Fillmore County Commissioners listened to six department heads review their proposed 2021 budgets at the July 28 board meeting. COVID-19 shared the spotlight. The county’s emergency declaration was extended to September 1. COVID related issues came up during citizens input, the upcoming election discussion, letter of support for swine farmers, and drop off issues at the recycling center.
Jeff Brand, surveyor, reported little change in his budget. Drew Hatzenbihler, sanitation, said his budget shows a 7% increase over last year.
David Kiehne, recorder, explained some income streams will increase. He noted that he would like to have funds in the 2022 budget to hire a full-time person to learn the business of the recorder’s department, as he intends to retire at the end of his current term.
Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Jones, while reviewing her budget, said in 2021 there will be a significant drop in costs due to the fact that it is not an election year. For 2021 she is budgeting for a new part-time person, maybe someone who could float between departments when they need extra staff during an especially busy time.
Terry Schultz, maintenance, said his total budget increase would be about $6,000.
Jason McCaslin reported that he was budgeting for substantial increases for training and continuing education. Trainings are necessary for two new appraisers to fulfill CMA licensing requirements. One appraiser requires classes for the AMA license requirement.
COVID-19
During the citizens input portion of the meeting Gerald Wolf, Spring Valley, expressed concern related to the governor’s executive order mandating masks. He questioned how wearing a handkerchief over one’s face is going to reduce the spread of the virus, saying, “Might as well have a rabbit’s foot in my pocket.” He refused to wear a mask in Menards, which has had a requirement to wear a mask in their store long before any local government body issued a mandate. The police were called. Now, he complained the mask mandate is statewide.
He contacted the Liberty Counsel (non-profit for religious liberty) and asked them to write up something declaring all executive orders unconstitutional or illegal. He asked the county board if they will consider looking at a legal document that would declare the executive order illegal or unconstitutional.
Commissioner Mitch Lentz said he wouldn’t mind taking a look at anything. Commissioner Randy Dahl stated he respectively disagrees. Masks, if worn by everyone, will reduce the spread of the virus. The Supreme Court can decide if an executive order is legal or not.
It was noted later in the meeting that there have been a few incidents at the recycling center where people were not wearing masks, when dumping garbage; some have argued that they can’t be told to put one on. Employees are wearing masks. Hatzenbihler said signs are posted. Staff have been instructed to keep a six foot distance. Suggestions from the commissioners ranged from telling employees to just keep their distance, hand the individual a mask, or completely stay away from the unmasked individual and stay in your office/turn them away.
The board approved a letter of support for swine farmers for losses due to COVID-19 supply chain disruption. Counties that have swine production were asked to support a relief package being debated; livestock provisions are in the House HEROES Act. Letters of support will be sent to U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and Congressman Jim Hagedorn.
Heidi Jones informed the board of CARES Act certification and grant application that is specific for elections. The formula the state provided was approved, which provides $14,901.84 total for cities and townships and $11,441.23 for the county. Jones said the money should go to training election judges and protective items like Plexiglas. Jones noted that Chatfield and Harmony Townships have switched over to mail-in ballots for the general election (not for the primary election). Commissioner Duane Bakke voted no on the motion because Chatfield and Harmony Townships will not have general election costs because they will not have in-person voting. Other voting precincts, which had switched over to mail-in ballots earlier, were not allotted funds. Jones and Bakke felt the allotment for those two townships should be pulled back to the county, which will have more work due to the additional mail-in ballots.
Jones reported that mail-in ballots will be accepted as long as they are post marked on or before election day. Results will not be released to the public until the day before canvassing. The primary election is on August 11 and the canvassing in Fillmore County will be on August 13.
The fifth round of the declaration of a State of Emergency for continuing operations from COVID-19 was approved to extend the declaration through September 1. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reported on ongoing discussions regarding the CARES Act dollars. A spreadsheet was introduced detailing expenses that CARES dollars may cover. Expenses identified range from payroll related to public health isolation, PPE/sanitizer, technology upgrades, recycling expenses, to business or non-profit grants, foodshelf/family programs, school assistance, emergency management, immunization expenses, and broadband grants. Hillery said schools did get some assistance, but not enough. Townships and cities with populations under 200 didn’t get any. The county could help with those that didn’t get any funds.
Hillery asked the board if she should reach out to townships and cities that haven’t yet applied for available funding. By consensus the board asked Hillery to confer with townships and municipalities.
Other business in brief
• Sara Sturgis, Historical Society, updated the board on the society’s activities. The Historical Center opened to the public earlier in July. They qualified and received some funds through the paycheck protection program. The Historical Society is looking for two new directors, from districts 4 and 5. There are long overdue building maintenance issues. She requested that the society receive the same appropriation it has in recent years for 2021; the county allotment helps keep us operating.
• Terry Schultz recommended mailing equipment for the county be leased from Pitney Bowes; the current lease is up. Their quote for a 60-month lease was approved; it was the low quote ($136.33 monthly or $408.99 quarterly).
• County Engineer Ron Gregg reported the CSAH 5 project within the city of Wykoff is 80% complete. The land bridge project on CSAH 5 will begin August 24. CSAH 34 project outside of Mabel will begin the first week in August. The parking lot replacement at the Fillmore County Office Building is complete with the exception of the railings going up the steps.
• Erin Amdahl was hired as a replacement Case Aide in the Public Health Department, effective September 1.
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