End of the year business dominated the agenda at the county board’s December 23 meeting.
Photo by Karen Reisner
The 2026 final levy was approved in the amount of $14,551,646 which represents a 5.99% increase over the 2025 levy. This is unchanged from the preliminary levy approved in September.
A resolution was adopted approving the 2026 total budget in the amount of $44,949,276, which includes some state and federal funding.
A list of 2026 appropriations was approved totaling $20,561. Budgeted 2026 funding for agencies including SELCO, Historical Society, Memorial Day, Ag Society, and Soil and Water Conservation District was approved.
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reviewed a list of 2026 priorities to be discussed at a January 13 board meeting with legislators Jeremy Miller and Greg Davids. The Fillmore County platform will give direction from the county to the legislators. The county’s platform includes but is not limited to transportation funding, modernization of human services programs, and support for a Solid Waste Transfer Station.
Fraud has recently been in the news. Commissioner Randy Dahl wanted to know who is responsible/accountable. Commissioner Duane Bakke maintained fraud is local, it’s national, and it is in every state.
Approval was granted for 2026 phone stipends (totaling $9,720), remote work applications (same as in 2025), and pay scales for employees.
A request from Finance Director Christy Smith for payment of all regular and ordinary bill through 2025 with review from Finance Committee commissioners was approved. The board will not meet again until January 6.
Other Business in Brief
• The board ratified/approved a three year professional services agreement between the Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative (MCCC) and Strategic Technologies Incorporated as requested by County Attorney Brett Corson. The contract is for technical assistance in maintaining and supporting Minnesota County Attorney Practice System (MCAPS). Users can view important notifications to streamline their workflow. The MCAPS fee for the Fillmore County Attorney’s Office will be about $11,312.
• Corson and Human Services Director Wanda Berg explained their request to “not” renew the Purchase of Service regional agreement for Southeast Regional Crisis Center held by Olmsted County. Berg described her ongoing concerns with mixed up billing. She questioned whether remaining in the contract was in the best interest of our citizens. The board approved termination of the county’s participation in the agreement.
• Emergency Manager Jason Harmening requested and received approval for the 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) agreement. The agreement is with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety which administers the grant. The federal grant in the amount of $16,834 is used toward Emergency Department salary and fringe benefits. The agreement requires a 50/50 match by the county.
• The Real Property Notice (RPN) fee was set at $75. If an individual submits a notice, the county recorder must not disclose the individual’s personal information in conjunction with an identified property.
• Land Use Director Blake Lea asked for and received approval of the Natural Resources Block Grant (NRBG) agreement. The funds come through the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). Lea noted several of the awarded amounts were decreased from 2025, none were increased. The total grant awarded for 2026 is $72,696.
• The final payment to Ulland Brothers, Inc. for CSAH 8 (Farmer St.) in Spring Valley was approved in the amount of $16,023. The total value of the work was $1,942,980.
• The final payment to Rochester Sand & Gravel for a LOST project on CR 116 in Bristol Township was approved. The total value of the work was $329,684.
• Planned preservation projects in 2026 on three roadways (part of CSAH 2 and two sections of CSAH 5) were awarded to Rochester Sand & Gravel. The bid was $2,702,874. The engineer’s estimate for the projects was $3,928,285.
• A preservation project on a county road parallel to the golf course between TH 52 and CSAH 5 in Chatfield using LOST funds was awarded to Rochester Sand & Gravel with a bid of $191,011. The engineer’s estimate was $269,185.
• A bridge replacement project located north of Pilot Mound was awarded to Minnowa Construction with a bid of $215,959. The engineer’s estimate was $296,759.
• A bridge replacement project in Newburg Township was awarded to Shift General Contracting with a bid of $207,032. The engineer’s estimate was $291,140.
• The updated Court Security Policy was approved.
• The final draft of changes to Work Hours & Attendance Policy was approved.
• The retirement of James Thorson, engineering technician senior, effective December 31 was approved with thanks. A request to advertise for a replacement engineering technician senior was approved. An amendment to the motion included having David Drown provide a pay scale for a engineering technician in the case there are no applications from anyone with the required certifications for engineering technician senior.
• The promotion of part-time Deputy Sheriff Alex LaPierre to full-time was approved, effective January 2, 2026.
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