County Engineer Ron Gregg discussed the proposed purchase of an active sand pit in section 30 of Rushford Village at the board’s August 6 meeting.
The county has been buying its sand to be used for winter snowplow operations from the current owners of this pit. The board approved a motion to go forward with a purchase agreement to purchase the 11.58-acre sand pit at a lump sum cost of $400,000. The sand pit is expected to provide for the county’s sand needs for more than 30 years, resulting in a significant savings over time.
2025 Budget
More departmental budgets were reviewed this day, including Public Health, Social Services, Maintenance and Infrastructure. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery provided preliminary budget numbers showing a 9.3% increase in the levy. The possible increase is driven largely by an expected huge increase in insurance costs. She said all departmental budgets will be presented by the end of August. Cuts will likely be made to reduce this preliminary budget increase.
One new staff position in Public Health is included in the budget, which will come at a minimal cost to the county; most of the cost will be covered by a grant. Public Health director Jessica Erickson noted her proposed 2025 budget increased only about $17,000 over 2024.
Diane Olson, reviewing the Social Services budget, noted salaries and benefits will result in an increase of over $400,000, but revenue increases will be over $600,000. The revenue increases are partly driven by Children’s and Adult Mental Health revenues. The 2025 Social Services budget will actually be $30,869 less than in 2024, or a 1.77% decrease. Hillery complemented Olson, saying she does an awesome job. Both Public Health and Social Services are doing a good job bringing in revenue.
Other Business in Brief
•Paybook #15 in the amount of $685,614.81 for the jail project was approved. Hillery noted Phase I or the new addition for the jail and the EOC (emergency operation center) should be mostly completed by the end of this year. Inmates will be transferred to the new addition likely in March.
•Auditor/treasurer Heather Broadwater presented an updated Fillmore County Election Emergency Plan to the board for their approval. She said it has been a while since the plan was updated. The goal is to minimize impact on the public in the event of an emergency. The plan was approved as presented.
•County canvassing for the 2024 Primary election will be on Friday, August 16 at 1 p.m. Canvassing for the 2024 General election will be on Wednesday, November 13 at 1 p.m.
•A partnership with Children’s Dental Health Services to provide dental education, routine cleaning, and restorative referrals was approved pending review by the county attorney. Children covered by Medical Assistance (MA) and Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP) are eligible.
•The resignation of Teri Root, eligibility worker, effective July 31 was approved. Advertisement for a replacement eligibility worker was approved.
•Katherine Holger was hired as a community health specialist, effective September 3.
•Alissa Grundman was hired as an accounting technician in the Recorder’s Office, effective August 19.
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