Next year’s proposed operating budget for Houston County was unanimously approved at the commission meeting on Tuesday, September 24. The county’s Truth and Taxation meeting is scheduled for December 10 at 6 p.m.
Interim Administrator/Finance Director Carol Lapham provided the board with a spreadsheet comparing the levies. The levy was approved at the September 17 commission meeting. Each commissioner also received a copy of the proposed 2025 operating budget. “Our total expenditure budget is $37,672,890 and total revenues are $37,585,597,” explained Lapham. “This leaves the county with a $87,293 budget deficit.” According to Lapham, there will be more discussion before the final level and the budget is set in December.
Commissioner Severson said, “The one thing that really helped us was that change in tax capacity, with all the new properties and buildings and stuff like that coming on the rolls. That is the positive side of it. As long as things are happening in the area, and as long as people can keep building, that will continue to help us when it comes to taxation.”
Chairman Eric Johnson called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led his colleagues and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioners present included Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Bob Schuldt, and Greg Myhre. Commissioner Robert (Bob) Burns was absent.
Based on the length of the approved agenda, commissioners jokingly mentioned that they expected the meeting to end in less than 30 minutes. They also approved the minutes from the September 17 council meeting as presented.
Chairman Johnson asked if there were any public comments. Being none, he informed the board that the appointment scheduled for 9:05 a.m. with SMIF (Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation) Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Vitality Alissa Oeltjenbruns was postponed until a later date.
Chairman Johnson asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda, which included the resignation of Diane Schulze, HCBS (Home & Community Based Services) Social Worker. Commissioner Schuldt thanked Schulze for her 25 years of service to the residents of Houston County. The staff was given the go ahead and begin a competitive search for an HCBS Social Worker. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
In other business, the board:
- Adopted Resolution No. 24-37, authorizing County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski to execute the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) grant agreement for airport improvement, excluding land acquisition.
- Approved the proposal from Bolton & Menk to start the design work on the airport’s T-hanger and advertise for quotes. The total cost is $60,000.
- Reviewed and unanimously approved paying the bills as presented by Lapham.
Since there were not a lot of minutes, commissioners did not have have a lot to report.
The board went into a closed session at 9:23 a.m. to continue the conversation on labor negotiations. The board returned announcing that no action was taken.
Before adjourning the meeting Chairman Johnson asked if there were any public comments. Hearing none, the meeting was adjourned.
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