At the November 25 meeting of the county board, Chief Deputy Lance Boyum requested approval to purchase four 2026 Dodge Durangos at the state bid price through Dodge of Burnsville.
Each squad vehicle will cost $38,541, or a total of $154,164 for the four vehicles.
The squads will be built in January and may be delivered in March or April 2026. Funds for the purchases are in the 2026 budget. The purchase of the squads was approved as presented.
Sheriff John DeGeorge noted some of the new squads will be replacing pickups. He explained pickups are now more expensive and not ideal squad vehicles. Pickups also have had more maintenance issues.
County Attorney
Brett Corson reviewed his office’s accomplishments in 2025. He has served as county attorney for the county since 2003. Corson listed the wide variety of duties required by his office. He is the chief legal advisor for the county.
His office is responsible for criminal cases, juvenile delinquency/offenders, truancy, juvenile protection, child support establishment, civil commitments, guardianships, land use enforcement, contracts, adult protection, election issues, technology updates, medical assistance/collection, and more.
He requested a salary of $160,230 for 2026, which is a 5% increase over his 2025 salary. Corson thanked the people who helped this past year with a variety of criminal cases. He explained his issue with, and the difficulties caused by the legal process of expungement, which can clear a criminal record. He recognized the work of other departments especially social services involving early intervention on truancy cases. Corson said improvements in technology are needed and communication with other county offices.
Other Business in Brief
- A resolution was adopted to sponsor and support the city of Chatfield in its application for Local Road Improvement Program funding from MnDOT for the Winona St. SE/CSAH 5 project.
- The final payment to Midwest Contracting, LLC in the amount of $10,377 was approved for installation of a box culvert on CR 117 in Fillmore Township. The total value of the work was $207,542. Local Option Sales Tax paid for the project.
- The final payment to Midwest Contracting, LLC in the amount of $8,829 was approved for the installation of a box culvert on CR 101 in Sumner Township. The total value of the work was $176,591. Local Option Sales Tax paid for the project.
- The final payment to Minnowa Construction, Inc. in the amount of $29,494 was approved for a single span bridge on CSAH 11 in Fountain Township. The total value of the work was $589,884.
- The final payment to Scott Construction, Inc. in the amount of $33,410 was approved for the 2025 Wheelage Tax Seal Coat project on CSAHs 10, 8, 39, 3, 15, and 30 and CR 118 in Spring Valley, Bloomfield, Norway, Forestville, and Bristol Townships. The total value of the work was $668,216.
- The retirement of Karla Franzen, case aide, effective December 1 was approved with thanks for her nearly 22 years of service.
- The hire of a replacement accounting technician from a recent interview list was approved.
- A draft of the Minnesota Paid Family & Medical Leave Policy was approved. The only revision was regarding paid time off language.
- The hire of Marcus Bonnichsen as a replacement Highway Maintenance Specialist was approved. The effective date which was December 19 was amended to read as soon as available.
- Approval was granted of an agreement between the county and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 49 regarding the Hartford “MPL” Private Plan.
- The Truth in Taxation meeting will be held on December 2.
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