At the February 24 meeting, the Houston County Board of Commissioners discussed the county’s quarter/quarter rule at the request of Chair Greg Myhre. The discussion was tabled and will be revisited at the May 3 commission meeting to allow Commissioner Cindy Wright to participate.
The current rule limits development in agricultural districts to one dwelling per 40-acre quarter/quarter section. Chair Myhre emphasized his interest in preserving farmland while exploring options that would allow families to build a house next to their parents, or on abandoned farm sites.
During public comment, John Beckman of Houston Township spoke on behalf of the Houston Township Officers Association, urging the board to maintain the county’s current quarter/quarter rule. Beckman said the association met on Monday night and voted unanimously to support keeping the rule unchanged, noting that the drawbacks of changing it would far outweigh any benefits.
The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by Chairman Greg Myhre followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners present were Eric Johnson, Kurt Zehnder, Bob Schuldt, plus Chairman Myhre. Commissioner Cindy Wright was absent.
Commissioners approved the meeting agenda on a motion by Commissioner Kurt Zehnder, seconded by Commissioner Eric Johnson. Minutes from the February 17 regular county commission meeting were also approved unanimously.
Under appointments, Auditor/Treasurer Polly Heberlein reviewed the county’s cash balances and investments through December 31, 2025, which she does twice a year. She reported total bond and certificate of deposits holdings of $10,637,207.86. There are 54 investment accounts and on average they earn 3.87%. The average per investment is a bit short of $200,000 each. The 54 accounts are spread between three brokers and two local banks. The county’s checking and money market savings totaled approximately $4,200,000 as of December 31. Heberlein said, “Interest income in 2025, on the checking account, CDS, and bonds came in at $540,000.”
The consent agenda included one personnel item: approval of the change in employment status for Nicole Karl, eligibility worker, from probationary to regular, effective March 2, 2026. The consent agenda was unanimously approved.
Several action items were approved by the board. Commissioners accepted the 2026 Community Clinic Grant Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Health in the amount of $13,873. Jordan Knoke, Public Health Supervisor/CS Administrator was authorized to sign the grant agreement. The grant will support Children’s Dental Services in Houston County.
The board also approved participation in the Garden-in-a-Box Program through the Minnesota State Horticultural Society. The department was awarded three garden boxes that include plants, seeds, soil, raised beds, and educational materials. The gardens will be located at the Community Services Building, with produce distributed to individuals served by public health programs and the boxes will be maintained by community health workers and other participants.
Commissioners approved the purchase of a skid steer for the John Deere 324G from RDO Equipment for $59,437.20. Midwest Machinery submitted a competing quote totaling $64,000.
Finance Director Carol Lapham was on hand to answer questions before claims and payments were approved.
Coordinator Brent Parker explained the county submitted the MariBell transmission resolution and cover letter to the Minnesota Public Utilities. It has not been posted. Parker said he received confirmation that everything went through. Other people are having trouble making comments and not being received. The problem is being worked on, and residents are encouraged to make sure their comments were received.
Mark Klinski of Union Township, who is also a member of the Houston County Township Officers Association, said that he believes the commission is capable of discussing more than four items at one time. He announced that the township association plans to hold its annual meeting on either April 6 or 7, but nothing has been finalized and said the commissioners will be given ample notice. Klinski said he hopes all the townships will conduct a straw poll on the quarter/quarter rule at their annual meetings.
There were two reminders on the agenda. March 3 public hearing at 6 p.m. in the Houston County Justice Center regarding the use of rifles for deer hunting and the upcoming career fair on March 11 at the La Crescent Area Event Center.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 a.m.
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