At the July 14 meeting of the county board, several department heads reviewed their proposed budgets for 2027. Commissioner Larry Hindt was absent.
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery noted that all proposed budgets include a 3% wage increase for employees and an estimated 18% increase in the county’s health insurance contribution.
Finance Director Christy Smith, County Attorney Brett Corson, Regional Director of University of Minnesota Extension Lisa Dierks, County Recorder Roxane Kraling, and Corrections Director Tom Jensen each presented the proposed budget for their departments.
These proposed departmental budget increases ranged from an increase of just 4% to an increase of 23% over their 2026 budgets. Much of the increase is driven by the estimated increase in health insurance.
Citizens Input
Ken Soiney, River Rats Outfitters, discussed the situation on the North Branch of the Root River near the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. A rock dam that was installed across the river has made it impassable; Soiney insisted it is now creating a drowning machine. The portage area to go around the rock dam was wiped out in the last flood. The portage area was rocky and hard to take a canoe over and now the portage area is gone. Soiney shared, “We outfitters are very concerned by the safety issue this has caused. There is no signage and we have no control over people that have their own water craft.”
The rock dam was installed to solidify the riverbank. During a meeting in Lanesboro with the SWCD and the DNR it was claimed that the structure was approved by the DNR.
Riley Buley, SWCD, reports that the SWCD served as a fiscal agent for the DNR to fix the failed Brightsdale electrical dam that was causing erosion. A riffle structure was installed over winter to fix the erosion issue. It is supposed to be buried under water over time as it fills with sediment. Buley agreed going over the riffles could be dangerous. Efforts have been made to alert the public. The DNR is to evaluate post-flood conditions. Any modifications will require additional funding.
Board Chairman Randy Dahl said he didn’t understand the problem; it should be taken out. It seems like a needless project in the first place. Soiney said he would like to see the permits for the project. Commissioner Duane Bakke said he was more interested in the plans for the project; “It is absolutely stupid what has been done.” Hillery said she has requested both the plans and permits for the project.
Other Business in Brief
•Coranda Whalen, a University of Minnesota student, reported on her 12 week OTD (Doctor of Occupational Therapy) Capstone Project at Fillmore County. Thirty-nine county employees volunteered to participate in the project. Stretches were encouraged. Every person had a decrease in pain from pre- to post-intervention. There was an average of 76% decrease in pain. She noted the biggest problems included their screens being too high, arm rests not being used, and non-adjustable equipment. The best equipment includes sit to stand desks, adjustable chairs, and chairs with lumbar support. A pre-work exercise routine was outlined for laborers. Seven participants volunteered and all felt there was a decrease in pain with the morning exercise routine.
•Allison Whalen, EDA, explained the county was awarded a $60,000 grant by the Blandin Foundation. The funds are to be used over three years for comprehensive planning, housing study, and community engagement. Part of the project goal is to complete Community Heart & Soul to learn what matters the most to residents. This information is to be used in the comprehensive planning process. The grant was accepted by the board as were the terms for the award.
•Emergency Manager Jason Harmening asked the board to consider declaring a State of Emergency because of the damage caused by heavy rain and flooding on July 2. There was some damage to roadways and “public” infrastructure. The resolution declaring a State of Emergency was approved.
Bakke suggested a meeting be held with campground owners to inform them on how to best get timely emergency information. Bakke explained that this emergency declaration will not help individuals get financial aid. The amount of damage “does not” meet the requirement for a federal declaration of an emergency that could lead to some kind of aid for individuals.
•Approval was given for the final payment in the amount of $10,653 to Minnowa Construction Inc. for a bridge replacement project in Pilot Mound Township. The value of the work was $213,073, which was under the contract price.
•James Danielson was hired as a replacement full-time jailer, effective July 21.
•Alyzabeth Carr was hired as a part-time jailer, effective July 21.
•Bryan Milnes was hired as a part-time jailer, effective July 21.
•Robert Michels was hired as the replacement head mechanic, effective July 27.
•Approval was granted to pay Jail Project Paybook #40 in the total amount of $17,410.
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