budget. Excuse me. Um, and to provide an update from what we presented at the previous meeting. Um, so in the packet and I apologize for the amount of volume of information.
However, I felt it was important to give you as much as possible for this meeting. >> Not even 600 pages. >> Hey, we stayed under. >> Yep. Um, so again, the key budget drivers, um, health insurance. So, we
did have open enrollment and that closed November 19th. Um, I was able to get an update from, uh, the HR team and we have a cost savings of $26,000. So, instead of the 10,000, it's $26,000.
So, we'll make those applicable changes prior to the final budget coming forward. But, I thought that was great news to come forward with. And how what what attributes to that 26,000? Is it a hard number, soft number? >> Well, it's fairly hard in the sense that
uh employees opt insurance benefits. >> Okay. >> And so whatever they selected will determine the premiums that we have to pay and that's how we come up with our dollar. >> Okay. It's not that uh extra program that's supposedly going to save us all this money. It's a combination of people
selecting the new programs, people going from single to family, family to single, or dropping. Um, it's overall collectively the net amount is a $26,000 savings. >> Okay, good. >> And again, we anticipate with time
additional people will move to the other programs, but this is our first year with the new offering. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. U Minnesota paid family leaves. Um we still have ongoing discussions with the collective bargaining groups. We will
have um Todd, correct me? Three or four? >> We have three right now and possibly two at meeting with DPS tomorrow. >> Okay. So those will be coming at your December 11th meeting. >> So what what are we >> what are we bargaining for on that?
That's not our program. That's the state of Minnesota program. >> Pay half. It's the half of the 888%. >> So as we discussed at the previous working session, the amount that is required to contribute is 888%
>> of 1%. Um and so the employer has the right to ask the employees to pay 50%. But we can't ask them to pay more than 50%. >> So that has to be negotiated. It's not a given. And that's right in the law. We
have to negotiate if we have collective bargaining. And so that's what Mr. Saddler is working on. >> Three coming forward that are done. >> Potentially five will pay for half of it. >> Yes.
So um if those pass um December 11 by the board, then we will go adjust the budget. So again, that could give us a little more savings, if you will. capital request. So what is in the proposal um any revisions is are not
going to impact the the levy because it's being recommended come from the fund balance. >> So again even if we make changes it's not going to change the levy. Um the Larry Hill Reform Act previously we projected 150,000 as our estimate for
impact to the county. Um, we did more analysis and I'm recommending 107,000 year-over-year in 2026. Um, we currently had 27,000 because we were already on target to be hitting that. Um, after
additional analysis, I'm recommending we increase it to another 80,000, which brings that to a total of $360,000 for the medical expenses. Again, this is for the medication for the inmates. Um, and it's the new law that went into
effect July 1st. >> Uh, I'm sorry. Um, when you said cap back to the capital request that it's coming out of the fund balance and I thought you had provided us that in one of these documents. >> Yes, it's actually on page
>> you say um, you say fund balance is anticipated to have approximately 2.25 million. This is verbiage 2.2 25 million excess. >> Yes. >> Excess over what? What's our 312ths or whatever it is? >> Correct. Such.
>> Yep. So, we projected I think it was 18 million. Um and so when we're looking at again, this is projecting because we don't really know what bills are going to hit or what revenue is going to hit between now and the end of the year. We we're estimating to the best of our
ability. >> Okay. But you're estimating uh 1.1 for capital items. But then did I see um >> So that is on page 14 of the memo for the board packet on the top the capital
improvement program. >> I'm sorry cut off the page numbers when I print I printed 14 page 14. >> Yep. >> Okay. There. But now has uh you're catching me off guard. This courthouse rook 3.5. Is that what we
always thought? I thought it was >> originally it was two to two and a half. >> That's right. >> Are we really up to 3.5? >> Yeah, >> that's the estimate. Yes. >> Sell it for a dollar. >> I'll buy it. >> Okay. Will you?
>> For a dollar. >> For a dollar. >> The courthouse. >> Um >> Okay. Get that in writing. >> Could you clarify? Are you feeling like nothing from the capital budget is going to come out of the levy? >> That is what I would be proposing. Yeah.
>> Okay. All right. >> Yep. And and I'm not insinuating that everything that is currently there is going to be recommended. >> I get that >> because we're still working through what do we really need versus what can we maybe not do in 2026.
>> Okay. But I'm still recommending that we use fund balance because we really shouldn't use fund balance for the ongoing day-to-day operations. >> Right. And those are unrestricted fund balances. >> Yes. >> Do we have an updated sheet of all the funds?
>> Not in not in the packet. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get >> That's okay. All right. I didn't remember seeing it, but >> Yep. You are correct, >> Marine. So, going back to Larry Hill. So, that is a negative impact. Correct. >> But not as bad as originally thought. >> Correct.
>> Yep. >> Thank you. >> But is there any way that that Larry I don't totally understand it. I know it's from the prescriptions and everything. What what do we have to do new that's causing that price increase? >> Okay. Fair question. Um so according to
the discussion with Sheriff Ganrude um what causes it is that when an individual comes into the facility and they have certain prescriptions um we are required to maintain the same prescriptions um and if there is any kind of disagreement or question um we have to
have a professional physician evaluate the inmate and then there's um a back and forth about what medication should or shouldn't And unless we have a justifiable reason um and and my understanding the inmate agrees um we
cannot change the prescription. So we have to pay for that prescription. The county has to pay for it but we also have to pay the physician for the evaluation. >> So if I get arrested I I don't know the system. Okay. So if I get arrested and come into jail and they put me in jail,
does somebody come and say, "Oh, what drugs are you on?" Um, that's standard practice for to ask what medications are you on? >> Well, how do we know then what they don't have them in their pockets usually? I mean, they're at home on the medicine cabinet or the table. So, >> yeah, I don't know the details of how
they get all that information, but I know it's part of the booking process because they need to know, you know, their stability. >> That's what the jail infake worker does. Plus, there's others in the jail that review the in or intake. And like Marine
said, um, then they determine Yeah. what and there's a nurse still. Okay. Right. >> Yes. Yeah. So, um, between that and the family, a lot of times the family will bring the prescriptions. >> So, we have to maintain what they're on. We don't have to add any new things,
right? any things >> whereas before they would go off them and then sometimes the in in-house nursing and the the contract doctor >> would take them off just um and that's what kind of led to I think this
>> um and put them on a different type of medication that had the same effect probably but might have been cheaper um this I will just throw this out since this is a working session this is why you need the wrap program cuz we get people out earlier and get them so that
they aren't in the jails um and the county doesn't have to pay for their medications. They don't have to pay for their hospitalization, all that. >> No, we need doctors to prescribe less medications. We're such a Yeah, we're on such a medicated our our society is so there's
a pill for everything. No, we shouldn't have a pill for everything. It should Okay. All right. And so the additional cost is because of physician costs and >> medication >> medications are that much more. >> Y >> and again this is the best estimate based on the activity we're seeing
already for the sixmonth period. Um because actually the whole six months hasn't even passed because it's through December. It started July 1st. And so the process would be to see if they have these drugs at home and they can just
have them there and we don't have to pay and everything, >> right? >> Um >> Yep. >> But the problem is if they're in there for a long enough time, they lose their Medicaid >> and they have to reapply. So that's where the >> Well, the day they check in, see how
many refills are on the bottle and get them refilled. >> Well, even then, you can't get it refilled under a Medicaid. So, but all our criminals shouldn't be on Medicaid. >> I would >> I think a number of people in the facility are on
>> but this is why we've been pushing to get people out earlier under public safety. Um but getting them out earlier because they lose their social security, they lose their Medicaid. Um it's it's a real, you know, uh it just it snowballs.
>> I'll throw my two cents in. And keep them out in the first place if at all possible. diversion, catch them, >> build a fence before they go over the cliff and land in the hospital or the J. So, >> shelter, shelter in mind, right?
>> All right. So, personnel, um just a reminder, the net reduction of FTEES is 4.8, which is $480,000. Um that's been removed. >> That's been constant over the last couple working sessions, right? >> Yes. Yes. We have not cut additional
positions and those are all positions that were vacant. There was not an incumbent in any of those. Um we have uh implemented already a soft hiring freeze um but it's also
represented in the draft budget um to the amount of $500,000 and that includes the turnover savings. Um there's no new personnel requests that are included in the budget even though we did have requests from
leadership as well as from um I lost my train of thought there. New personnel requests. >> Oh, the budget. >> Yeah. Well, I was thinking about the ones that are upcoming. So like the SNAP
and um Medicaid changes, etc. self. Yes. >> A number of years ago, um it was kind of a soft conversation. Is there any um need to look at an early retirement incentive
to cut work to reduce workforce? >> So we have actually a phased uh retirement document, a plan. The con concern or issue with that is that it's written and such that it has to be an ongoing
significant savings and when we did that uh a lot of the positions have already been eliminated so there's not a lot of opportunity to cut. Okay. >> Um there you know maybe there might be one or two but I'm I'm I didn't >> Okay. I remember >> it doesn't pop up when I evaluated.
>> Okay. I remember we looked at it at one time. >> Yeah. Okay. Okay. Well, we actually implemented it and we did have some people take advantage of it. >> Um, but at this point, I don't I'm not aware of anyone that would take advantage of it. But doesn't mean we can't put it out there. But again, the
main concern is that it it wouldn't be um offered or eligible to all individuals because it needs to have some ongoing cost savings. >> And that's where we run into a problem. Well, on if you have a senior employee
that's gotten all the pay raises over the years and you hire a new there is some cost savings there >> potentially if they don't take the benefits of the county and the new person coming on does. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I'm just saying it's not as simple as >> well and with the labor market you
normally have to hire people at a higher wage. >> Yeah. We don't always start at the bottom of the grid. And I hear what you're saying and but we're also in terms of the labor market, we have very valuable people in very key positions. I'm not sure if we want to incentivize them. We almost need to incentivize
>> to stay longer because we have if we were to lose more of our department heads and other key people, we would be a hurting unit. So >> we would, but I just saw a friend at at convenience store and I didn't realize that he had retired and he says, "Yeah, I got out of the system. the system was
driving him in private private business and such. He said there was factors that just it wasn't worth it anymore. So just asking. >> Yeah. No, it's a good question. Um outside agencies um I do have a note that on the previous working session, Commissioner Elsing
vaguely and Meyer um all were in agreement to increase SWCD by 11,750. that was not added yet into the budget, but I just wanted to uh again reiterate that I acknowledge it and we will make that change because it is a majority of
the board. >> Thank you. >> Um I do want to touch base on uh you should have a STAC request that was uh sitting in your workspace when you came. Um that is new. I just received that just a little bit
ago from uh Mr. Spitzer. Um, and this is not previously requested of the board. >> You said SRA, but a SAK. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Sak. Thank you. >> The SEC contribution we make is for the clinic. >> Yes, this is for Rolling Hills Transit.
>> So, Y, but I did tell Mr. Spitzer I would bring it to the board. >> That is not in the draft budget. >> What is he? >> He wants 6,400. Okay, I see that now. >> Okay. >> And then I did want to come back to an
inquiry. Commissioner Ward, you had asked a couple of times now on project fine. >> Yes. >> So the um contract has the services for $1023 per hour. Um and project fine has
contacts of 5,910. Um, so if we costed that out, it's $60,459. So, um, we are getting pretty good deal for what they're doing. >> $20,000 savings, >> right? Um, however, I will note that
it's not a mandated service, >> right? And there's a question though that I a constituent brought up last summer that there's checks in the registry, you know, the warrants that it adds up to like 90,000. >> That's true. This is separate, >> right? So, what are what are we and if
it's a contract >> or is it a gift? >> No, it's a contract. >> Okay. >> Um, and I do have I did uh contact fixa. Um, so this is for advocacy and information referrals.
That is what the 45,000 goes for. >> I I guess I thought it was interpretative. So this is >> that's the other the other charges are for inter. >> So the 45 is for advocacy and what >> information referrals to the residents
of Winona County >> and they spent No, but the 5,000 what did you have 5,000 hours or something? That's not advocacy and referrals. That >> Yeah, that is the number of contacts for those services. I'm I'm merely providing the
information. >> Yeah, I know it it's >> FEMA says they have 5,910 contacts to give these resources and referral information to citizens of Winona County. >> Okay.
>> Right. It's not m it's not a mandated. >> It's not. That's why I'm saying this is separate because you had asked the question, are we getting invoiced every time? No, we're not. This is a lump sum for providing these services. >> Okay. >> So I just wanted to >> but we do get invol if they do interpretive services we
>> that's a separate bill >> right. >> Yes. >> Okay. And that's why it adds up to like 90 some thousand. >> The 90 some. Yes. Okay. All right. >> You are accurate. >> Okay. >> Marine going back to you mentioned SEC. >> I guess later you don't need to do it
right now if you need more time if you or Todd or Phil need more time to look at it. Could you give us a recommendation on this one as it looks like it leverages its matching funds count? But I'm later on, could you let us know if the three of you have more time to look at it what your opinion is?
>> Yep. Would you get a copy? Otherwise, if you have my copy, >> I have it. >> Okay. >> Just speaking for myself, I'm open to the possibility, but I'd like to hear what you three recommend. >> Okay. >> This is the first time that I've seen it, so >> yeah, I just received it.
And is it hauling people to Mstead County services mean meaning bail sometimes? Are we are we are we revenue enhancing Mstead counties? >> I've seen it a number of times in town. Yeah, I'm sure it's I see it in Talon all the time.
>> Don't see it in >> not yet. >> Okay. So again, just to reiterate, there are no increases in the outside agencies that are currently contained in the draft budget >> other but later on you'll you'll add
soil and water. >> Yes, I will. And then if applicable, SAP >> and we did get I I appreciate those that sent in reports. It's the information is is uh mindboggling. But we got something from project fine. We got something what from Winona volunteer services
>> society >> uh historical societ the the the tax forms that I was you know looking >> the 990s >> and tourism um >> big brothers big sisters >> big brothers big sisters >> and then a couple of the vets I think were in there the veteran
>> yeah I think so you're right >> I know we didn't get them all but >> right got some of them okay good >> all right so the current budget position um is that we currently have a deficit of 4.37 million and that was as of the
November 19th report. Um again 1.1 million is uh being recommended from fund balance to uh handle the capital requests. We still need to make a couple of revisions to the budget such as the
80,000 for the Hill Act and then uh the 11,750 and then uh we have a couple of other miscellaneous items to still modify. But again, I'm not anticipating that we're going to reach the 107,000 that we are short to even get to the 12.49%.
So our remaining gap is 3.3 million. Um if the desire of the board is to stay below a double-digit levy, we need 745,000 further adjustments. Um we already touched on the fund
balance. Um we included the levy scenarios within the board packet and again we used 2025's data because we don't have the distribution of what the levy may be for 2026. So I wasn't able to provide that.
Um, so again, just a reminder on the sales tax for the jail. Um, we budgeted 1.3 million. Year to date, we have 856,000 in. We're still projecting a shortfall
of 260,000. Um I did put in the packet um the departments are preparing the costing sheets and again they're draft at this point but I wanted to show you the efforts that the leadership team is um
working on to provide you that analysis about services and the cost per service. >> What does one of those look like? What are they analyzing? >> Well, so if we go >> Was there was there something in here? >> Yep, there's quite a few.
Let me flip to in this abundance of pages. >> Page 13. >> No, that's >> So, it starts on page 306 of the county board packet. >> Okay, hold on. Maybe I didn't I thought
that was maybe buried in the line item, was it? >> No. And when you throw that many pages, >> I know. I'm sorry. >> 306. >> Yes. >> It's a spreadsheet. >> We have to start with the county attorney. >> A I guess so.
>> I got mine. >> Start with a >> Okay. >> Alphabetical. >> Need some kind of glossery or index or something. >> Well, >> oh, that those that's what you're referring to. Okay. Yeah, I looked at those.
>> Yep. >> Dwayne, >> um I'm sorry, Marcia. So, going back to what was what is page 13, you said that if the goal is to get to 9.99 >> Yep. >> there's still 745,000 need to be cut. If if it's at 12.49, then what happens?
>> We have 107,000 to still work at. And again, we're we're going to be able to get part of that. Um, but we're not going to reach the 107 unless we, you know, establish like the efficiency line item in the budget and then we come up
with a game plan of how to make that difference. Um, >> sure. There's two lines. Supplies cut down a percentage and the professional services and contracts. I I would like to know how many things
are hard. You know, I know there's contracts for like somebody explain what's the heating systems or something, but how much that's not all of it. So, how much is soft money in those in just that one category that we couldn't cut
and then if you need more, you come back during the year. But I think it's always been a pet peeve of mine that professional contract. It just seems like it's a black hole. >> So, >> and they're not are they consistent? I guess from department to department are there consistent rationale what goes
into that category. >> I'm not going to say 100%. Because I cannot attest to that. >> Sure. >> But what I do want to remind the board is that there has been a push for departments to contract for things instead of hiring personnel. So you're
going to see an increase because they're going that route. And I'll use a perfect example. um health and human services has grants. Instead of hiring people to perform those functions, they're contracting for the professional service. Okay. So, I is it hard and
fast? Do they have to do it? No. But if we're going to provide services that are not provided by our immediate internal staff, you're going to have those contracts. >> Well, I think we need to eval. And again, >> I don't agree. There are some that we can polish,
>> right? there and I know this board is on different philosophical issues of what government should be doing and when I was looking at those inventory of mandate core functions and everything when I see you know the the I would and I know there's a push I've been talking to county commissions across the state
things are kind of changing >> um the attitude is that all these mandates come with not the appropriate funding yep >> so two things we either say they're going to give us a grant we don't want it you know keep it not going to do that. We're not going to do that job
because we're not not going to tax our local people x number of dollars to do it, right? >> Or we take that grant and we prorate it for the year and we do as much as we can with it, but that's it. We don't go above and beyond because property taxes
are just unsustainable and everybody is well, what is it a billion dollars in the state of Minnesota or something? >> Can't can't keep happening. So when in opinion so when I see these and I do appreciate um you know you have non-levy
funding source um and levy amount and total cost and such. So I would really like staff to look at those things where we've got a big levy amount that justifies the program. Yep. >> And stuff and just say hey maybe maybe we only provide
>> this much you know $500,000 worth of service versus us kicking in extra money. I don't know what it would look like but >> so the the leadership team is already reviewing even though it is a mandated
program or service it's at what level are we performing it we have to meet what is the standard or expected expectation under the statute or laws however going how far above is another question so we've already had the
conversation and they are working on that >> so what's the penalty if we don't follow the mandate. Enough of us in the in the state of Minnesota just say, "Hey, forget it. We can't do it anymore. What's going to be the penalty?" >> Well, isn't in some cases our
reimbursement level >> weighed by >> how much we do, >> how much time we put into it and the staff allocated to it. >> Correct. >> So, if we can bill for 15 minutes or how many times can we bill for uh services
per month? Um, part of it also is uh determined by how many FTEEs we have working and the number of cases per person. It can drive our re reimbursement rate down if we have too high of case loads. Um, there's a lot of
analysis that is going into all of these, but that's all going to take time to fine-tune. Um, but they are working on it >> so they can find the sweet spot. >> Yes. But again, part of that is it could take a year, a year and a half for some of
these actually to flow through and hit our financials because I I'll use the targeted case management as an example. It they only review the rates once a year. So, if they just reviewed them and we
make changes, we're not going to see that for at least another year, year and a half actually hit our financials. and that we asked if we could get that um reviewed once we had more staff and we were told very point blank no.
>> So there's a lag in the >> when they only perform the review of our case load once a year >> and some of the programs it's every other year. So that's where it really is important that we stay on top of our FTEES. So even increased the level of
FTEES, we won't see that return for >> well until the first billing cycle maybe. >> Well, potentially of the year in which our new rates hit, >> right? >> And who who's said that? Somebody at Department of Human Services. >> Yes. >> Well, I would go over there up to the to
the legislature because I'm constantly seems like the feeding our children, they got their money really fast and they spent it and we got all this fraud going on. I mean, it just that's it. >> I I hear you and we're working on it, but it's going to take time.
>> So, on this inventory, there's a lot of lines that have no data. >> Yes. >> Does that mean we had to do it yet? >> Right. >> Okay. >> It's a work in progress. Again, I wanted to show you what we're working on. Yeah. >> It's not perfect. It's a draft, but I
wanted you to see that they are working on providing this cost analysis for you. >> Yeah. So, and just not like don't take it personally here. I'm just going in by direction of you know >> what page are you looking at commission
>> 306 okay so city of state charms >> trooper >> prosecution mandated no >> core function yes >> contract 8,000 non- levy funding okay so
>> we do their municipal prosecution >> okay >> and I have never changed that >> expensive for 15 years because I feel it's a public service. But and we actually do their felonies as part of the county money.
>> But if we didn't do it, who would do it? >> Well, they would contract with a private law firm, but >> to be prosecutor for them. >> To be prosecutors for them, right? >> Fascinating. I'm not saying we shouldn't. I'm just trying to understand what it means. So, that's accurate. Okay. Thanks. >> That's accurate. >> So, you feel they're getting a real sweet deal.
>> Well, you can see how much it costs per case. I >> 220. not very much, >> you know, it and it it isn't, but a lot of those are ones that we can resolve relatively quickly. The the felony ones,
on the other hand, again, that's from the levy funding because we're by law required to prosecute felonies for all through the county >> as well as non city misdemeanors and misdemeanor.
>> This is fabulous. When it gets done, it'll be amazing. It'll be a valuable Yeah. tool. >> Where did did you what where did you gather this the grid? >> Um actually we used it in 2014
and I just modified it to be more um specific because we didn't we didn't drag it out to the point of you know specifying levy non- levy and the actual cost per service and so I added that part of it.
>> Okay. Do you think this will be done for us next year from by budget time? >> Oh, for sure. >> Cool. >> Great. Because I know they always reference some a document similar to this from Washington County. >> It would give us a lot more ability to choose things.
>> I like that. >> Well, I think it also will be an education an educational tool. >> Would request that somehow we make it a larger font. >> I'll give it consideration. >> Bigger pieces of paper. Yeah. It's
difficult to read. At least with an Apple product, you can kind of Yeah, you can expand, >> but each of those columns have Yeah. do have value. >> Yeah, >> I think this would be great. >> We'll get there. Again, it's a work in progress. >> I just wanted to show that we're working
on it. >> I appreciate it. >> Okay. Um, so I realized that uh the wheelage tax is not necessarily something the county board has asked to talk about, but I wanted to at least put it out there as an option. It is
something that is utilized in other counties. Again, I'm not saying you should or shouldn't. I'm just bringing it forward as an option. Um, >> I know a number you do say that >> we're the only one that doesn't. But there's a number of them that don't have the sales tax either because they just
have a sales tax like Houston County. They just don't have a sales tax a retail center to collect sales tax. So they went with the wheelage. >> Beacon for myself only. I think $20 is too much, but maybe $5. >> I mean, is it is this
>> No, I think our license and tabs are way too expensive in the state of Minnesota to start with. >> Agreed. And like if you >> I guess Marine and Phil. So if $20 would generate $840,000, 1/4 of that would generate 1/4 of that
income. Is that correct? >> That would be my best estimate. >> Can you help me with that, Phil? Is that $210,000? >> So divide 840 by >> 0.25 or times by 0.25.
I agree. Everything um taps, especially my wife's damn car. Yep. >> Well, I mean it is just another tax, right? So, it's not magic. It's just maybe not as noticeable. So, I mean, >> I don't like the idea. I think it's referenced though that the that Okay.
And this would be a dedicated tax. It goes right to the But then you're also then you're saying road and bridge fund could be reduced to create you can't keep reducing road and bridge because our roads You could be replenished though when the tax comes in. So, >> well, most of my constituents would say,
"If you're going to collect another tax for roads and bridges, you better leave what you got there already and then add this to it because our roads are falling apart." >> The concept was to be able to address the levy issue in 2026 and then replenish it in 2027 when the funds come
in or 2028. And we already have a sales tax helping with roads and bridges primarily for by city residents. >> Well, anybody that comes shopping, hopefully all those Wisconsinites, >> those $3.4 million bridges in Elba. Not a lot of my residents are driving on that road to throw back at you.
>> They like to they like to go to that great state park that doesn't pay us enough taxes, >> property ownership and such. And in regards to that half cent sales tax, have we
or the statute kept up with our end of it by statutoily increasing the amount of taxes levied toward road and bridges. We can't use that to supplant,
>> right? We've maintained we've maintained the 500,000 >> maintained the same amount. So we are not >> Oh, I see what you're saying. >> Yeah, that's >> I'd have to double check, but I I >> we're skating on thin ice, so you'll
tell she might have heard >> that screen. >> I'm sorry. >> Dave is on the screen now. Dave Kramer. >> Oh, >> if you were >> Dave, can you answer that question? You'd have to ask for permission >> to get unmuted.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. Headies. >> It might take a minute. >> Let's Let's circle back. >> But we haven't increased the road bridge by any great amounts, but have we decreased? No. I think it's pretty status. Luckily, we got the sales tax.
>> We'll look into that. But if Dave does get unmuted, he can >> I know that originally I voted against that. Um but I and I thought as long as we maintained an a
cola increase you know cost of something every year to that fund >> so we're not supplanting it with the sales tax which is what we are not statutoily supposed to do.
>> Okay. Well we'll come back if Dave can get unmuted otherwise we'll look into it and get back to the board. And I mean, I don't know if anyone else is interested in the idea of a $5 wheelage tax, etc. versus a $20, but that would that would generate $210,000.
>> Bill, were you able to confirm? Is that estimate? >> Y. >> Okay. >> Say $200,000 is not a lot of money for the overhead of having to do it >> pain and suffering of the local taxpayer. >> It's almost a percentage of the levy though. >> Yeah, it is.
>> It's true. I guess I would before I would even consider it, I'd have to run it by some people, constituents like the township officer group would be a really good one to >> Okay. Well, again, I thought it was worth at least putting on the table for discussion. >> Yep.
>> Okay. >> You didn't have that apple pie sale? >> No. >> No. >> Were you baking the pie? >> Yeah, we're going to sit in the corner and bake apple pies. Revenue enhance. >> You don't want me to. It wouldn't be a revenue enhance. I was telling Miss Holty before the meeting started that at the high school there was a fundraiser
to raise money for a food shelf and the three teachers that raised the mouse got a pie in the face. I got a I had to go I had to go home and take a shower today. >> In the face. In the face. >> So, how about if we have a fundraiser where pies go in certain county commissioners faces and 10 bucks a pop or whatever else.
>> Sign me up >> for the least amount. >> It' be a long line from the staff. Yeah, I sat we had a dunk tank once at a employee at >> the county fair. >> No, at the we were out in the at Good view at Lame Park and we had a dunk tank
one county fair. I was in the dunking money for >> Yeah. >> something I think it was. >> Okay. So, in the interest of time, I'm going to move along because I do need some direction from the board. Um so in the packet um we outlined the items that
are already underway. Um as part of that was the license center potential privatization. Again in the board packet I included the information that we previously provided the board. Um >> October 2023. I believe it's on page
322. >> I actually asked about that. that seemed out of out of order, but then when you explained it, it makes sense because I was concerned why that popped up the way where it did. >> So, I just added the RFBA from that meeting as well as the information, the
statute um just as a refresher that you know this is what our research um provided when we looked at that in 2023. So, something different that you said this time which would make all the difference to me. Um, I think it's a big
in a big convenience for residents of the city of Winona to have a license bureau here. And when we talked about this before, there was no guarantee. So, maybe the closest one would be Rochester or Washershaw. But this time, what you said to us is there have to be one in
the county. If there is one in the county, my guess is they're going to put it in the center of population which is in the city of Winona. So it sounds like there would still be one in the city of Winona >> if if they find someone who will apply to take it because there's an
application process. >> Sure. Otherwise, there might not be one at all. >> Correct. >> Yeah. And that I wouldn't want to see, but I'd be willing to consider it because I feel like something's got to give. But aren't there convenience fees that they could charge in addition to
just the tab fees? There there are other charges that a private entity could do >> that we can >> a private entity >> that we can >> not the government >> um where it can become a even bigger burden than our citizens. >> So they have to pay more
>> pay more for the convenience of going to this private establishment >> because the state is not reimbursing enough for the thing to break even. >> Okay. But there is >> and then we're also >> on the one hand we're looking at the LEC >> Y
>> reconfiguration um when it's vacated. >> Yep. >> That that would change the outlook on that too. Well, again, you know, this is part of why I'm asking that the board have
ongoing working sessions to talk about the financial stability of budgeting. Um, we tend to be reactionary instead of having a plan for how we're going to handle these things that are coming down
the pike for us. Um, a prime example is the LEC. We need to be planful about whether the PD stays or goes. Um, but we should have a plan about how we're going to use that that space. What can we use it for is the bigger question. And I I
think we need to move forward with the Klein and McCarthy um proposal because it provides an option of we can choose one or the other or we could do both analysis depending on what we find out from the city. Now, I did talk to Mr. U
today and he did uh share with me that on the December 1st city agenda um they will be um approving a BKV um contract to do the design of a police
and fire facility at the school. They do not have a contract to sign or to purchase the school yet, but again, they're moving ahead with a design >> and Chad was very open in saying that,
you know, we should be planning as well. >> Who owns that school district? >> I couldn't tell you. I don't know. >> Yeah. >> Oh, that got bought privately. >> Mr. Meyer. >> Nisbbit and >> Okay. So, it was sold a number of years ago. >> Okay. Yeah. Yeah.
>> Well, buyers right. >> So, what I'm trying to say is that we should be planning >> 100%. >> So, again, that's why I'm recommending that board does approve the Klein McCarthy agreement. >> Yep. >> Okay. Um, but again, I I want to have
further discussion on the license center at a different meeting, but I wanted to put it out there and give you the information so you have time to process and ask questions. Um, and I do encourage the county board to reach out, let me know if you have questions on any of these items to future information,
etc., so that we can be more planful moving forward. Um, I am recommending that >> I apologize. I just want to add that I agree with what Chris said in terms of it makes a big difference if it can be in the has to be in the county and I also agree with Greg is that when you have more time with the staff to look at
>> different options about what opens up over there. >> Yes. So, but we have what? Five FTEEs. I asked you the other day at the license center, right? >> I'm pretty sure we have five clerks. Yeah. >> Five stations, workstations.
>> And see, my end of the end of the county can go to the city of Lacrescent. >> I mean, so you do have and you had Wabasha and then you do have Mstead. So, you're not restricted to your county. I understand the convenience, but then again, >> you didn't be able to used to do everything over the
>> better benefits, >> better benefits >> than something that a private vendor would probably not have as good benefits for. >> I say that I had my daughter was going to and they've moved it a place in St. Paul and I mean they had it was huge. It
was big course you know the population of like a major I mean she got in and out of there so quick and fast. I mean it it they and she didn't pay anything extra. She was very it was very efficient. >> That's that that's the most important the quality of the service the service
>> right >> but a private entity is I'm going to ask that we move along. We're coming up on time here. Great. >> Um so some items >> we also want to consider the vital records. I have people in the license
center deputized. they're able to do, for example, birth record at that location. And you'll remember it was probably four or five years ago. We were getting a lot of comments from the public because they were running back to the court and we worked that out. So, if
we're going to go private, yep, >> we need to run that past the county attorney. We need that. >> Thanks. >> Thank you, Bob. >> All right. Thank you. Mhm. Um, so some other items that I do recommend is that we do a comprehensive IT systems
analysis. Um, all the programs that we're using and how often are they used and do we still need them? So if we can cancel some, combine them, etc. So just kind of an overview. Um, >> can we share with any of our neighboring
counties? I never feel we totally use all this software and everything that we've bought over the years to its more to its maximum than it's >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I I hear what you're saying. >> Yeah. >> Um fleet leasing analysis um whether or
not uh going with enterprise is still the best uh most effective efficient method and then also looking at our organizational structure. Um, so I'm not asking the board to give
cuts per se, but I am asking for direction on the levy. And the reason is so that we can then determine Sorry about that. Um, determine what paperwork we need to prepare for the actual
upcoming county board meetings where you where you'll set the actual levy. um and then for auditor treasur and finance to certify the levy. So we have some work to do but I also would like to understand
what degree we are facing a potential additional modifications. So thoughts on levy? >> Um I asked you one thing over the phone on one of our morning chats. my mornings with Marie and I
um I have 50 minutes of dedicated time to with her every morning, but she has >> that far. >> Um what the cost would be for a $250,000
house. I see you included that. So yes, >> um that is something that >> I can sit and talk to somebody about. How many $250,000 homes do we have in Winona County? >> Well, that's I think about the average. >> Is it >> Bob? Is that Is that the median or the
average? >> Um in >> It's the average >> in the best part of Winona. Um >> Bob, is that >> my district? That's probably >> is the best part. You think it's the best part? You're >> That's the best part. >> I think the East End is the best. >> Um that's kind of close to the Hogland
dog. >> So I I just asked for that. So that's about $50 um >> increase >> increase. >> Yep. Just in Okay. But what would this >> That's just that's what we have control about. So that's I just that's all I ask
for. Um just a number to ponder that I can have a conversation with people about. So that helped. Thank you. Well, I haven't gotten my Winona County taxes, proposed taxes yet, but uh I know several other counties, it's it's uh
hundreds of dollars increase. And again, I look at yes, the only thing we have control over, but I look we send it out and when people open it up, they get school district, city, and in county, and you know what? I think it's
mandatory, but man, we got we got the gall to put the percentage of increase in the bottom left right hand corner and that gets people's that really gets people's blood pressure when it's doubledigit percent increase. What do we have to put that on there? I mean,
>> I don't know the rules on that. >> It's just an irritant for the people. Yeah, they can see the number and they could calculate it, but when we boldly put it in there how much we're incre everything's increasing, it hurts when people open it up. Of >> course it does. No.
So thoughts on Libby, please any >> I I will never vote for a double digit increase and I I just can't I won't and I would I always said I would hope you could get it down to, you know, one hand and that's even even too high because I
I understand you've worked on this and everything, but where have we have we really we say our our expenditures are over our revenue, but where have we looked to make efficiencies for they make cuts. I I I don't see that we've
been able to do that. And maybe I'm living in a la land to figure out that government at some point will. Um but I know like I say to talk to commissioners all across the state and everybody's faced with this same thing and a lot of it's uh projected from the state and the
uh feds. Um but it just we can't keep doing this to our people. it. I've got a lot of people on fixed income and it just it they can't they can't do it anymore. Um or they don't see the value in in the taxes and then we always keep raising the values of the property. We
don't raise the values. The market >> the market. Well, it's the system. I guess it's the it's the NFL control. >> But one of the things I would like is have we what have we done in our what's our tax capacity? Because I see a lot of new buildings in the city of Winona. You know, we got some but did we did the city give a lot of tiffs out? I don't
know. And then even in my I'll be very curious in the township level because I got probably a half dozen new you know $500,000 homes in my township. So that's a much smaller scale. Well, I see, you know, much of an increase, but that doesn't happen till >> So, what's our h what's our our our
housing market changed? Our commercial changed and um but >> we could probably give >> Have you got that, Chris? You probably >> I have I have the tax capacity spreadsheet. It's >> I thought I emailed it out to the board. >> It's a couple It's a couple years old. >> Yeah, I I don't have anything current. I but I mean
>> what I can tell you is you know when when you look at that chart that that Micah puts out that there's only three counties in the state of Minnesota that have a lower per capita levy than we do an NOA Washington and Dakota
County. So we are nowhere near our tax capacity. >> I'll be quick and just say that um so just double checking a 12.49% 49% increase would result in a $50 increase on a $250 $250,000 house. That's a large
increase because there will be others coming for sure, but I if it it hurts this, but I will be and hopefully we can still get it down some, especially with a $5, $7 wheel tech. But I would be okay with 12.49%. I don't want to look for another
$700,000 in cuts >> at this point in addition to what you've already done because there has been 4.8 FTEES and I do think there's actually value in the case that you be you described once Marine about how it's penny wise and pound foolish not to hire some staff if it would result in
positive cash flow. It might take a year for it to be to be re to be um to be acknowledged to be you know to have but no I >> and I may come forward after additional conversations with uh leadership to say I do recommend X in order for us to have
that outcome because it is a process issue and if we don't have the right number of staff to do the work then we're not going to get the revenue. >> So just speaking for myself the quick version is I would be okay. It's difficult and hopefully we still get it down a little bit before the final with the to start with 12.49.
>> What um I did ask you and I don't know if that I and maybe you answered it. So a number of years ago we used to do uh the food licensing inspections the state for the state and we turned that back to the state. >> What else? The only one that comes to mind maybe is feed lot that we don't
have to have our own local. We could turn that back to the state. >> That's the only one that I could think of. >> Is there any other thing we can turn back to the state? Wells. Oh, well permitting. >> Yeah. I mean, and I guess we should analyze if we can turn my opinion if we can turn it back to the state, we should be looking at that and what the savings
would be. I don't know. >> And in some case, maybe it isn't even savings. Maybe we make money off of it. But that is what exactly what those spreadsheets that are buried in there. That's exactly what that >> But I can't wait a year and a half. >> Chris and Greg, where are you guys at? You know where Marsha's at. I know where I'm at. >> Yep.
I think in our uh my mornings with Marine, I have said I wanted a single digit. Um but then I said I was soften softening on that because we had additional costs come in after we set the preliminary. Um costs that we could
not anticipate, costs that were not known. So I'm a soft softer than I was. >> What does that mean? >> Yeah. What does that mean?
that I would consider that more strongly, >> but it should be a little less. >> Okay. Um, I was as I was going through the packet today and I was um looking at the previous budget conversations and those
sheets and I came across the sheet that Micah had prepared for us of the cost shifts that were done by the state legislature to counties, you know, including all these cost shifts for health and human services and >> especially the act. >> Yes. >> Yes. That
>> and that isn't even part of it. and then they cut our county program aid um and they're putting together this task force and if they can't find I don't know 50 million or 75 million in savings they're going to shift the rest of us next year. Yeah. >> So
>> that that that that's a >> so it's it you know I frequently tell people our levy has more to do with what happens in the state legislature than what happens right here around this board table. Yeah. So, I especially take
to heart I mean 12 and a half is a heck of a lot. I don't like that. It makes me very grumpy. Um but as I look at what's going to happen to us next year and I look at our position in terms of having such low per capita tax rates right now
and that that makes what happens to us more volatile because we don't have a lot of money to play with. Um, so yeah, I will support it if it comes to that. I would love to see it go lower,
but I really do feel like costs are being shifted on to us. And um, I think it's going to get worse. I think it's going to get worse in terms of homelessness. I think there's going to be more cost shifts just as a result of a lot of legislation that's going on
right now. So I >> I think Phil's gonna figure it out in the next week. >> I sure as heck hope he does. >> Yeah. But tax per cap tax capacity per population is in my thinking it it doesn't relate to property taxes.
The state of Minnesota has income tax and inheritance tax and all these other things that are dependent on hey you work hard you make a lot of money yes you're going to pay X percent. But property taxes has no relationship to you know paying more and more and more.
Uh the question I have is how did we get an now you say an excess the fund balance is anticipated to have approximately 2.25 million excess at the end of the year. How did we come up with that? >> It was originally anticipated three and a half million. So
>> but where Okay. So >> I can't attest to that because um Mr. Elliott did that. So I don't know how we came up with the three and a half million. Well, it sounds like if we got money in the savings and and everything, but then we're spent we're we're just still spending too much. Um uh one of
the and I know you got those um sheets and everything. Uh just a real quick conversation with um uh Josh this afternoon like planning and zoning. Okay. So, we got all these people building houses and doing projects and everything, but the
planning and zoning budget still is heavily um local property tax supported. So, I don't know how much you raise the fee because I know they spend a lot of time and energy and getting somebody to a point where they can they can build. I
mean, I guess I'm a fee for service type of thing. If if somebody's wants to do something and say it's a house and you got a 30-year mortgage, you know, what's a couple thousand dollars on a 30-year mortgage versus asking all the neighbors to chip in to get that house built?
Because, like I said, when I go to my we're close to done. When I go to my township, I'll get a better feeling that how much because in theory, you know, if you build more houses, you're spreading the burden out, but it never seems to stabilize. It just seems to grow. But I mean,
>> so just for um reference, uh planning and environmental services director, Mr. Dunmore did review the fee schedule and will be recommending increases in fees. Again, >> that's going to be up to the county board to make a decision on that, but
just so you're aware, we ask the leadership to review it. So that'll be forthcoming. >> Okay. I don't how much we can raise, but I mean again, we can't ask everybody to support New Kids on the Block. So, new kids on the block got to support themselves a little bit more.
>> Okay. Stuff. And And we got this new staff person and she's under the gun, right? To find a whole bunch of savings and efficiencies and >> he's working very diligently and doing a great job. >> We expect I'm sorry.
>> Um I will Well, I can add it up though too. Maybe um Bill can run me. What's the total on professional and contract services and the total on supplies? Oh, >> this budget >> those reports were just sent >> or they I mean these line item budget
that it there's so many inconsistencies in that format and I tried to you know I played your game give me a few of these and I just played a little bit of game with you and such but you know some are zero some are and there's >> a little bit of game I didn't consider that a game commission
pages >> that line item budget is very I think inefficient >> I don't know how you make it >> to my But those spreadsheets are much better in comparison. Yeah. >> Yes. Okay. >> Are we adjourned?
>> Yes. We will we we're adjourned with the um working session. We will call to order the county board. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. >> Evening. >> Hopefully uh everybody's got their snow shovels and their ice scrapers and their Make sure you got a scraper in your car.
Um because the weather's going to be changing in the next few days and with everybody traveling, we want them to be safe and and ready to go. All right, with that we will open our county board uh meeting as uh we do with the public comment. Is there anyone here uh wishing
to address the county board? You have two minutes and I ask you to state your name and address for the record. >> Commissioner Ward, do we need to let people online know that they do they know that they >> Yeah, they have to be admitted. It may take >> How did they do that? Did they raise
their >> We just lost all the little pictures. >> Heidi, have you got Have we got anybody online that wants to address the Winona County Board? >> How would we know? Would we know? Would How do you know? >> How do you even know? >> Okay. I don't even know. >> As long as they if they want to get
through. >> Yeah, that's okay. I mean, there's a lot of names up there. Is there anybody online wishing to address the Winona County Board? And last time, is there anyone in the audience or online wishing to address the Winona County Board? >> This is a rough looking crowd out there
right now. Okay. That is Pine Creek Farms. >> Oh, there is that hand. Yeah. Pine Creek. >> Oh, isn't that the little mouse >> or is it I don't know. >> Oh, I think it's our mouse.
>> Somebody wave. >> Commissioners, everyone has the ability to unmute and speak if they choose. >> Okay. So, you don't have anybody Heidi? No, not at this time. That is unmuted, but they do have the ability to unmute.
>> Okay. All right. >> And yes, that was my little hand up here. >> Okay. All right. All right. Last time. Anyone wishing to address the Winona County Board? >> I see no little hands
on the board. And is there anyone in the audience wishing to address the Winona County Board? Okay, seeing no one. uh step forward. We'll move on to our agenda. Uh item four, approval of the county board meeting minutes from November 12th, 2025.
>> So moved. >> I'll second. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Vaguely, second by Commissioner Meyer to approve the meeting minutes of November 12th, 2025. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. >> Oppos? Nay. Approved.
Um item five, acknowledge economic development authority August 11th, 2025. Meeting is >> I'll move to approve that. Uh 5.1 >> second. We have a motion by Commissioner
Vaguely, seconded by Commissioner Olsen to acknowledge the approved committee meeting minutes from the Economic Development Authority August 11, 2025. All those in favor say I. >> Oppos? Nay. Okay. approved. Um, let me just get caught up on what's in my pages
here. Sure. Lost it and it goes back. >> Oh, because it's down at 438. >> Yeah. Yeah. But it's board back. Uh, problem repeated. Okay. Well,
>> I have a paper copy. Do you want mine? >> I have the I have the agenda. I always copy the agenda, but I wanted to I'll hopefully get it back here. Okay. Um, consent, comments, and approval of the agenda. Uh, attorney Sonoman. >> Nothing for me. Thank you, K. Uh,
Commissioner Vagely, >> the comments and a request for a possible future board action. And I guess this is a question for Miss Holty and Son. We want to table item 8.8, the homeless shelter for more time for staff to review.
>> I think it's appropriate that we can now when we get to it. >> Oh, either way is fine. Either way is okay. >> Whatever you desire. >> I guess maybe when we get to it. It >> seems like it would be more >> sounds good. >> Otherwise, otherwise Okay. Thank you.
>> Okay. All right. Uh, Commissioner Olsen. >> Nothing for me. >> Commissioner Meyer. >> Hi, I just have a report. A administrator Holty. >> Nothing for me. >> Okay. And I'll have one um uh report in
a request just for communication. Okay. Um and I would like to pull um 7.7 for uh a little additional uh clarity and and direction. And so we'll make that um 8.0
O and 7.8. Uh I have a couple questions on that. So we'll make that 8.05 if we could please. >> All right. So two two changes there.
>> I'll move to approve the agenda as it was modified. >> Second. >> Okay. We have a motion by Commissioner Meer, second by Commissioner Olsen to approve the agenda as modified. All those in favor say I. >> Post nay. Approved. Miss Holty, would you read the consent process, please?
>> Uh, 7.1, approve LG220 gambling application for exempt permit, Winona Sportsman's Club. 7.2, Approve LG220 gambling application for exempt permit, Snow Sports Snowmobile Club. 7.3 Approve
renewal of purchase of service and business associate agreements with Midwest Monitoring. 7.4 4 approve purchase of service and business associate agreements with family service Rochester Incorporated. 7.5 approve professional services and business
associate agreements with Melissa McLaren for professional con consultation and reflective supervision. SE 7.6 approved Minnesota Department of Human Services grant contract for children's mental health screening. 7.7
was pulled. 7.8 was pulled. 7.9 accept donation of recon scout robot kit for sheriff's office and 7.10 confirm payment of dispersements. >> I'll move to approve the consent items. >> Second. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Vagley,
second by Commissioner Olsen to approve the consent business. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. >> Oppos? Nay. Approved. Um so then going to uh 7.7 on page 524
and the question we have two as I understood it we have like two options to give staff some direction. Yes. Is that how I read that? In the uh Klein McCarthy um on page um 525 uh the study will
include the following two options in a systematic sequential. So are you are you going to ask them to do both of those? >> It depends on the response that we get from the city >> and how soon so it seems like I I'm
putting the cart before the horse. Um, how soon will we know? I don't know. I'm sorry. I think the city has kind of let us along for considerable amount of time. I mean, and and we put this off. We've put it off. It It costs us all It costs us all money because we've got a
facility that we're not maximizing the usage of. We're yet maintaining it. But then we aren't maintaining it. So, it is somewhat deteriorating, too, because it isn't being used. So, I'm I'm a little >> concerned about how quick we do something like this. So, do you know how soon the city will
>> how soon the city will make a decision, >> right? Or how long of a lease are we, you know, we lease it to them space now? Um, >> so I am waiting for a modified lease agreement from the city. I again I talked with Chad Uelier today. Um the
proposed lease will have a notice of exit um for us to provide to the city a 180day notice to exit the building should the county decide to use it for
other purposes. Um because I don't have a concrete timeline of what the city will or won't do. But I was very open with Mr. able that the county has to plan. Um we have some very serious increases uh of things that are going to
be put on the county in the next year or two. Um and we need to seriously consider whether or not we're going to bring things back into our our owned facilities. And he was very good about it. um understands and so we I am anticipating to bring a lease that
provides the um ability to have them exit as needed. >> Okay. Well, option one was still a in my the way I'm reading it is a collocation >> option. Do I really need to spend time, energy, and money to >> so the intent
>> consider a a collocation? >> Right? But this was written intentionally to provide regardless of what way we go, we have the contract. We're ready to go. Let's go so that I can get information back to the board. >> Okay. So, I'm not deciding here right
now today if we're doing a colloate or we're doing a separate No. >> Okay. If you're not tying my hands in that, then I can I can unfortunately >> we have the option >> except the idea of hiring a highly professional. The thing is is we cannot provide the
information that the board needs until we have someone who has the expertise to tell us what we can do with the building. >> We don't have that internally. >> Commissioner Ward's clarification was an important one and I agree. I'll with that information I'll move to approve
what had formerly been item 7.7 and became >> became 8.0 I believe. >> Okay. We have a motion by Commissioner Vagley, second by Commissioner Olsen to approve signing a professional agreement with Klein McCarthy. Yet to be determined
which avenue we take. >> We will consult prior to moving forward. I just want us to be ready to go. >> Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. Nay. Okay. Approved. All right. Thank you. Um 7.8.
It was approved professional service agreement with soil and water conservation district for feed lot program manure management plans. Um and this and I do see okay Ross is here. Couple questions they uh so this is anything over 300 animal units is
mandated to have a manure management plan. >> Correct. It's a it's a new requirement. >> And how many feed lots do we have that don't have theirs done? you know, >> um, our last count was about 43 is what I believe Brian had. >> 46.
>> 46. >> I'm sorry. Can you come on up so we can all hear? So, how many in total 300 animal unit feed lots do we have? >> We have 46 in Winona County. Um, >> so the way that manure management plans work in the feed lot program is they
start at the beginning of September and they go through till the end of August. the next year. Um although just with how things are done in the real world, um a lot of folks, you know, go by their previous year's uh manure management plan for their current fall application.
So, um a lot of the plans for 2526 likely aren't done yet. And they're also in the midst of changing from an Excel spreadsheet to an online tool um which has increased the need for the technical
assistance to help people move from that old system to the new one. >> Okay. And so we have you said 43 that aren't done yet. >> 43 total 300 plus sites. Um >> oh I thought you said 46. No
>> 46 excuse me. Yeah. Um, >> I don't have a number for how many are not done. Um, they're they're not required to submit them to me. Um, I can request anyone that I I choose or if I'm going out for an inspection at a larger site, then I'll usually request to see
their manure management plan. Um, but yeah, it is a requirement of rule 7020 to have that on file. >> Okay. So, does the soil and water I don't see anybody has anybody online. Uh, can they get this done for these people in a time? This has there's >> this be like Wanda's
>> 20 is does it have to be done? Oh uh the whole next year 2026 is that how I understand it? >> I'll let you take that one. >> Funding under funding. >> Correct. We we had talked with the police control agency and they said we have through 2026 >> this year and I didn't think that was
physically possible >> and that's why we also provided for um when we brought this to uh committee of the board um uh commissioner had expressed interest in having the option to fund cover crops if we find as we're
going through this we we still have excess funds. So, we put some contingencies in there for for if for some reason uh we don't have the interest and we're not and we're not limited just to the 300 plus, we can go
under um and and assist uh facilities under that as well if if we find that that there's funding remaining so that we've assisting our producers and and uh doing productive things with the with the funding. >> Mr.
Um I believe this was discussed once before um as a just a general discussion item and this is something that would generally benefit our farmers. >> So I'll make a motion just to get it on the table and we can still discuss it further to approve what had been item 7.8. >> I'll second it. >> Okay. We have a motion by Commissioner
Vegley, second by Commissioner Meyer um to approve the agreement with soil and water conservation for feed lot programs and management plans plus I guess. Um, so soil and water is always looking for quote administrative dollars. So what do
they get out of doing a manure management plan for doing it? Do they get so much an hour or so much a plan for revenue? >> The the the contract provides for up to $85 an hour. Uh, soil and water is still adjusting their their billable rate for
2026. So we provided for a contingency up to $85 an hour. >> Okay. And >> so we are giving them so my point is that we are giving them opportunities to earn more money. I mean they all want more money. We've just given them an opportunity to earn more money.
>> Right. Okay. Okay. All right. Thank you. Thank you very much. Um any further discussion? All those in favor say I. I. >> Post nay. >> Carried. Um I guess I would like to make sure that we get a report back before the end of 2026 as to how many of these
they accomplished if this is a requirement. you know, maybe midsummer or something. See where they're at and uh make sure we get them done for the farmers. Thank you. Okay. Uh moving into general business 8.1,
which is on page 539. Set a preliminary date for a public hearing >> in regards to cannabis. Lower potency hemp edibles. L PH E.
>> Yeah, this is going all over the place. I can't keep track of the federal government shut something down. And is that >> part of this or No, this is just some This is just state rules. So, what what happened um with with our original um
registration ordinance as well as the county zoning ordinance, we exempted low potency hemp edibles from many of the requirements. Uh, at this point we will not need to schedule anything for the county zoning ordinance. We do have a clause in there
that would allow us to to um be able to um compensate for for um the lack of language specifically within the zoning ordinance because it says we're we're going to comply with 342 and this is a
newer interpretation coming out of out of OCM. So, we don't have to do >> not for the zoning ordinance. The registration exor uh ordinance uh exempts lower potency hemp edibles. That one we're going to have to do something
because uh right now they are they've been operating under a registration under the old system. Um the they had to apply for the new license under the new system and that closed October 31st. So
they are going to be shifting from a registration to a license and then once the state licenses we have to register them. >> Okay. >> And right now we exempt them. >> Critical to the infrastructure of the great state of Minnesota to get this right because it's supposed to be such a
revenue enhancement opportunity for us all yet to be seen. >> Move to approve item 8.1. >> Second. We have a motion by Commissioner Meyer, second by Commissioner Olsson to approve to set. Well, do we have to give a date or you'll
>> We have We have December 11th right now. Mr. Cran is working on the language. >> Oh, okay. I'm sorry. December 11th. Okay. All right. Um motion made by Commissioner Meer, second by Commissioner Olsson for the December 11th to be a public hearing. That's the
regular scheduled county. Well, no, that's the one that's time, right? That's a th Thursday. >> Okay. Thursday evening meeting. So if anybody that needs has interest so they get the right time. So okay. All those in favor say I. I. >> Oppos. Nay.
>> Motion carried. Thank you. >> I mean this is just a tip of the iceberg of things that the state of Minnesota puts so much emphasis on and and we got to we got systems that are totally lacking of direction in our department of human services and everything. So
it's frustrating. 8.2 discuss and adopt resolution for the commissioner 2026 salaries page 540. >> Um I would like to move to adopt resolution A which is no increase in
salary for the commissioners. going to ask if we should table this until Commissioner Elsen is here or we could continue I guess with the the first motion. >> I think he's he's not here you can't vote and such. Okay. So, we
have a a motion to adopt resolution A which would set the the salary at the same level it has been and that would be $24,2369 annually paid bi-weekly. I have a motion. Do I have a second?
I'll second it. Um further discussion. It's a public service job. Do you think we do this for fun? Oh, I get up and laugh every morning when I get to open my computer and recover. >> We do it for the free coffee. >> Free coffee. Used to get donuts every
now and then, but we've cut we've got that. We're healthier now. >> A cherry used to provide them. is true. >> Any discussion? Okay, I guess then we move on to all those in favor say I. >> I >> I post nay. >> Nay.
>> Okay. 22. Okay. Maybe we needed commissioner. >> Okay. The motion fails. >> Motion fails. >> I'd like to move to table it until Commissioner Oh, sorry. Commissioner Eline is here. >> I'll second that. Okay. All right. Uh we have a motion to table until we have the
full board including Commissioner Elen um discuss. All those in favor of tableabling say I. >> I post nay. >> Okay. It is tabled. So Miss Holty, you'll put back on the next agenda. Yes. >> Because this has to be set before the end of the correct
>> correct. Okay. >> All right. Uh then moving on. 8.3 discuss modify approve recommendation for county sheriff 2026 compensation and approved resolution page 544. >> Uh Commissioner Bley >> Commissioner Ward and Miss Holty. Could
I make a motion to approve 8.3 8.4 8.5 and 8.6 and 8.6 was amended right after the original. Right. Correct. Could I make a motion to approve all those at once? That would just open up to discussion. We could have more discussion etc. I'd like to make a motion to approve items
8.3, 8.4, 8.5, and what was the amended 8.6 >> of the recommended salary? >> Yes. >> Second. >> Wait, no. Um, uh, I don't know if I've got the most recent one or what. So, um, 8.6 was
modified 570. >> I probably had the old one. Was it an increase? Yep. That was my air. >> Is this uh 3%.
>> Yes. >> Okay. So, uh we have a motion. Do we can we get a Commissioner Vaguely? Do we have a second? >> Yes. >> Also, okay. All right. Um discussion. >> I will not support it. I will I will support the motion.
>> Okay. I I just don't I've never liked the system that got started a long time ago where we compare our salaries to other counties. We are all individual counties. It takes into no consideration of the size of the county, the budget of
the county, the population of the county, the land, the the tax capacity of the county and performance. I you know I've been a very pay for performance advocate and just because somebody gets more money are they doing a better job not doesn't always go hand
in hand. I do uh appreciate that it is only 3% but there again uh 3% of a $100,000 job is a lot more money than 3% of a $50,000 job. And we consider all our employees critical and important to
the the county work. And I just I uh and again I as being professionals in this field of government administration, I I just find it strange that you want to compare yourself to some other county when we don't have the knowledge of what
that particular individual has done in that county. Um and uh not that you're doing a bad job, but I think last meeting we approved the annual compensation of base of $8,000. When did that get passed? We did. We had to that was by statute. So I mean if you go
8,000 and then you start trying to build it up to over you know over a h 100,000 boy you got to do a lot of stuff to get up over $100,000. So I will not support I think it's a a flawed system. Uh I don't think it uh gives due respect to the potential of pay for performance and
I do not like a percentage increase. it just I think it's fair to people on a lower scale um that still probably put as many you know the hours and the work into doing our our work. So any other discussion? >> I'd just like to to thank you thank the
county sheriff's county attorney the county recorder the county auditor treasure for the work that they do considering the years of experience and the folks we have I think we're very blessed. So thank you for your your service. >> I second that. Um it it is probably not the time and
energy but at some point I do have some specific questions of each department and I will pursue uh getting answers of some things that have been done over the year that I wouldn't consider excellent performance. I would question the performance um but that I will do
that um with each individual elected official. So uh we have a motion to approve 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 six of our elected uh county officers. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I.
Nay. Nay. Okay. 41. >> 31. >> 31. Well, I guess I talked to Commissioner. I know it is. His thinking was we did discuss and I can talk to him. Okay. Moving on to 8.7. Discuss potential emergency donation to volunteer services
and hometown resource center. Page 577. I brought this forward when uh the freeze happened at the beginning of November. It looks to me like the situation is resolved. The state has fully issued the November benefit. The federal government is apparently not
going to come back to us and try to claw it back. So I think probably we can let this slide for now. >> Okay. So no recommending no action. >> Yeah. >> Do you want me to make a motion? >> You want a motion? I'll move that >> that that we take no action.
>> Yeah, >> I'll second. >> Okay, we have a motion by Commissioner Meyer, seconded by Commissioner uh vaguely to take no action on the um volunteer services and hometown resource center. Um just a um I think we had some very good information. Attorney Sonoman
had worked on things and everything and and it we have a process. We have a policy. So if people want to, they need to follow our process and our policy. And like earlier I said, I did appreciate some of those organizations providing some of that tax information so we get an idea of what, you know,
where they're at and what their funding is and everything. So all those in favor say I. >> I. Nay. Okay. No action. And Commissioner Vaguely, >> I'd like to make a motion to table at item 8.8 to allow um >> I'm sorry.
>> Yes. Yes. >> Yeah. to allow um staff more time to review and uh review the recommendation. Is that a way to >> to review the whole request, >> right? >> I think that's a fair statement. >> I'll second it. >> Okay. We have a motion to table
discussion of contribution to a homeless shelter. All those in favor say I. >> Nay. Okay. All right. Now, committee reports. Mr. Vley, >> um a couple comments and then a request.
Um this is this deals with the um the two shelters in town. I want this is me speaking as a private citizen there. I'm not a county commissioner. I was on the I was on the steering committee of the warming center 2018 2021 when I was not
a county commissioner. I'm I'm I don't speak there as a county commissioner. I just want to share some more good news in this in this season the holiday season. I'm one of the people who's going out and visiting with different groups in the community. Last week, myself and three others went to Pleasant
Valley Church. We were hoping to get six to 10 people to show up um to, you know, to learn more about how to volunteer. We had almost 40 people show up. So, it warms my heart that there are people in the community that want to hear more, learn more about other ways to help
people. Um the more volunteers, the more community involvement we can get, the more the better the services are for everybody. Um, I'd also like Angels to request a second to um to add to a future committee of the board, correct
me if I'm saying this wrong, to discuss some kind of allocation to the Ripple Drug Awareness Organization, etc. Um, so we received an email, the board did, from Malia Fox. I'd like to consider at
a future committee of the board um to discuss some kind of allocation um for the Ripple Drug Awareness, if I'm saying it correctly, the Ripple Drug Awareness um non the organization. >> It is second to do that, right?
>> Yeah, I would second that so we can have a discussion. >> So, we don't discuss today, but we >> future committee work. Yeah, that one I would look at opioid drug money that we're getting. >> Yep. >> Learn more. >> Although that conversation is to get three commissioners to say. Yep. Okay.
Does that cover it? >> Yep. And lastly, I just want to say happy Thanksgiving to all the staff who are here today. Thank you. Very grateful for your service. Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow commissioners. Um there are so many wonderful things to be grateful for in our in our great country, our county,
um and our community. Can can I ask just a question um regarding the homeless shelter? >> I was at a couple public hearings. Can you just tell me what the numbers are right now and then um I think John Meyer had mentioned something but I thought it was very interesting and the community
would like to hear that. >> Um so the overnight shelter has only been open for a week and a half. So those numbers are still recent. The day center at St. John's um uh I'm sorry St. Paul's there's a lot of saints. Um lot
St. Paul's Episcopal Church is anywhere from 14 to 26 people at the day center. The overnight shelter um it's more like in the beginning it was six and the nine I think it we had a meeting last night at St. Paul's and the number was 16 from the night before at the overnight
shelter 16 individuals. And what's interesting um and this is something that maybe Jill or others might know is that this year historically like in the past when I volunteer 90 to 95% of the guests were males but this year pretty much every night it's been 50% or more
females which is unusual to have that many females in an overnight shelter. I'm I'm not curious. People are still trying to figure out how that's happening. But the short answer is >> um nine, we'll say six to 16 people at the overnight shelter. That's at Wesley
United Methodist Church. And again, for the first time ever, um Winona County's only two shelters have 24-hour coverage and they have three meals a day. and they hope to have a case manager doing proactive work um with guests and which
include going out into the community and getting people to come to the shelters to receive services etc. So more on that later too. Thank you for asking. >> Yeah. >> Is that spearheaded by Catholic Charities? >> Yeah, Catholic Charities. That's all Catholic Charities. The county, as far as I know, correct me if I'm wrong, has never spent a penny on the the homeless
shelters in Mona County, I believe. So, this is all >> Well, unless somebody's getting services in another way. I'm just saying in terms of there's been pass through dollars from ARPA, from CARES, from etc. But yeah, >> so all through Catholic Charities. Yes. >> Uh Commissioner Meyer, you could just
pass those along. Uh last week I went to an event that was held uh by United Way of Southeast Minnesota. They had a group that had done 12 volunteers engaged in a project to uh focus on the gaps,
accessibility challenges, and the pressing needs of the county. Um, and they came up with housing, financial insecurity, community inclusion and belonging, and community resource navigation. So, they used the community health needs assessment, which I they attribute to us, but which I understood
from talking to staff. Um, Emily Vulman said, "Nope, ours is called the community health assessment, and this is one that was done by Winona Health, although it is hosted, a copy of it is hosted on our website." Um, but I thought I would share it. They um have
statistics not just for the city of Winona, but across um across the county. So, they show places in the county that have poverty and have a measure of that. So, um, United Way is going to give $20,000 to the Winona Community
Foundation and they will make grants with that 20,000 to our nonprofits in the county to address the needs that were identified in this report. >> Okay, that takes care of that. Um, then
we got Jill uh Chaffy. Am I saying it right? >> Chaffy. >> Chaffy. Chaffy. Well, we used to get chaff in the barn, so chief. Jill, Jill, if you could stand to the podium. So, uh, we're getting Jill Jill just got here, but she's going to get an award at the AMC banquet um early in December.
>> Well, I think we're going to both receive it. >> Yeah. Yeah. And this I think we've all gotten emails on it, but it's um uh the southeast region, and that's about uh six, eight, 10 counties or something. It always changes. um a local public health
uh group has done regional data modeling project and this really came through Mstead County of collecting a lot of data and uh they got >> what do they call them boards and stuff they >> dashboards >> yes dashboards dashboard >> dashboards yeah dashboards and such and
I I don't I can't really totally appreciate it I think somebody in Jill's position um but it it's been a consortium and Mstead County was always uh really good at putting putting that together and using that information. So, uh, congratulations, Bill. Thank you. You're getting an award the first month
you're here. >> No, certainly not me. It's the team that has been doing it. And I think moving towards datadriven services and data is a really important piece and I think they've done a nice job of doing that as a team of those counties.
>> Yes. Yeah. So, that'll be uh uh the first week there in December at the AMC award. Yes. and I will join uh um Jill and we'll bring >> Thank you. >> bring that award home. But thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. And hopefully you can use that. Um the other thing is um the other
day we had a one watershed one plan and you know we all worried about the nitrates in the water and I've had a couple constituents and we talked about this just a little bit of the tapin program where people could send their water sample in get it tested and then get a free reverse osmosis system. and
one of my constituents uh gave me some information. Uh first of all, we've had like 250 systems throughout the eight counties installed this last summer. Um but this one particular one it initial testing was 13.6 milligrams per something or other, you
know. Um and after then they do a post test after the reverse osmosis system was put in it was down to 1.2. So this little tank that sits under your kitchen sink to provide different clean drinking water. Now, I don't know if that filter in there is highly contaminated, needs
special um recycling. I guess that's something nobody you just ditch it. I don't know what it's got in it, but I mean, it's it's a filter that has to be replaced. So, some more homework needs to be done on it. There is still more money. People, anybody out that you know that lives out in the county that is on
a private will that's concerned there, they can go to the tap in. There's two programs. There's another one, too. But there still is resources for people to get their water tested. So, it's amazing how one little thing can can really improve um u water. And then maybe we
got Chris here. We got uh media here. Uh our next meeting is December 11th and it's our truth and taxation. And maybe Chris, you could help us by running a little article about what that meeting is for because we normally get a a
number of citizens that are concerned, which they should be, of their value of their property. And it's really and in the past, and I don't know if we'll have anybody available in the past, we've had somebody here that night that could help them with that or at least make an appointment. I would
>> Yeah, I think we really should have some staff here to help with that. But it's not really to talk about their value. It's to talk about the budget. And so Chris, maybe you can write a nice little article for us and and give people a heads up of what what it's all about and maybe we can give you a contact
information if they have questions on their value or their specific properties. Um so we could we can be better prepared for people that have questions that night. I would I I think they would it would be appreciated. And as Commissioner Vega said, yeah, Thanksgiving uh be careful, be safe. Um,
President Trump pardoned the turkeys today. Um, I don't I think Governor Walls pardoned some turkeys and such, but I just soon eat beef instead of turkey, but that's okay. We are Minnesota is one of the large is I think the largest producer of turkeys in the country. Um, I think we still maintain that status and such. So, happy
Thanksgiving Day. All right. Anything else to come before the county board? Entertain them. Oh, Bob. Yes. Yes, sir. There were u comments in the agenda about accomplishments and goals and they weren't mentioned tonight, but I sure
hope that each of you have a minute or two to see those, take a look at them. >> Yes. >> But there's something else that I wanted to um mention. I wholeheartedly agreed with the statement regarding comparison of recorders. For several years, I was
in the top three in Minnesota. Now I'm in the top two. But the part that we're not seeing them is that the others that I'm compared to, a couple of them weren't even recorders. They were filling in and a couple others just
started. And I've worked with new recorders. I've done some educational programs for them. And my years here, I I'm don't have a big head, but I know the learning curve. And I know that the 3%
doesn't cover the distance between us. But you know what? I made I did some research on where the increases across the country are this evening and across the country it's about 3 and a half%.
I sent a memo to Marina and said I'd be very happy at 3%. And so tonight, I think you did that and I want to thank you. And I want to add one more thing and this is on behalf of all the elected people. This past year,
I spoke to over 30 organizations and groups in Winona County. A couple of them had more than 50 people there. And in over all of these groups and others, I spoke to over 700 people. And during that time
there were no charges for Winona County, no mileage, no meeting expenses. That was my gift to the county. And you know what? I can tell you that the county attorney is doing the very same thing as is the county sheriff and our
county auditor. And I am very proud to work with our county auditor. She has brought some excellent excellent skills in real estate legal descriptions to that office. Something we've not had for years. I was trying to pick up some of
those, but it it was it really was a challenging curve. An outstanding job is being done in the whole real estate arena. I thank you for this time and appreciate your comments tonight. >> Bob, is it possible that some of those younger county recorders weren't even
born yet when you started? Oh, Commissioner Wilson said, "Yes, you are absolutely right." Yes. >> Just wanted to double check. >> Yes. And and people uh you know, I >> wine lot >> much better today, Bob, than you were 20 years ago. Wine angels. >> Thank you, Marsha. That's Yeah. All
right. And thank you again. I appreciate being able to visit for a couple minutes. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Motion to adjurnn would be in order. I'll move to adjourn. >> Second. >> Motion made by Commissioner Vegley, second by Commissioner Olson to adjourn. Discussion. All those in favor say I.
Those nay. Ajourn. >> Again, like I said, make sure you got snow scrapers, shovels, boots, hats, gloves. >> Yes. >> Teresa. All of your