At the May 13 board meeting, Social Services Manager Wanda Berg, Veterans Service Officer Jason Marquardt, and Nursing Director Jessica Erickson spelled out to the county board why they felt a mobile office could benefit residents.
Berg said they have been looking at transportation options to get clients to Preston. Because there are a limited number of transportation providers available (no public transportation, taxi services, or Uber/Lyft services), they considered taking their services on the road. A pitch was made to insurance provider Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Blue Cross/Blue Shield is ready to write a check for $39,000 toward the purchase of a mobile trailer unit which will have two separate office areas; it will be handicapped accessible. The BC/BS logo will be on the trailer and data from those using the trailer will be shared with BC/BS.
The plan is to have the mobile office in each of the Fillmore County towns on specific days to serve residents. Staff will include an income maintenance worker to assist with applications. There will also be a children’s or a mental health case manager available. Public Health could use the trailer for clinics, like flu shots for underserved populations. Erickson said it could also be used for disasters. It could be made available at six local schools in their parking lots.
Staff will be able to work remotely when people are not being served.
Marquardt noted Rolling Hills transit can’t accommodate veterans during times they are picking up children.
Commissioner Randy Dahl argued that during mobilization an employee’s shift time will be reduced. Dahl asked for a list of clients that could benefit. Some clients will still need transportation across town to get to the mobile unit. Commissioner Mitch Lentz liked that the mobile office could be taken to schools.
Berg said she is working on getting financial support for a truck to pull the unit.
Chairman Marc Prestby suggested some towns have places where they could set up indoors without the mobile unit. There will be maintenance costs associated with a truck and trailer. Commissioner Duane Bakke noted there will be snowy roads; some people that are immobile still will not be able to get to the mobile unit. County administrator Bobbie Hillery asked about what services will be provided and how often. No action was taken this day. The board will review the proposal; it will be brought back to a future board meeting for more discussion.
Law Enforcement Labor Services
Tim Jeanetta, LELS, reviewed a three-year union proposal. A 3.5% wage increase was proposed for each year. Jailers are to be moved to the same pay grade as dispatchers. Sergeants and deputies could be moved up one grade to get their pay closer to an average of other counties. An increase in training pay is proposed, as well as an increase in pay for shifts that include time when the courthouse is closed over the weekend. Jeanetta provided pay comparisons from several other Minnesota counties.
Hillery recommended a 3% increase in pay for 2026. She said, “It is in our interest to keep employees treated fairly across the board.” Dahl said he thinks dispatchers and jailers should be cross trained.
Bakke questioned extra pay for training new deputies; it is part of the job. They have to be certified to be a training officer, but the county pays for the certification training.
Jeanetta explained some of the increases, like for weekend shifts, are incentives to get people for these jobs and keeping them in those jobs.
Other Business in Brief
• Kayla Peterson presented bids for office and maintenance supply purchases. Approval was granted giving her flexibility to make the most economical purchases.
• Approval was given to hire Kristi Ruesink, former assistant zoning administrator, for one week to provide assistance in the Land Use Office where there are just three employees. Cristal Adkins will be on vacation and Blake Lea and Dallas Dornink will be out of the office much of the time conducting inspections.
• The resignation of Klysen Schoppers, Highway Maintenance Specialist, was approved with thanks for six months of service, effective June 9. A request to hire a replacement Highway Maintenance Specialist was approved.