Benton County, MN
Recent Benton County public meeting topics include contracts & procurement, budget & taxes, roads & infrastructure, resolutions & ordinances, planning & zoning, technology.
Topics found in recent meetings
- Contracts & procurement
- Budget & taxes
- Roads & infrastructure
- Resolutions & ordinances
- Planning & zoning
- Technology
- Permits & licensing
- Annexation
Recent Benton County meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes
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Official website pages
Benton CountyMN averageUS Census ACS
👤 Members & officials (17)
Members seen in recent official meeting records — names and roles as published.
Who’s on the Board of Adjustments
- Chad Erdmann
- Kevin Renslow
- Roy Schneider
- Stephen Ertl
Who’s on the Committee of the Whole
- Ed Popp — Commissioner
- Jared Gapinski — Commissioner
- Scott Johnson — Commissioner
- Steve Heinen — Commissioner
Who’s on the Planning Commission
- Carol Anderson
- Chris Vannurden
- Jerry Lang
- Warren Peschl
- Bruce Bonebright
- Kevin Renslow
- Mary Jo Holewa
- Scott Johnon
- Scott Johnson
Upcoming
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Tue Nov 3, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 3, 2026 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 3, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 3, 2026 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 3, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 3, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 17, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 17, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 17, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 17, 2026 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Dec 1, 2026 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Dec 1, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Dec 1, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Dec 1, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Dec 1, 2026 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Dec 1, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Dec 15, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Dec 15, 2026 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Dec 15, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Dec 15, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jan 5, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jan 5, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jan 5, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jan 5, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jan 5, 2027 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jan 5, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jan 19, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jan 19, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jan 19, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jan 19, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Feb 2, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Feb 2, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Feb 2, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Feb 2, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Feb 2, 2027 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Feb 2, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Feb 16, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Feb 16, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Feb 16, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Feb 16, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Mar 2, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Mar 2, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Mar 2, 2027 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Mar 2, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Mar 2, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Mar 2, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Mar 16, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Mar 16, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Mar 16, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Mar 16, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Apr 6, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Apr 6, 2027 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Apr 6, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Apr 6, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Apr 6, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Apr 6, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Apr 20, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Apr 20, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Apr 20, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Apr 20, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue May 4, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue May 4, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue May 4, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue May 4, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue May 4, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue May 4, 2027 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue May 18, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue May 18, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue May 18, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue May 18, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jun 1, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jun 1, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jun 1, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jun 1, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jun 1, 2027 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jun 1, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jun 15, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jun 15, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jun 15, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jun 15, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jul 6, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jul 6, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jul 6, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jul 6, 2027 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jul 6, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jul 20, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jul 20, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jul 20, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Aug 3, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Aug 3, 2027 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Aug 17, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Sep 7, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Sep 21, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Oct 5, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Oct 19, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 2, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 16, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Recent meetings
Tue Oct 20, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
Board considers outside counsel for CSAH 29 property acquisition
The Benton County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the appointment of outside counsel for a potential eminent domain action to extend CSAH 29. The board will also review several consent items including 2027 non-union health insurance and a financial audit contract.
- Appointment of outside counsel for potential eminent domain action to extend CSAH 29
- Statement of Work with CliftonLarsonAllen for 2026 Financial Statement compilation and audit
- Non-Union Health Insurance for 2027
- Request for letter of support to Elk River Landfill for a Certificate of Need
- Request to change payroll pay date from Thursday to Friday
roadslegalbudgethealth-insuranceland-services
✓ Decided: Board approves 2027 non-union wage adjustment and reallocates ARPA funds
The Benton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 10-item consent agenda, which included a 2027 general wage adjustment for non-union employees and the reallocation of ARPA funds for virtual meeting technology at the new Government Center. Commissioners also approved labor agreements on health insurance and state paid leave for LELS supervisory and clerical employees, alongside a BNSF railroad crossing agreement for County Road 79. Additionally, the board set dates for upcoming Committee of the Whole meetings and received informational briefings on the 2025 financial audit and facility projects.
- Approved 2027 general wage adjustment for non-union employees (5-0)
- Reallocated ARPA funds to virtual meeting technology for the new Government Center (5-0)
- Approved health insurance and MN Paid Leave agreements with LELS supervisory and clerical staff (5-0)
- Approved County Road 79 railroad crossing agreement with BNSF (5-0)
- Approved 2026–2027 Avivo contract for SNAP Employment Services (5-0)
- Approved 2027 Natural Resources Block Grant Agreement and SSTS funds payment (5-0)
- Approved Special Road Use Permit for the Hello Fall Festival (5-0)
- Approved schedule and locations for upcoming Committee of the Whole meetings (5-0)
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 9:00 AM
Regular Board Meeting
Foley City Hall
251 4th Ave N, Foley, MN
AGENDA
9:00 - Commissioner Steve Heinen, Board Chair
- Call to Order
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Roll Call
- Approve or Amend the Agenda
9:01 - Announcement by the Board Chair
County Board meetings are broadcast live and video recorded on YouTube. Please refrain
from speaking from the audience area and come to the podium so that viewers can hear you.
The County Board observes Roberts Rules of Order for its meetings, so please obtain the
Board Chair’s consent before addressing the County Board. Public comments are generally
reserved for the Open Forum segment or Public Hearings. However, public comment on other
agenda items may be allowed at the discretion of the Board Chair. As we begin today, please
turn off all cellphones or turn your cellphone to vibrate. Thank you.
9:02 - Open Forum Announcement by the Board Chair
- Public Input and/or Informational Matters Not Requiring Action by the Board
9:03 - Consent Agenda
1. Approve or Amend the Regular Board Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2026 (Administrator)
2. Approve or Amen …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 6, 2026
The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on October 6, 2026, in the Benton
County Board Room in Foley, MN. Call to order by Chair Heinen was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge
of Allegiance to the flag. A roll call showed Commissioners Pam Benoit, Ed Popp, Steve Heinen, Scott
Johnson, and Jared Gapinski present.
County Administrator Montgomery Headley requested to amend the agenda to add an update on a
Passport Office by the Auditor-Treasurer after the Consent Agenda at 9:03 AM. Headley also requested
to re-order the items under County Administrator at 9:05 AM to have the 2025 Audit Exit Meeting first,
and to consider the change order for a Government Center parking lot and 5th Avenue repaving second,
and to add a discussion on furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE) for the new Government Center.
Motion by Johnson and seconded by Gapinski to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried
unanimously.
No one was present to speak during Open Forum.
Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Benoit to approve Consent Agenda items 1 - 10: 1) approve the
Regular Board Meeting Minutes of September 15, 2026 as written and authorize the Chair to sign; 2)
approve the Memorandum of Agreement with LELS Non-Licensed Supervisors health insurance and MN
Paid Leave and authorize the Chair to sign; 3) approve the Memorandum of Agreement with LELS
Clerical Employees health insurance …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Tue Oct 20, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Oct 20, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Oct 20, 2026 · 09:00
Economic Development Authority
✓ Decided: Benton County EDA approves $140,000 loan for new office and shop facility
The Economic Development Authority approved a $140,000 revolving loan for Pallansch Prestige Properties, LLC. The funds will support the construction of a new corporate headquarters in Rice, MN, for MN Signature Care. The project is expected to create nine new full-time jobs.
- Approved $140,000 revolving loan for Pallansch Prestige Properties, LLC (unanimous)
- Approved June 16, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
251 4th Ave N, Foley
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
BENTON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)
MEETING MINUTES
JULY 7, 2026
Open the Meeting/Roll Call
EDA Chair Steve Heinen called the meeting to order at 9:43 AM. Members Pam Benoit, Ed Popp,
Scott Johnson, Steve Heinen and Jared Gapinski were present. Also present was Amanda
Othoudt, Executive Director of the Benton Economic Partnership; Montgomery Headley, Benton
County Administrator; and Beth Stay, Executive Assistant.
Approve/Amend the Minutes of June 16, 2026
Motion by Johnson and seconded by Benoit to approve the meeting minutes of June 16, 2026 as
written. Motion carried unanimously.
Consider the Pallansch Prestige Properties, LLC, Revolving Loan Request:
Next, Othoudt asked the EDA Board to consider a $140,000 Revolving Loan Fund request from
Pallansch Prestige Properties, LLC, to assist with construction of a new 6,768-square-foot office
and shop facility located at 150 9th Ave SE, Rice, MN. The building will serve as the corporate
headquarters for MN Signature Care, a long-term care operations management company
serving assisted living facilities throughout Greater Minnesota. The project represents a total
investment of approximately $1.28 million and is expected to create 9 new full-time jobs at an
average hourly wage of $33 per hour while establishing a long-term corporate presence in
Benton County. Mitch Pallansch of Pallansch Prestige Properties provided a brief description of
the services Pallansch Prestige Properties, LLC provi …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Tue Oct 6, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
Benton County Board to review 2025 audit, wage adjustment, and parking lot change order
The Benton County Board of Commissioners meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the Benton County Board Room in Foley. The board will take up a consent agenda covering union agreements, a 2027 wage adjustment for non-union employees, ARPA fund reallocation, and several contracts and permits. County Administrator Montgomery Headley will present a change order for Government Center parking lot and 5th Avenue re-paving, plus the 2025 audit exit meeting. Human Services Director Sandi Shoberg will present a child foster care recruitment video.
- Consent agenda includes a 2027 General Wage Adjustment for non-union employees
- Re-allocation of ARPA funding to Government Center virtual meeting technology
- Change order for Government Center parking lot and 5th Avenue re-paving
- 2025 Audit Exit Meeting presented by County Administrator
- Memorandums of Agreement with LELS for non-licensed supervisors and clerical employees on health insurance and MN Paid Leave
budgetauditlaborroadshuman-servicesarpafacilities
✓ Decided: Benton County Board approves multiple contracts and 2027 wage adjustments
The Board unanimously approved a consent agenda covering employee wage adjustments, health insurance agreements, and several service contracts. The Board also scheduled several upcoming Committee of the Whole meetings.
- Approved 2027 general wage adjustment for Non-Union employees (unanimous)
- Approved Memorandum of Agreement with LELS Non-Licensed Supervisors health insurance and MN Paid Leave (unanimous)
- Approved Memorandum of Agreement with LELS Clerical Employees health insurance and MN Paid Leave (unanimous)
- Approved re-allocation of ARPA Funding for Government Center virtual meeting technology (unanimous)
- Approved Special Road Use Permit for Hello Fall Festival (unanimous)
- Approved County Road 79 Railroad Crossing – BNSF Agreement (unanimous)
- Approved 2026-2027 Avivo Contract for SNAP Employment Services (unanimous)
- Approved 2027 Natural Resources Block Grant Agreement and SSTS Funds payment (unanimous)
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 9:00 AM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
Benton County Board of Commissioners/Benton County Ditch Authority
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/834170141
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 834-170-141
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
9:00 - Commissioner Steve Heinen, Board Chair
- Call to Order
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Roll Call
- Approve or Amend the Agenda
9:01 - Announcement by the Board Chair
County Board meetings are broadcast live and video recorded on YouTube. Please refrain
from speaking from the audience area and come to the podium so that viewers can hear you.
The County Board observes Roberts Rules of Order for its meetings, so please obtain the
Board Chair’s consent before addressing the County Board. Public comments are generally
reserved for the Open Forum segment or Public Hearings. However, public comment on other
agenda items may be allowed at the discretion of the Board Chair. As we begin today, pl …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 6, 2026
The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on October 6, 2026, in the Benton
County Board Room in Foley, MN. Call to order by Chair Heinen was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge
of Allegiance to the flag. A roll call showed Commissioners Pam Benoit, Ed Popp, Steve Heinen, Scott
Johnson, and Jared Gapinski present.
County Administrator Montgomery Headley requested to amend the agenda to add an update on a
Passport Office by the Auditor-Treasurer after the Consent Agenda at 9:03 AM. Headley also requested
to re-order the items under County Administrator at 9:05 AM to have the 2025 Audit Exit Meeting first,
and to consider the change order for a Government Center parking lot and 5th Avenue repaving second,
and to add a discussion on furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE) for the new Government Center.
Motion by Johnson and seconded by Gapinski to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried
unanimously.
No one was present to speak during Open Forum.
Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Benoit to approve Consent Agenda items 1 - 10: 1) approve the
Regular Board Meeting Minutes of September 15, 2026 as written and authorize the Chair to sign; 2)
approve the Memorandum of Agreement with LELS Non-Licensed Supervisors health insurance and MN
Paid Leave and authorize the Chair to sign; 3) approve the Memorandum of Agreement with LELS
Clerical Employees health insurance …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Tue Oct 6, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
Benton County Ditch Authority to discuss CD 9 erosion and CD 12 repairs
The Benton County Ditch Authority, made up of the county commissioners, meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the Benton County Board Room in Foley. The agenda includes approving minutes from September 1, 2026, an update on CD 14 and CD 9 maintenance, a discussion about CD 9 erosion, and a discussion about CD 12 repairs. All five commissioners may participate remotely under MN Statutes §13D.02.
- Consent agenda: approve or amend the Ditch Authority meeting minutes of September 1, 2026
- Update on CD 14 and CD 9 maintenance
- Discussion about CD 9 erosion
- Discussion about CD 12 repairs
- All five commissioners listed as eligible to participate remotely under MN Statutes §13D.02
ditch-authoritydrainageerosionmaintenanceinfrastructurebenton-county
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit
BENTON COUNTY DITCH AUTHORITY
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 9:00 AM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
Benton County Board of Commissioners/Benton County Ditch Authority
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/834170141
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 834-170-141
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
1.
Commissioner Scott Johnson, Benton County Ditch Authority Chair
- Call to Order
- Roll Call
- Approve or Amend the Agenda
2.
Open Forum Announcement by the Ditch Authority Chair
- Public Input and/or Informational Matters Not Requiring Action by the Ditch Authority
3.
Consent Agenda
1. Approve or Amend the Ditch Authority Meeting Mintues of September 1, 2026
4.
Regular Agenda
- Update to CD 14 & CD 9 Maintenance
- Discussion about CD 9 Erosion
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapins …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Tue Oct 6, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Oct 6, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
Health board to weigh food-access contract and Medica donation
The Benton County Community Health Board meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the Benton County Board Room in Foley. The board will consider a contract to increase food access and a resolution to accept a donation from Medica. It will also approve or amend its August 18, 2026 meeting minutes. All five commissioners are listed as possibly participating remotely.
- Consider a contract to increase food access
- Consider a resolution to accept a donation from Medica to the Community Health Board
- Approve or amend Community Health Board minutes of August 18, 2026
- Commissioner Steve Heinen chairs as Community Health Board Chair
- All five commissioners listed as eligible to attend remotely under MN Statutes §13D.02
public-healthfood-accessdonationscounty-boardminutes
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit
BENTON COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH BOARD
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 9:00 AM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
Benton County Board of Commissioners/Benton County Ditch Authority
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/834170141
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 834-170-141
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
1.
Commissioner Steve Heinen, Community Health Board Chair
- Call to Order
- Roll Call
- Approve or Amend the Agenda
2.
Consent Agenda
1. Approve or Amend the Community Health Board Meeting Minutes of August 18, 2026
3.
Jaclyn Litfin, Community Health Administrator and Public Health Director
- Consider a Contract to Increase Food Access.
- Consider a Resolution to Accept a Donation from Medica to Benton County Community
Health Board
4.
Adjourn
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapi …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Tue Oct 6, 2026 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Mon Oct 5, 2026 · 08:30
Committee of the Whole
✓ Decided: Board reaches consensus to pursue outside case management for complex client case
The Committee of the Whole discussed a draft health program collection policy and staffing adjustments. The board reached a consensus to pursue a no-cost agreement with Thomas Allen Inc. for specific case management services. No formal votes were taken as the meeting was a Committee of the Whole session.
- Consensus to pursue case management agreement with Thomas Allen Inc. at no cost to the County
- Consensus to further explore exchanging an Eligibility Specialist Lead position for a Social Worker position at a future budget meeting
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Committee of the Whole/October 5, 2026
1
HUMAN SERVICES/PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026
BENTON COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES 3RD FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM, FOLEY, MN
Present: Commissioners Scott Johnson, Steve Heinen, and Pam Benoit. Commissioners Jared Gapinski
and Ed Popp were absent. Heinen noted both Commissioner’s absence excused. Also present: Deb
Rieland, Ashley Moscho, Rachel Klemz, Lindsey Knosalla, Will Chew, Courtney Ferreira, Ken Pawlenty,
Nikki Knowles, Jaclyn Litfin, Monty Headley, Janel Sczublewski, Sandi Shoberg, Nina Wegman, Bethany
Erickson Oberg, and Beth Stay. The following were present at 9:30 AM: Tessa Willhelm, Emma Hanson,
Charles Uzochukwu, and Central Minnesota Alliance (CMA) Regional Coordinators Madelyn Backes and
Caleb Frauendienst.
Chair Heinen called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM.
Discussion of Draft Health Program Collection Policy:
Fiscal Services Supervisors Janel Sczublewski and Lindsey Knosalla, along with Eligibility Specialist Lead
Nina Wegman shared information regarding a draft Health Program Collection Policy. The draft policy
would establish guidelines for recovering Medical Assistance overpayments following the expiration of
COVID-related waivers. The proposed policy could pursue all fraud-related overpayments and non-fraud
overpayments of $5,000 or more. Investigating and calculating overpayments can require approximately
2 -4 hours per case, making recovery of smaller amounts resour …
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Thu Oct 1, 2026 · 00:00
Planning Commission
Benton County Planning Commission meets Oct 1 with no agenda items listed
The Benton County, MN Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a regular meeting at 7:00 PM on October 1, 2026. The supplied agenda text contains only the meeting time and a link to an agenda packet PDF; no specific items, decisions, or discussions are described in the text provided. Because the packet contents were not included in the source text, this summary cannot report what the Commission will consider.
planning-commissionbenton-countyagendalocal-government
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
7:00 P.M. Planning Commission Regular Meeting - 7:00 PM
Documents:
OCT 1 PC AGENDA PACKET LINKED.PDF
Tue Sep 15, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
Benton County Ditch Authority to review county ditch updates
The Benton County Board of Commissioners, acting as the Ditch Authority, will hold a routine meeting to approve the previous meeting's minutes and receive updates on county ditches. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.
- Approve or amend the Ditch Authority meeting minutes of August 18, 2026
- County Ditch Updates
drainagecounty-boardpublic-meeting
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit
BENTON COUNTY DITCH AUTHORITY
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 9:00 AM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
Benton County Board of Commissioners/Benton County Ditch Authority
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/834170141
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 834-170-141
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
1.
Commissioner Scott Johnson, Benton County Ditch Authority Chair
- Call to Order
- Roll Call
- Approve or Amend the Agenda
2.
Open Forum Announcement by the Ditch Authority Chair
- Public Input and/or Informational Matters Not Requiring Action by the Ditch Authority
3.
Consent Agenda
1. Approve or Amend the Ditch Authority Meeting Minutes of August 18, 2026
4.
Regular Agenda
- County Ditch Updates
5.
Adjourn
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Tue Sep 15, 2026 · 00:00
Board of Commissioners
Benton County Board agenda for Sept 15, 2026 lists only document links, no items
The supplied agenda text for the Benton County, MN Board of Commissioners meeting on September 15, 2026 contains only document titles and links to the agenda and packet PDFs, plus a 9:00 AM entry with no description. No specific decisions, contracts, ordinances, or public hearings are stated in the text provided. The actual business of the meeting would be in the linked PDFs, which were not included in the source text.
county-boardbenton-countyagendaminnesota
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
County Board Regular Meeting Agenda September 15, 2026
COUNTY BOARD AGENDA SEPTEMBER 15, 2026.PDF
County Board Regular Meeting Agenda And Packet September 15, 2026
COUNTY BOARD PACKET SEPTEMBER 15, 2026.PDF
1.
Documents:
1.I.
9:00 AM
Documents:
Tue Sep 15, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Sep 15, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
County board to adopt 2027 property tax levy and budget
The Benton County Board of Commissioners will consider adopting the proposed 2027 property tax levy and county budget, and set a Truth in Taxation public meeting. The board will also review several contracts, including a joint powers agreement with Stearns County for a law enforcement records system, and hear updates on the Government Center project and health insurance funding.
- Adopt proposed 2027 property tax levy and county budget
- Approve Joint Powers Agreement with Stearns County for Cooperative Law Enforcement Records Management System
- Approve contract with Correctional Dentistry LLC (Sheriff's Office)
- Consider authorization of consultant services for in-service bridge inspections
- Consider and authorize CSAH 2 utility relocation costs
budgetproperty-taxlaw-enforcementcontractsroadshealth-insurance
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 9:00 AM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
Benton County Board of Commissioners/Benton County Ditch Authority
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/834170141
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 834-170-141
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
9:00 - Commissioner Steve Heinen, Board Chair
- Call to Order
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Roll Call
- Approve or Amend the Agenda
9:01 - Announcement by the Board Chair
County Board meetings are broadcast live and video recorded on YouTube. Please refrain
from speaking from the audience area and come to the podium so that viewers can hear you.
The County Board observes Roberts Rules of Order for its meetings, so please obtain the
Board Chair’s consent before addressing the County Board. Public comments are generally
reserved for the Open Forum segment or Public Hearings. However, public comment on other
agenda items may be allowed at the discretion of the Board Chair. As we begin today, …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Tue Sep 15, 2026 · 00:00
Ditch Authority
Benton County Ditch Authority meets Sept. 15, 2026; agenda packet only
The Benton County, MN Ditch Authority is scheduled to meet on September 15, 2026. The supplied record consists only of the agenda and a packet document titled "DITCH AUTHORITY PACKET SEPTEMBER 15, 2026.PDF"; the agenda text itself lists no items beyond the meeting title. No decisions, contracts, dollar amounts, or public hearings are established by the text provided.
ditch-authoritybenton-countyminnesotadrainageagenda
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
1. Benton County Ditch Authority Meeting Agenda And Packet September 15, 2026
Documents:
DITCH AUTHORITY PACKET SEPTEMBER 15, 2026.PDF
Mon Sep 14, 2026 · 00:00
Board of Commissioners
Benton County Board's Sept. 14, 2026 special meeting was cancelled
The agenda text for the Benton County, MN Board of Commissioners special meeting scheduled for September 14, 2026 is marked cancelled. The only content shown is a list of cancelled documents: the special meeting agenda and packet PDFs. No items, decisions, or discussion topics are listed in the supplied text.
benton-countyboard-of-commissionerscancelled-meetingagenda
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Cancelled - County Board Special Meeting Agenda September 14, 2026
COUNTY BOARD AGENDA SEPTEMBER 14, 2026, SPECIAL MEETING.PDF
Cancelled - County Board Special Meeting Agenda And Packet September 14, 2026
COUNTY BOARD PACKET SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 SPECIAL MEETING.PDF
1.
Documents:
1.I.
Documents:
Thu Sep 10, 2026 · 08:00
Committee of the Whole
✓ Decided: Benton County Board reviews 2027 budget proposals and levy targets
The County Board reached consensus on several budget reductions and funding levels for outside agencies. Members discussed potential cuts to library funding and intermittent employee positions, though no final decisions were made on those items. The proposed budget will be considered at the September 15, 2026, Regular Board Meeting.
- Maintained funding reductions of $5,000 from RSVP, $1,700 from Smart Moves, and elimination of $3,000 for United Way
- Consensus to keep Great River Regional Library funding unchanged pending further MDE clarification
- Supported funding for SWAT Team equipment and a Public Health Supervisor position (contingent on eliminating a vacant position)
- Maintained decisions not to fund security screening, the DMV Lead position, and an additional part-time Detention Officer
- Supported establishing a County-wide process for intermittent employees to document work performed on timecards
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Committee of the Whole/September 10, 2026
1
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
BENTON COUNTY BOARDROOM, FOLEY, MN
Present: Commissioners Scott Johnson, Steve Heinen, Pam Benoit, Ed Popp, and Jared Gapinski (8:15
AM). Also present: Montgomery Headley, Susan Block, Beth Stay, and Kathy Reuter (9:15 AM).
Chair Heinen called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM.
Budget Changes Since the August 31st Budget COW:
County Administrator Montgomery Headley provided an update on changes to the proposed 2027
budget since the August 31st Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting. Headley reported that the
County’s health insurance funding projection has increased from the 10.7 % assumption used in the
base budget to 14.8%, primarily due to several large claims that are expected to have a significant
impact on reinsurance. The State’s Minnesota Paid Leave premium was finalized at 0.88%, rather than
the 1.1% statutory maximum previously budgeted, resulting in approximately $27,000 in savings and
bringing the overall budget starting point to an 11.8% levy increase. Headley also presented a proposal
to redirect approximately $130,000 previously designated for road and ditch maintenance under the
Wheelage Tax to the County’s major equipment fund. The change would eliminate the separate road
and ditch maintenance allocation and allow those needs to be funded through the Highway
Department’s existing maintenance budget, while providing additional funding for …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Thu Sep 10, 2026 · 00:00
Planning Commission
Benton County Planning Commission holds regular meeting Sept. 10, 2026
The Benton County, MN Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a regular meeting at 7:00 PM on September 10, 2026. The only item in the supplied agenda text is a link to the meeting packet PDF; no specific decisions, hearings, or action items are listed in the text provided. Because the packet contents were not included, this summary cannot describe what the Commission will actually decide or discuss.
planning-commissionbenton-countyagendalocal-government
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
7:00 P.M. Planning Commission Regular Meeting - 7:00 PM
Documents:
SEPT 10 PC AGENDA PACKET LINKED.PDF
Tue Sep 1, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Sep 1, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Sep 1, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
Board discusses Mayhew Lake battery storage project and various grant approvals
The Benton County Board of Commissioners will consider a position on the proposed 100MW Mayhew Lake Battery Energy Storage Project. The agenda also includes several items for the consent agenda regarding grants and agreements. A closed session for attorney-client discussion is scheduled.
- Proposed 100MW Mayhew Lake Battery Energy Storage Project in Sauk Rapids Township
- Safe and Secure Courthouse Grant
- U.S. Alliance of Election Excellence grant funding
- Community Support Program (CSP) Amended Grant Contract
- 2026 SCORE Grant Applications Round III
energygrantsgovernment-agreementsland-servicespublic-utilities
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 9:00 AM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
Benton County Board of Commissioners/Benton County Ditch Authority
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/834170141
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 834-170-141
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
9:00 - Commissioner Steve Heinen, Board Chair
- Call to Order
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Roll Call
- Approve or Amend the Agenda
9:01 - Announcement by the Board Chair
County Board meetings are broadcast live and video recorded on YouTube. Please refrain
from speaking from the audience area and come to the podium so that viewers can hear you.
The County Board observes Roberts Rules of Order for its meetings, so please obtain the
Board Chair’s consent before addressing the County Board. Public comments are generally
reserved for the Open Forum segment or Public Hearings. However, public comment on other
agenda items may be allowed at the discretion of the Board Chair. As we begin today, …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Tue Sep 1, 2026 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Sep 1, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Sep 1, 2026 · 00:00
Board of Commissioners
Benton County Board agenda for Sept. 1, 2026 lists only document links, no items
The supplied agenda text for the Benton County, MN Board of Commissioners regular meeting on September 1, 2026 contains only a title, two PDF document links (an agenda and a packet), and a numbered placeholder with no description. No decisions, contracts, ordinances, or public hearings are stated in the text provided. The actual business of the meeting, if any, would be in the linked PDFs, which were not included in the source text.
benton-countyboard-of-commissionersagendaprocedural
✓ Decided: Benton County defers position on 100MW battery storage project near Sauk Rapids
The Benton County Board of Commissioners deferred taking a formal position on NextEra Energy Resources' proposed 100MW battery energy storage system in Sauk Rapids, allowing the City and NextEra more time to negotiate before the September 14, 2026 PUC comment deadline. The Board approved a seven-item consent agenda, including a Safe and Secure Courthouse Grant, an election grant resolution, a Community Support Program contract amendment, SCORE Grant Round III applications, a 2027 solid waste fee certification, and a joint powers agreement with the BCA and State Court Administrator. Two residents raised property boundary and deed measurement concerns during Open Forum; the Board took no action but agreed to follow up. The Board also set future Committee of the Whole meetings and held a closed session on a potential conflict of interest involving a pedestrian crossing project in Rice.
- Approved consent agenda items 1-7, including August 18, 2026 minutes, Safe and Secure Courthouse Grant, election grant resolution, CSP contract amendment, SCORE Grant Round III, 2027 solid waste fee certification, and BCA/State Court Administrator joint powers agreement (unanimous)
- Deferred formal position on NextEra's 100MW battery storage project in Sauk Rapids by consensus; may hold special meeting before September 14 PUC comment deadline
- Set Committee of the Whole meetings: September 10, 2026 budget work session at 8:00 AM and October 20, 2026 road topics discussion at approximately 10:30 AM (unanimous)
- Closed session under MN Statutes §13D.05, Subd. 3(b) to discuss potential conflict of interest involving pedestrian crossing project in Rice (unanimous)
- Came out of closed session at 10:32 AM and ended closed session at 10:33 AM
- No action taken on two Open Forum property boundary concerns; Board agreed to follow up with residents
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
County Board Regular Meeting Agenda September 1, 2026
COUNTY BOARD AGENDA SEPTEMBER 1, 2026.PDF
County Board Regular Meeting Agenda And Packet September 1, 2026
COUNTY BOARD PACKET SEPTEMBER 1, 2026.PDF
1.
Documents:
1.I.
Documents:
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on September 1, 2026, in the Benton
County Board Room in Foley, MN. Call to order by Vice-Chair Scott Johnson was at 9:00 AM followed by
the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. A roll call showed Commissioners Pam Benoit, Ed Popp, Steve
Heinen (virtual), Scott Johnson, and Jared Gapinski present. Commissioner Chair Heinen turned the
meeting over to Vice-Chair Johnson, who presided over the meeting due to the Chair’s virtual
attendence.
Motion by Popp and seconded by Benoit to approve the agenda as written. Motion carried unanimously
per roll-call vote.
First to speak under Open Forum was Nicole Brekke of 5618 HWY 25 NE Foley, who raised a concern
regarding a historical property measurement issue that she stated has resulted in an adjacent parcel
being improperly assigned due to apparent errors in deed measurements from the centerline of the
highway. Brekke explained that the disputed parcel overlaps portions of her and her neighbor's
properties, including structures and a pool, and that the property records and historical documentation
support their ownership claims. Brekke stated that both she and her neighbor have contacted their title
insurance companies and legal counsel but have been unable to resolve the matter through those
avenues. Brekke requested guidance from the County regarding possible next steps to corr …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Mon Aug 31, 2026 · 08:00
Committee of the Whole
✓ Decided: Benton County Board reviews proposed 2027 budget reductions
The County Board reviewed approximately $1.269 million in proposed budget reductions and 2027 policy issue requests. No final budget was adopted; the board reached consensus on various reductions and scheduled a follow-up work session for September 1, 2026.
- Reached consensus on various budget reductions and funding levels during the review
- Scheduled additional budget and levy work session for September 1, 2026
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Committee of the Whole/August 31, 2026
1
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026
BENTON COUNTY BOARDROOM, FOLEY, MN
Present: Commissioners Scott Johnson, Steve Heinen (virtual), Pam Benoit, Ed Popp, and Jared Gapinski.
Also present: Montgomery Headley, Beth Stay, Christine Scherbing, George Fiedler, Jackie Traut, Troy
Heck, Susan Block, Jeff Dingmann, Jaclyn Litfin, Sandi Shoberg, Willie Swanson, Wesley Davis, Roxanne
Achman, Brian Folden, and Kristen Tschida.
Chair Heinen called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM.
Base Budget Since Completion of the Budget Book:
County Administrator Montgomery Headley reviewed the changes to the base budget since the
completion of the budget book, which included an update on MCIT insurance costs, noting that workers’
compensation premiums are expected to increase while property and casualty costs are expected to
decrease slightly. Final health insurance rates are still pending. The current estimate reflects a 10.7%
increase, with the final increase potentially ranging from 10.7% to 14.8%. If the final increase falls near
the midpoint, the estimated additional cost would be approximately $50,000.
Discussion and Consensus on Proposed Budget Reduction Options from Departments:
The County Board reviewed a total of approximately $1.269 million in proposed budget reductions, with
$600,000 proposed to be funded through reserves, leaving approximately $669,000 in reductions. The
purpose of the discussion was to …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Thu Aug 20, 2026 · 00:00
Board of Adjustments
Benton County Board of Adjustment meets Aug 20; agenda lists only a packet, no items
The Benton County, MN Board of Adjustment is scheduled to hold a regular meeting at 7:00 P.M. on August 20, 2026. The agenda text provided lists only the meeting title and a reference to an "AUG 20 BOA PACKET.PDF" document. No specific agenda items, applications, or decisions are described in the supplied text, so what the board will actually take up is not established here.
benton-countyboard-of-adjustmentlocal-governmentmeeting-agenda
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
7:00 P.M. Board Of Adjustment Regular Meeting
Documents:
AUG 20 BOA PACKET.PDF
Tue Aug 18, 2026 · 00:00
Community Health Board
Benton County Community Health Board meets Aug 18, 2026; agenda packet only
The Benton County Community Health Board is scheduled to meet on August 18, 2026. The only supplied text is a title line and a reference to a packet PDF; the agenda itself contains no listed items, so no decisions, contracts, or public hearings can be reported from this record. The packet document was not readable in the supplied text, so its contents are unknown.
public-healthcounty-governmentbenton-countymeeting-agenda
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
1. Benton County Community Health Board Meeting Agenda And Packet August 18, 2026
Documents:
COMMUNITY HEALTH BOARD PACKET AUGUST 18, 2026.PDF
Tue Aug 18, 2026 · 00:00
Ditch Authority
Benton County Ditch Authority meets Aug 18, 2026; agenda packet only
The Benton County, MN Ditch Authority is scheduled to meet on August 18, 2026. The supplied record consists only of the agenda and packet document title; no individual agenda items, decisions, or dollar amounts are stated in the text provided. As a result, what the body will decide or discuss at this meeting cannot be determined from the source.
ditch-authoritybenton-countyminnesotadrainageagenda
✓ Decided: Benton County Ditch Authority denies petition to remove two parcels from CD 10
The Ditch Authority voted 4-0 to deny John Brenny's petition to remove two parcels from the benefit roll for County Ditch 10, following a public hearing. The board found the evidence did not support answering "yes" to all three statutory criteria required for removal under Minnesota Statute §103E.805. Staff and legal counsel were directed to prepare findings and an order dismissing the petition, including responses to public comments. Commissioner Steve Heinen was absent.
- Approved the Ditch Authority Meeting Agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved the July 7, 2026 Ditch Authority Meeting Minutes as written and authorized the Chair to sign (unanimous)
- Denied the petition to remove two parcels from the CD 10 benefit roll; directed legal counsel and staff to prepare findings and an order dismissing the petition (4-0 roll call vote; Benoit, Popp, Johnson, Gapinski aye; Heinen absent)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
1. Benton County Ditch Authority Meeting Agenda And Packet August 18, 2026
Documents:
DITCH AUTHORITY PACKET AUGUST 18, 2026.PDF
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
BENTON COUNTY DITCH AUTHORITY
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026
BENTON COUNTY BOARDROOM
The Benton County Ditch Authority met in regular session on August 18, 2026, in the County Boardroom
in Foley, MN with County Board members Pam Benoit, Ed Popp, Jared Gapinski and Scott Johnson
present. Commissioner Steve Heinen was absent. Chair Johnson noted Heinen’s absence excused. Also
present was Montgomery Headley, County Administrator, Adam Ritsche, Environmental Technician-
Ditch Inspector, Christine Scherbing, Auditor-Treasurer, Beth Stay, Executive Assistant, and Attorney
John Kolb of Rinke Noonan (virtual).
Ditch Authority Chair Scott Johnson called the meeting to order at 9:36 AM.
Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Popp to approve the Ditch Authority Meeting Agenda as
presented. Motion carried unanimously.
No one was present to speak during the Ditch Authority Meeting Open Forum.
Motion by Benoit and seconded by Popp to approve Consent Agenda item #1: 1) approve the Ditch
Authority Meeting Minutes of July 7, 2026, as written and authorize the Chair to sign. Motion carried
unanimously.
Next, Johnson announced that Attorney John Kolb of Rinke Noonan (virtual) would be presenting a
public hearing regarding the Petition for Removal from County Ditch (CD) 10. Kolb provided an overview
of the public hearing regarding the petition submitted by John Brenny for removal of two parcels from
the benefit roll for CD 10. Kolb explained that Minnesota Statute §103E.805 g …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Showing the 30 most recent meetings of 75 on record.
🌐 County-level context (Benton County)
County-level context — from BLS, IRS, FEMA, HUD, Census. These figures cover the whole county this city sits in, not just the city itself.
Net migration-122 people (-$7.8M net AGI · 2023)
Federal disasters (10 yr)2 ({"Flood": 6, "Severe Storm": 3, "Biological": 2, "Drought": · last Tue Apr 7, 2020)
Traffic fatalities7 (1 pedestrian · 2024)
Business establishments975 (16,944 employees · 2023)
Fair Market Rent (2BR)$1,151/mo (522 assisted households · 2025)
Adults with low literacy14.1% (low numeracy 23% · 2017)
Sources: BLS LAUS, IRS SOI, FEMA, NHTSA FARS, Census CBP, HUD, NCES PIAAC
City profile
Everything below is drawn from this city’s own public record and primary-source government data. AI-written summaries are a finding aid, not a citable quote.
139
Permitted housing units
Outcomes — economic mobility
source: Opportunity Atlas (Harvard) · research useFor kids who grew up here in low-income households, their adult household-income rank (0–1). The average hides a gap by race:
Research-only layer, shown here for context — not included in the CC BY 4.0 bulk download.
Where it’s happening
geocoded land-use decisions🗺 Interactive map
Every rezoning, development approval, and permit — explore the geocoded records in the research explorer.