just wanted to note that's written right in the agreement. >> We could pass it the way it is then. Yes, >> I elaborated on that. You might as well. Go ahead. >> Yeah, and it isn't a, you know, I was aware that it's a possibility, but
>> I think some of the design concept is what I want to see in this $50,000. I I I don't want to wake up and say we got to do this again because now we decided to add something into it. So, I'm trying to maximize the dollar out of this $50,000 to give us as many design
opportunities in this so that we've got another 33% more options that we can pick from depending on you know this. The other thing that I want to make very clear is that although I can appreciate the time frame but yet we don't want to use it as hey we're we're moving past
it. I mean it could be misconstrued as though we are moving quickly which means now could create the narrative that well the county's moving past us you know they're moving on whether we were here or not. So I don't want to create this as a dialogue that we're moving past the city. I think this is just continued
effort that we're working with the city but we are also exploring the options because we don't have control of what that municipality decides to do. So I just want to put that on record very clear that this is not an attempt to circumvent that. This is an attempt for us to say we've got some major projects. We're aware of these um you know
administrator Holy and I talked about you know we had set aside a pretty large funding source in case we had an emergency in that building say the HVAC etc which you know fortunately we haven't had to do. So there is a essence of time on our behalf. There's an essence of time for on behalf of the
municipality for Winona. Um but again I want to stretch every dollar we can and give us and my ultimate goal would be to get not only our force in there but their force but also consolidate another service which is is a obvious tax
savings you know to to our tax or savings to our taxpayers. So I just I think that's a crucial part and I'd like to see that in there. So >> not just as an option but planning for that. Attorney George Church, >> I don't know if I'm allowed to ask
questions, but like we know the city is going to wait for this time. They they are clearly moving. >> They appear based on what I heard from their meeting. They have a concept of what they believe Winona
County believes. you know, like I if we're spending the money on doing this, do we know that if that's what we decide they're going to be they're going to still want to do it or have they already said no? >> As far as I understand, and someone
could correct me if I'm wrong, Miss Holty or maybe M. Sheriff Ganroo, they have not reached a point of no return. This could be a very important information that might change the direction of their future votes. They're definitely taking steps towards building
a joint fire um police department uh a single brand new building, a large building. I agree with you that we should like make clear no underground parking, no you know no shooting range. Um, and yes, and to Commissioner Eline, the reason I made the motion is to um
both proposals to make it clear that we do want to state we we believe I believe the best service for the taxpayers and for the people who work there is to keep them together. So, we need to move fast though because this I was hoping that we could have it is what it is. I hope we
can get this information to them. Um, it's not guaranteed it will change their decisions, but I think this additional information might help some city council members with their future votes. >> At the last city council meeting last week, they said 30 days from that
meeting. They want to they want to plan is what I recall. And I just I I personally think it would be great for even for like county attorney's office if they're all in one building. That's super helpful. But I also don't want to spend a lot of money if they
have already said >> if I thought it was too late, I wouldn't make the motion. It's definitely going to be cut in close. >> Commissioner Elsing and then you, Commissioner Ward. >> Yeah, I I don't believe there's going to be much of a discount, you know, if we throw out one of the options, you know,
because the for the most part the HBAC is going to cost us so much. I mean, there's just a certain set of things. It's kind of like a front door. Front door and I own real estate all over. the front door in this costs the same whether it's 100,000 square feet or 10,000 square feet. A front door is a front door, right? So, um I believe
that's the way it's going to be and under that same pretense is why I think we can get a third option in there. So, I sure for the means of saving $5,000 in this case that might throw out one of the options to explore. I think it's well worthwhile to keep this in there and in fact focus on trying to pack more
into it. So, I'd hate to discount this out, not at least having an option if we're gonna if we're gonna move through with this type of money. And really, it's money in the grand scheme of things. Yes, everybody knows I'm a tight German, but I think when it comes to these types of projects, this is a very
wise investment. So, >> Commissioner Ward, >> it's been a while since I've walked through that. >> And I got one more. I didn't finish. >> Now that Sorry, that's okay. Now that the jail is totally operating and the dispatch is operating, I personally
would like to take another walk through just to get an idea so when these architects come with these plans or even when I don't know how they how they approach it that maybe walk through with architects and get a flow for the building. Again, it like I said, it's been a long time since I've been through
there. Uh, I I'd like to conceptualize it in my mind what what we want them to come up with and what we think might work. So, I don't know about the rest of you and if we need a group tour, we just do it individually. I don't want to use a lot of people's time, but if a couple of us want to go at a time or something if people are interested because I don't
remember exactly how it all looks like and how it could flow together today >> from >> I would go with you. Yeah. And I apologize I cut commission. >> That's okay. He was just rambling. >> Rambling. Yeah. just rambling about money. Don't worry about it.
>> Money. Um, as far as the city though, the city is still faced police sheriff, they're still faced with the the fire situation. And I I understand that to be as big of a concern because the trucks don't fit in the the buildings and stuff
like that. So, they're still going to have to deal with a fire situation. Again, to my knowledge, I mean, we don't even have fire hydrants out in the county. That's what people thought we had fire hydrants in the black horse burn. Why don't you hook up to the fire hydrant people? We don't have fire
hydrants in the count. Um so I guess they're probably going to spend money anyway. I mean on some of their infrastructure I don't know how that'll change what that would change if they would decide to stay and go with us. How that would change the complexity of their decision-m I have no idea.
>> They were here earlier. We should have asked them. [laughter] You know what? I I guess I guess we need to control what we can control. And that's all good information, nice to have. We can speculate all we want. At the end of the day, we just prepare for what it is that
we need to do. But I do want to piggy back off Commissioner Ward is that I mean, I want this to be safe. I want it to be a good facility. I want it to be functional. And I think we focus on functional, you know, and we've got a lot of things, the courthouse roof, we got a lot of things coming at us. And um
you know so you know concurrent with what commissioner Ward and how can we make sure that we have the need to haves and make sure that we are skeptical or careful of the nice to have type scenarios to make sure that we control this thing on a budget aspect. Um,
I don't know how you put that into place other than just oversight from management. And you know, even just I guess if we had a tour through it, I would be nothing more than just anybody else that might have an opinion, right? But, uh, I I would suggest that we go
down that road just for the sake of this is going to be heavily scrutinized by the public and we need to create the narrative of what we're trying to do. And um again just making sure that the city understands we are not circumventing. We are preparing and we we still welcome them to be part of
this. So >> are we ready to vote? >> Okay. Commissioner Vley has moved and Commissioner Olsen has seconded that we go ahead with this study um including both options and in addition to that um the comments from Commissioner Eling
that are covered in here about other potential scenarios in there. Well, I before we vote on this, it is I guess your original motion. This is why I might not vote for this because I really wanted a third one on the
docket as part of this. And can we make that happen under this guys? In other words, it's not going to happen if we make this motion because technically we're only voting for two things, option A and option B for McCarthy to do it. So
that's the issue. I don't want to delay it, but at the same time, I kind of want that information. So, I don't know. Can we This might just be an ask of them. Do you see where I'm going with it? We got a bit of a dilemma. We got a time versus I think a critical part of this is the
third part of this that I wished our conversation would have happened not at 8:30 last night. So, but I kind of dawned on me this morning like, hey, there's a third part of this. Why aren't we looking at this? So I um I assume that that was included in the first two of proposals, but just make it more
clear. I would um make I would accept a friendly amendment. >> I would make a friendly uh accept a friendly amendment that my motion would be is to approve both studies and make sure that we also include a study of how do you want to frame it?
>> All three of them, you know, the potential for three >> including other county functions even if the PD stays >> right. including a possible >> just is written as an option, but are they actually going to do it? Are they actually going to give us something that's has a conclusive answer that yes,
you would have x amount of space to bring in, you know, I'm just use as an example, a thousand square foot of fill in the blank. So, so the the motion would be to approve both studies and to ensure that other county county operations are also
>> well at least give us an idea of what we potentially could go in and then and then we can do a cost segment on hey we have 2,000 square feet to work with. What do we think we can put into this? Is that big enough for the license center? Is that big enough for a boardroom? Is it you see where I'm going
to that? I don't want to lose sight of that. So, and I want that to be part of this so we know what our option three even if we can't make it formal. I don't want it to just be well we didn't that's not in this study because then now we gota start all over again. >> So, did you administrator did you still want
to make a comment otherwise it's commission? >> No, go ahead. Okay. >> I believe it's outlined in the scope of the project. >> Yeah. But are they going to I realize it's in there as an option, but it's not what we're actually we're making a motion for these people to give us back
a definitive >> in amount of information, which is the two things that are on the line. >> Uh number three, they will meet with the building superintendent to determine space needs for additional departments. >> Yeah, but that's under option two. >> That's it's not defined out as option
two. That's what I'm worried is that we're not going to get back the report and they're going to say, "Hey, that wasn't part of the screen." Commissioner Olsson, as this as the secondary to the original motion, would you accept the front amendment to explore both options and to ensure that both studies look at all county function? >> County function. Yeah,
>> sure. >> Okay. >> Second twice. >> Okay. Good job. More clear. All right. Is there >> a little more clear further discussion? >> Thank you. >> Okay. Hearing none. All those in favor of this motion, please signify by saying I. >> Is there anyone opposed? Okay. Motion
carries unanimously. Item 7. So yes, just u so it you know it does say here and again I'm trying to figure out a timeline. You know they're going to meet with the building super department, meet with the sheriff's office. Um
I want them to know our concerns. you know, if they meet with and I think you know what our concerns are, but uh I think we should have their attention earlier than later before they start putting all these things on paper and pencil what we want them to accomplish for us. So I don't know if that can just
be a Zoom meeting and I don't know how this all you know um timeline works but I would like to you know express these concerns before they start putting paper and pencil. We want to minimize the cost, >> right? >> We also need to move fast. So, this could possibly impact the city council's
decisions which are moving fast. >> Mr. Ly and I can make sure that's communicated. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Who's who's going to be the key from claim McCarthy? Do we know? Do we know one individual? >> Scott Fedic. >> Okay. I see president. All right. Maybe
I'll give Scott a call. >> Remind him you're only talking to him as an individual, not as a board. >> [laughter] >> Yeah. Okay. >> Yes. >> All right. So, moving on to item >> windows >> 7.2. I want them to do it. Yeah. Item 7.2.
Discuss potential Celco presentation on the distribution of library funding and to discuss the potential of freezing the library the Celco funding at the 2026 level for our next 2027 budget year.
>> Mr. Beggy, do you want to kick us off? I'd like to make a motion to get it on the table. We'll see where it goes. I'd like to make a motion to >> both parts or >> um uh it'll be a multi multiple part motion. >> Both parts. >> Um motion to set the cell co rate at the
20 for 2027 2026 level. So freeze the library funding. And then do we need a motion to have the presentation's already in the works for August 11th? Correct. Well, we we had conversation that that would work for them, but the board didn't make the final decision.
That's why it's put on the agenda for you to make that decision. >> Okay. I'd like to make the motion to freeze the um the funding for next year at the 2026 level and to have the Celco presentation talk tell us about how the funds are and how the services are
provided. Second. >> Commissioner Vegley approves uh having the presentation and freezing the funding and commissioner Olsson seconds it. Is there further discussion? >> I guess I just need a little clarification. You're saying it can't go above that but you know we're still in we still got a lot of things to figure
out on this budget before we decide anybody to say less more or anything. So it's to me it's a little premature to make these decisions unless it's just simply saying we're not going to go above it. It could be that or less. Um, in fairness to all the other outside candidates agencies, again, this isn't a
motion to say yes or no to any library funding, but it would I'd have the same discussion on anybody coming through to try to make a decision prior to the budget, I guess. So, just a little clarification on what the motion actually is. >> The motion is to freeze it at the 2026 levels.
>> No discretion >> and not go lower. >> And not go lower. >> Okay. because [clears throat] this issue has been discussed at length for the last >> multiple months. >> Yeah. >> With in the public >> ask for more. >> True. >> Oh yeah. So we're in essence they didn't ask for more. So in essence we're just
putting it into the budget prematurely before all discussions which I >> it's pretty much true. >> Yeah. I think it's fair to hear from multiple different outside agencies. Like I said I do this the same. Doesn't matter who it be. And part of my thinking again is similar to the rifle
shotgun issue is to clarify it so we can put it to rest so that the staff and the board can focus on other issues. This is a very important issue. I won't turn this into I have a lot of reasons why I feel very strongly about this. Um but I want to set all that aside that I hope
it's not. This is public library should not be partisan. I will say that. Um, but I just want I think we should address it um and get it off the table and because there's a lot of other issues that we're going um to hear from and this may have been I don't know I don't keep exact I don't probably one of
the issue if not the issue I've heard the most on it's one of the last four issues is issues I've gotten the most feedback conversations literally again two days ago going to my mailbox a young mother walking her baby in a stroller and saying that her goal is to read 10,000 books before her child
goes to kindergarten and this is um a a young mother who has my opponent's yard signs in the last two elections in her yard, etc. This is truly a nonpartisan issue, etc. >> Further discussion war, >> I definitely want to hear from Celco how
they're running and what they're doing and everything um and where the funding because it's a multi-county organization. So, I guess I'm not ready to commit to a dollar amount in our budget yet. Um, till I figure out what they're doing or how they're doing it
or, you know, is it efficient? Is it, you know, best use of of taxpayer dollars because it is more than what we're required by statute to provide. Um, so I guess I would vote for half the half the motion to hear the presentation, but I don't know that I
want that a dollar amount yet. >> I just >> I just You know, I know what you meant. >> That's good. [laughter] At least I didn't cut you off this time. Please. >> Yes. Yeah. Yeah. No, you're you're forgiven. That's good. No, I just It's a
card in front of the horse. And I'm sure everybody all these outside agencies would love to have us to commit to something early. So, I just we're setting a precedent that I think is a little bit unfair to everybody else. And again, it's has nothing to do with the library. It's just I got a difficult time doing that. I would love to hear a
presentation from Zelco. Um, obviously my city has one of the libraries, right? So, it's not that I'm against it. Uh, but I just don't want to set precedent to start doing things like that. So, I'm gonna deny it based on I'm gonna say no based on that. Um, but I would I I guess if we
I guess if we freeze it and that does pass, I don't know. It would still be interesting to hear how the money goes, even though I got a pretty good idea, but it would, I guess, lessen the need for that. So on a case point that it would discount anybody else that comes in to try to make a presentation when we
just pass something blindly. So I again it's the card is in front of the horse in this situation. So I'm going to vote no just based on that. >> Are we ready to vote? Okay. Commissioner Begley has moved that we have a presentation and also that we
freeze freeze the library the Sco library funding at last year's level and not go below that. Um, all those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. >> All those opposed, please signify by saying nay. >> That motion does carry.
Okay. Item 7.3, discuss acceptance of wooden American flag for display in the boardroom. Mr. Ward, do you have something to share? >> Uh, I don't have anything new. Um, oh yeah, the flag's here. Those didn't see it. Um, >> and it it may not be in the boardroom
based on what the rules are. You know, somewhere where people can see it. I was going to put it in my garden, but I don't have very many visitors to my garden. I live on a dead end township road. >> Also, I think it get rained on. >> Well, it's l it's heavily lacquered and you spray it every couple years. But
this is made by a local gentleman from Wils. He makes these flags and we were just going to give it to the county as 250th birthday. wants to order. [laughter] >> It's a commission% cut.
>> I want to see the receipt and if you charge sales tax it, you know, the Aaron feels we could hang it. It's not super super heavy. >> Especially if there's a rule that says it can't. >> Yeah. Something about a flag. Yeah. >> Can't have the flag that one.
[laughter] Definitely one. >> Was there an action? >> Did you want uh Mr. Liy to address anything in regarding the play? >> Do we want to hear about the location? >> If he did any homework or has anything to share? I mean, I leave it to him. >> And then I think you do need a a motion
to accept it if we're going to do that. >> The only issue it is that on here it is written as display in boardroom. So if it can't be in the boardroom, we can't work off this. We can't work off the motion. >> We would have to change the motion. It can't just be 73. >> Anyway, please. or the public can see
it. I guess Mr. Lippy. >> Oh, so if we do display it in the boardroom here, since we already have an uh the flag or the they call it the fabric flag since that is considered artwork, uh we can't have it near any of behind the podium or anything else. We could maybe put it on the back wall or
else out in the lobby. >> I like the back wall, >> but it can't compete with uh >> flag that flag. >> Sure. >> Yes. >> Okay. Commissioner Begley, >> I'll move to accept the wooden flag donation and to have it placed where it's most appropriate. >> Right. And then I
>> second. >> And then uh we did give Aaron some some kind of little plaque that says and lists our names that he's >> You did it. >> Um we >> gave him some suggestions. >> Oh, okay. >> So I I looked at a quote and it came back fairly high. So I need to get some other quotes.
>> You can just We got some nice uh graphics. >> It's fairly high. 200 bucks. >> Oh, no, no, no, no, no. I'm not gonna spend 200 bucks for more than Yeah. more than I paid for the plate. >> Yeah, that's why when we got it back today, we know we had >> print something nice on a piece of paper
and put it in a frame and hang it below it. I mean, it doesn't need to be anything. >> There's there should be cheaper quotes, Tom service or others. There's got to be cheaper. >> Yeah. >> Or small signage, small plaque placards. >> Okay. So, Commissioner Feley has moved. Commissioner Olson has seconded accepting the flag and displaying it
where it is most appropriate. Is there further discussion? >> Commissioner Ward, what was the total cost again? >> 120. >> So that would be 25 bucks from each of us. Is that right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. If people chose to make a donation to offset the cost, >> right? If you don't donate, I won't put
your name on a plaque. That's easy enough. >> Not going to put your name on a plaque if you don't donate. Right. >> Careful. The president are setting >> hard ball. [laughter] I've already paid for it. All those in favor of the motion, please signify by saying I. I. I
>> Is there anyone opposed? >> Okay, motion carries. We move on to committee reports and communications. So, Commissioner Vagely, you had a comment. >> Um, I want to start off by I guess clarifying the canvas board. Will that come up at a future meeting? >> Okay. In terms of who's going to serve
on that because there's not much time because we meet on August 11th, right? >> Yes. >> Right, Chelsea? >> Yes. Yeah. That's why I've just given you a head up. >> Thank you for that. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um, secondly, I want to um thank uh Sheriff's Deputy Josh Murphy. He
invited me for a ride along about a week and a half ago. It's a very eventful night. Um, there was an accident out past Ridgeway. Um, county sheriffs were responded, state patrol, Ridgeway Fire and Rescue. Um, a medevac helicopter
came from Toma. Um, I want to thank um all of our sheriff deputies, our dispatch staff, everybody, state patrol, the ambulance, because it was I was just sitting and watching and observing. It was um it just reinforced the need for
us to have a um a wellsupported, wellunded, professional dispatch center and emergency services. in terms of uh when and it was it was basically a 13-year-old driving us side by side and then it turned into this snowballing
effect of um two accidents. But I want to thank um Deputy Murphy for inviting me along. Um and I guess I'll just leave it there because I think that we made it clear that I think that all the board members said in some degree that we want to keep
the city and county together at the law enforcement center. But I want to say it again and again so that it's heard by committee members because I've seen former mayor Jerry Miller twice in the last couple weeks and the first thing he says to me is not hi how are you is can't you get the city and county to work together and I say I agree with you
you got to talk to your city council members um etc. So I want to state it again and again that I think the best use of taxpayer dollars the biggest bang for the you know smallest amount of investment is to keep us together. So that's it. Thank you.
Yeah, just reiterating again on the fair success. I just want to bring that up once more in case anybody didn't hear about that and just, you know, glad to hear the 4H attendance is up again and just we had a really good safe fair. So, uh, the other one I just wanted to extend our condolences to to Izzy Tim
family. Uh, Sheriff Andrew brought that up tonight and just a little research quick. So, you know, Cindy, uh, her daughter obviously is very active in the community and Izzy was very active in the community and she was always a bright smiling face to see around. So, condolences to their family. Uh, that's
a that's a that's a loss of a great person and a resource in our community. So, um, that's what I have for right now. >> Commissioner Ward, uh, just a reminder, uh, next week, Wednesday, August 5th, is family night on the farm and it's out at the Barkim Farm. It's in, uh, it's a
Lewon address. Um, you can look, uh, on the chamber, the chamber of commerce, uh, coordinates everything. And I know they're taking buses from Stockton School or >> Yeah, it's they've got it >> they always have limited parking so you can catch a bus and get dropped off
right at the front door to school and city hall together. So it's up they part you can park there and I think they're going to drive up the hill to park. >> But usually a a good opportunity to see agriculture, see a farm. They go to these these farm families go to a lot of work to uh you know uh pristine you know
landscape yards flowers and then there's always a number of vendors and uh that you can see all the animals and see a working farm. So it is an opportunity if you don't have uh experience with farm uh dairies. It's well worth it and you can have a hot dog and beer floats and
things like a meal is served if you want to purchase that. So thank you >> parks. Yeah. >> Jason was a classmate of mine. I wanted to give a committee update on the emergency coordinating council and I in case I don't get all the details right I would like to ask Ben to just give the update. Um he talked this morning he
gave us an update on what's going on with the dispatch center. >> All right. So at this morning's committee I just gave a update on where we're sitting with Rice Steel and hiring and all that stuff. So, uh, after you
guys approved theou, we started working with Rice Steel. They've been providing a dispatcher since July 11th, I believe, was the date we started. Uh, we were able to with our staffing schedule overlap through uh, August 1st. So, we
didn't just have a cold flip the switch and hope everything works. Uh, so we've been testing stuff, training their dispatchers. All of our dispatchers have done a great job stepping up, helping train those dispatchers. At the same
time, I've been working with HR. Uh we've done approximately 15 interviews uh since the last board meeting. Uh invited many of those candidates to do sitalongs in the dispatch center and
moved some on to background. uh still taking applications, have uh interviews scheduled in the ne this week and next week. Uh did make one job offer to somebody who had interviewed prior to us starting this. So uh hopeful we'll be up
to eight dispatchers here in the next month. Obviously, the one we hired I'll have to go through the four to six months process and then hoping to uh hire out of this group of interviews and backgrounds to get our numbers up. Uh
working on a trading training academy which was part of the stuff with Rice Steel so that we can train multiple dispatchers at one time which is uh becomes a challenge when you only have so much of your staff here. But working
with the staff we do have uh and they're working on this training program with me. So using them as subject matter expert. >> Did you tell me that dispatchers from Steel Rice Steel County are here?
>> Uh so this week as part of the training with them, they're dispatching from our center for two reasons. one so they can interact with the people they're going to be working with ahead of time to get that knowledge and two dispatch centers
are required to have an emergency plan always in case you have issues. So we had to revamp ours a little bit with working from two places. So uh part of our plan if that link would ever go down uh would be for their dispatchers to
come here until that link was fixed. So, we wanted to test things like passwords and all of that stuff ahead of time. So, yep, they are >> they're here. A couple of them are here this week. >> Yep. Uh the ones that are working with us will cycle through throughout this week. So, they'll all have spent their
shift here instead of in Rice Steel this week. >> And can I just add I want to thank um um Ben for all the work you've done above and beyond in terms of helping this dispatch center meshed with that dismatch dispatch center. Thank you for what you're doing. I I check in with Ben
every now and then for updates on how things are going. There must be three of you. I don't know how you sleep. Thank you for what you're doing and I hope that we can at the next meeting we're going to have other pieces of of the puzzle or sometime soon hopefully because we can act quickly and decisively to get this problem fixed.
So, thank you for what you're doing. >> Well, I think we need to say thank you to Rice Steel, too, because they are they're going a little bit out of their way to help out because they do have to pass. There a formal way we can do that? >> Oh, we can send them a thank you card. >> Thank I'm I'm serious. You know, a way
to formally thank them. >> I'm I'm going out there in a couple weeks. I'll take donations for everywhere I go. If I go with Play-Doh, they usually uh they usually are good. >> No, I think we should do a card. >> Something a little more for
>> them and for our staff in terms of what they've been doing during this transition period. >> Yeah. I I don't think enough can be said about how our staff has really stepped up to help with all of the dispatchers doing their part, helping teach these
people, helping me find uh issues in our plan and not only finding the issues but a solution to, you know, there's always unknown stuff you see when you jump into something and the staff. >> Please take good notes and document so
if it happens again, somebody can learn. >> So, yeah. No, absolutely. Absolutely. >> That's the emergency manager. >> Okay. Thank you, Ben. >> Is there a second? >> Commissioner Nelson has moved to ajourn. >> Second. >> Olson seconds. Further discussion hearing none. All those in favor, please
signify by saying I. I. >> We are adjourned. All right. Thank you. Yes, my brother. OJ's a bar. Yeah, he Yeah, we request this.