At the September 23 meeting of the county board, an agreement with Marco Technologies, LLC for Managed IT services was approved. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery noted she had cut $12,000 from the Managed IT budget.
The agreement with Marco requires a one-time payment of $26,701 for cyber security, server, license, and professional service. The county will be responsible for 36 monthly recurring payments in the amount of $21,226.
Hillery explained the computers in the sheriff’s office have already been updated. The county’s other computers need to be upgraded to Windows 11 or be replaced. Thirty-two devices will be upgraded. A quote from Marco to replace 62 devices that are not compatible with Windows 11 will require a one-time payment of $110,358, which includes professional services.
2026 Preliminary Levy
The 2026 preliminary levy was certified in the amount of $14,551,646. This represents an increase of $822,494, or 5.99% over the 2025 levy. The most recent reductions in the proposed budget included a $50,000 reduction in the unallocated budget and a $12,000 reduction in the Managed IT budget. When the final levy is certified in December it can be the same or lower, but not higher.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Fillmore County Advocate Laura Whitacre reported on a personal letter from a brave survivor, a mother of a small child in Fillmore County, who she has advocated for since 2021. The mother has endured years of domestic violence. After a restraining order had been filed, her ex continued the violence and harassment. An order of protection was filed. Eventually, her ex went to prison. There will be no legal protection upon his release. Whitacre said, “The court system is not made for victims.”
There is a new victim every 2.8 days. One in four women and one in 10 men have experienced violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime. In 2024, 27 Minnesotans lost their lives as a result of domestic violence.
A proclamation was approved proclaiming October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The board approved the “We Remember” exhibit to be displayed in October.
Other Business in Brief
- A standard cooperative agreement with the city of Mabel for the reconstruction of CSAH 34 and 28 within the city limits was approved.
- The final payment to Orval Sorum & Sons for the 2025 rock contract in the amount of $1,227 was approved. The total value of work was $24,558 for work on CR 115.
- The final payment to Milestone Materials, Inc. for the 2025 rock contract in the amount of $2,345 was approved. The total value of work was $46,911 for work on CR 106 and CSAH 12.
- Isabelle Bale was hired as a part-time sheriff’s deputy, effective September 24.
- Alex La Pierre was hired as a part-time sheriff’s deputy, effective September 24.
- Meggie Elliot was hired as a replacement accounting technician in the assessor’s office, effective October 10.
- Melissa Burnett was hired as a part-time dispatcher, effective September 24.
- Alicia Gady was hired as a full-time dispatcher, effective October 10.
- Hillery announced the long forfeiture property (Preston Petroleum) process has been completed. Ownership has been transferred to the city of Preston.
- Do to the fact that the second county board meeting in November was scheduled for November 11, which is Veterans Day, the meeting has been canceled; a special meeting may be scheduled for November 18 if necessary.
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