The county board interviewed two applicants for the assessor position at their April 1 meeting. The county has been looking for an assessor since the resignation of Kathryn Frette in late February after six months of service.
After both candidates were interviewed, the board by consensus agreed to extend a “bona fide” offer to Ryan Rasmussen because he is by far the most experienced candidate. Therefore, he will be more able to lead the staff. He has held the position of assessor for Freeborn County and is currently employed as an appraiser in Steele County. Rasmussen received his SAMA (senior accredited Minnesota assessor) license in 2003.
Rasmussen lives in Glenville and made it clear that he will continue living there. The commute will take about an hour and 10 minutes. Commissioners generally felt there is a need for a department head to work on site in the office. The possibility of flex time was discussed.
Other Business in Brief
- Approval was granted to order two 2025 Mack Granite 64FR tandem plow truck chassis at a cost of $164,199.60 for each chassis as recommended by highway engineer Ron Gregg. The plow truck chassis will be delivered in 2026. Brent Kohn, highway maintenance supervisor, said the price is guaranteed. Funds to pay for the two truck chassis and also snow plow equipment are to be included in the 2026 budget.
- A full time dispatch position will be added for the sheriff’s department. Sheriff John DeGeorge explained it is difficult to hire part-time dispatchers and keep them proficient if they are not working regularly. There now will be five full-time dispatchers instead of four. DeGeorge said the full-time dispatcher will also help with other items, like gun permitting.
Courtney Nelson will be promoted from part-time dispatcher to full-time, effective April 11.
- The drafting of a Safety Equipment policy was discussed for county employees. It will be brought back at a future meeting.
- The resignation of Heath Wenthold, highway maintenance specialist, was accepted with thanks for his nearly 23 years of service, effective April 10.
The advertisement for a replacement highway maintenance specialist was approved.
- Payment of Paybook #25 in the total amount of $667,627.62 for the jail project was approved.
- Approval was granted for a centralized gas fund starting in July. Currently, eight departments are sent invoices. With this centralized plan only three invoices will be needed. Highway and social services need separate invoices so they can get reimbursements. The third invoice will be go to general government.
- The board approved a plan to allocate additional interest income from 2024 ($914,464) to a Committed Fund. The funds can be put aside for a capital project (solid waste building). The money will continue to earn interest.
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