The Houston County Board of Commissioners discussed department budget proposals with Sheriff Brian Swedberg and County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski at the September 15 commission meeting.
A 14% levy is almost $2.5 million more.
Commissioner Bob Schuldt said that it is tough everywhere. “It is a matter of needs and wants, and we really need to figure out what is a need and a want.”
Commissioner Eric Johnson asked both Swedberg and Pogodzinski to make reductions to their departments’ proposed budget before next week’s commission meeting, when the proposed levy will be approved.
“I’m not telling you what you should cut,” said Commissioner Johnson. “I’m just saying this is the final number that we’re working with.”
Chairman Greg Myhre called the meeting to order at 9 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Board members present included: Cindy Wright, Eric Johnson, Kurt Zehnder, Robert (Bob) Schuldt, and Greg Myhre.
The board approved the agenda, except for action item number seven, which was pulled, as well as the minutes from the August 25 board meeting and the September 8 workgroup session.
Interim Auditor-Treasurer Polly Heberlein updated the board on the county’s cash holdings and investment performance during the first six months of 2026. She said the county works with three banks and two brokers to manage 44 investments. Interest rates range from 1% to 5.35%.
Heberlein reminded the board that the county’s interest income reached an all-time high of $540,000 in 2025. As of June 30, 2026, interest income totaled $251,000, putting the county on track to reach $500,000 by year-end.
The county’s interest income goes into the general fund and is not a bonus, confirmed by Finance Director Carol Lapham.
The consent agenda was unanimously approved. Items included an exempt permit for a Minnesota Lawful Gambling Application for ABLE Inc. to conduct raffle activities at Ma Cal Grove Country Club in Caledonia Township, with the drawing scheduled for October 24, 2026, and no waiting period, as well as the approval of payments totaling $2,240,145.12.
In other business, the board:
• Approved a zoning amendment for Charles and Sharon Wiegrefe to rezone an area from the Agricultural Protection District to the Residential District in Caledonia Township. The Planning Commission recommended approval with one condition. The one condition being that the area shall contain only one buildable lot. There were no public comments.
• Approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for David Kingsley to operate a wedding and event venue in the Agriculture Protection District in Money Creek Township. The Planning Commission recommended approval with four conditions. Kingsley rebuilt an old dairy barn and plans to host some small weddings there, with a maximum capacity of 175 people, as recommended by the local fire marshal. The four conditions are: 1. Comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. 2. The county may enter onto the premises at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner to ensure the permit holder is in compliance. 3. No parking is allowed on Christianson Hill Road. 4. The maximum amplified music volume shall be 100 decibels outside of the venue, reducing to 80 decibels at midnight, with music ending no later than midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 p.m. on Sundays and Thursdays.
• Adopted Resolution 26-24 to submit the renewal amendment for the Root River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan.
• Approved the 2026 wage, salary, and benefit budget amendments. Finance Director Carol Lapham explained that the amendments are completed mid-year and will be reviewed again at the end of the year.
• Appointed Kelly Meyer, Dustin Schroeder and Craig Ihrke to the Economic Development Authority (EDA).
• Authorized a competitive search for one full-time deputy auditor-treasurer position, as presented by Human Resources Officer Brent Parker.
After the commissioners presented their board reports, the meeting was adjourned at 10:55 a.m. as there were no public comments.
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