The Houston County Commissioners met December 23 with a full agenda. A guest at the meeting was Spring Grove’s Mayor Williamson who had watched the previous commissioners’ meeting and wanted to answer some questions that were brought up during discussions about the policing agreement with the city.
Williamson explained that Spring Grove was having some budget issues; this was in part due to the fact they had not raised their levy in three years. This year they raised the levy by 7%. Because Northern Engraving had left Spring Grove, their sewer and water infrastructure is no longer receiving as much revenue.
While the residents of Spring Grove are happy with the deputies provided by Houston County, the city still needs to cut some expenses. Williamson emphasized that Spring Grove does indeed need a police presence in town; he does not want the city to end up with no policing.
Commissioner Kurt Zehnder noted that he was concerned especially about school safety and felt Spring Grove needed a steady police presence. Commissioner Eric Johnson told Williamson that the commissioners understood his position and commended Sheriff Swedberg for putting together a proposal. Under the revised proposal, Spring Grove will be able to contract for an average deputy coverage of $5 a day at a cost of $220,000.
Williamson emphasized that Spring Grove was not expecting to be subsidized. Their city attorney is looking at the proposal; Williamson will get back to the commissioners once he hears back from the attorney.
2026 Tax Levy
An increase of 7.905% had originally been proposed for Houston County. Finance Director Carol Lapham suggested that the commissioners reduce the increase to a 7% increase. According to Lapham, they could use $70,000 from the general fund which had an excess of $146,522 last year.
With the uncertainty of whether Spring Grove would be contracting for policing coverage, it was unknown how many deputies needed to be on the county staff. The commissioners will still need to decide if the county will keep a second deputy.
Another unknown is what the revenue will be from the new construction being done in town. After some discussion, Commissioner Greg Myrhe made a motion to reduce the levy to a 6% increase. A roll call vote showed unanimous support for a 6% increase, almost 2% less than originally approved.
The approval of the 2026 Operating Budget was tabled until the next commissioners’ meeting so the numbers could be reworked following the change in the levy rate.
Public Information Meeting
A public information meeting was held to allow the public a chance to comment on Houston County’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program. Engineer Brian Pogodzinski explained that the county monitors and trains staff in the detection of pollutants. The highway maintenance staff has to take training on salt application on roadways.
Pogodzinski shared that there was one road construction project in 2025. There were no enforcement violations in the past year.
Action Items
In action items, the commissioners approved a resolution and an authorizing signature for the Emergency Management Performance grant.
The Public Health Supervisor was authorized to sign an agreement with MNCHWA (Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance). This will allow Houston County’s health workers to partner with other community health workers.
The board approved the Minnesota Aeronautics State grant agreement for a terminal security fencing project. Under the agreement the state will pay 70% ($21,867) and the county will pay 30% ($9,371).
Brian Pogodzinski requested the purchase of a Walk N’ Roll; this is a grader attachment which compacts gravel immediately following grading. The attachment was included in the budget for 2026, but will increase in price by $2,000 in 2026. With money left in the general fund for 2025, the county was able to save $2,000 on the purchase. The commissioners quickly approved the purchase.
The board decided between two firms for EDA/Professional Services. CEDA (Community Economic Development Associates) and Ground Breaking Connections, LLC, a local company both submitted bids. The board chose to go with the $85,000 proposal from Ground Breaking Connections which was $10,000 less than CEDA’s bid. Commissioner Cindy Wright commented that she appreciated not only the cost savings but that the local company meets the county’s needs and they have local knowledge.
The non-represented paygrid was approved; this gives non-union employees a 3.5% pay increase in 2026 just as the union received.
The one-year Houston County contract with SELCO for 2026 was approved with a 3% increase. The contract is for $203,283.
Bob Burns gave an update on Semcac. He pointed out that the Care-A-Van program can transport residents to La Crosse for doctors’ appointments. Both the volunteer driver program and senior nutrition will see decreases in funding this year. Burns reminded the commissioners that they could take his place on the Semcac board if they wished.
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