Houston County Commissions recognized and thanked the following Houston County employees for their service to the county. Ten-year awards – Justin L. Conway, Steven T. Garrett, James I. Houdek, Kathleen A. Lager, Maria L. Stemper, Donna I. Trehus, and Teresa A. Walter. 15-year awards – Laurie A. Bigalk, Jennifer L. Blocker, Bethany M. Moen, and Michelle L. Schulte. 20-year awards – Patrick R. Burns, Tracie L. Erickson, Nickie L. Folsom, Theresa S. Gavin-Kubitz, Randall C. Hongerholt, and Karen L. Kohlmeyer. 30-year awards – Julie M. Schleich and Brian L. Swedberg.
The Houston County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, from 9-10:03 a.m. in the historic county courthouse, downtown Caledonia. Commissioners in attendance include Chairman Bob Burns, Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, and Teresa Walter, plus Greg Myhre via Zoom.
The meeting agenda with action item number three removed was unanimously approved. In addition, the board approved the minutes from December 14 meeting. The consent agenda was approved with two changes from Human Resources, Lauren Arneson’s resignation effective December 28, 2021, and Liza Jandt, Child Support Officer, FTE from .95 to 1.0 FTE until a second Child Support Officer is hired.
2022 tobacco licenses were approved for Cennex, BP, and Dollar General, all located in Houston.
County Treasurer/Auditor Donna Trehus is authorized to apply for apply for a Voting Equipment Grant Account (VEGA-3) on behalf of Money Creek Township to purchase optical scan equipment. If the grant is awarded, the Township is responsible for providing the 50% match. Trehus emphasized that the purchase will not cost the county anything. The equipment will allow Money Creek Township to conduct elections on their own.
Commissioners approved abatement for Sunrise Care Facility Parcel No. 26.0296.001. It was noted by commissioners that this is a correction as the property was incorrectly classified as taxable when it should have been classified as exempt. The system has been updated.
Shawn Allen, 4643 County 6, La Crescent applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to construct a 2,400-square-foot (40’ x 60’) accessory building with a 16’ x 14’ overhead door in a residential district in La Crescent Township. The plan is to use the building for storing boats, cars, campers, and utility trailers.
The 2022 salaries of elected officials County Attorney Samuel Jandt, $120,803.90; County Sheriff Mark Inglett, $109,750.00; and Auditor/Treasurer Trehus, $89,419.00 were approved. Commissioners also approved a 2% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for all non-represented employees, seasonal help, Veterans Service drivers, and Sheriff’s Office transport officers.
The proposed 2022-2024 labor agreement between the County and The International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 49, AFL-CIO as explained by Tess Kruger, personnel director, was approved.
The 2022 Tax Levy minus County Program Aid (CPA) is $12,875,727. The 2022 Operating Budget Total revenue is $29,929,397, total expenditures is $29,970,665 with a deficit of $41,268 which equates to a 3% increase.
The Board of Commissioners mission is “We are committed to providing exceptional citizen service at all times.”
The next meeting of the Houston County Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, December 28 at 9 a.m. in County Commission Board Room 222 located on the second floor in the Historic County Courthouse, Caledonia, or via the county conference call line (312) 626-6700. Enter meeting ID: 994-7297-7175 and password 368422. The public is invited to attend.
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