Chippewa County public meetings in 2025

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to conduct year-end business, including the approval of the 2026 budget and levy. The board will also consider wages and contracts for the Sheriff, County Attorney, and Commissioners.

• Approval of 2026 Budget and Levy
• Approval of 2026 County Attorney Contract
• Approval of 2026 Sheriff wages
• Approval of 2026 legal newspaper bid
• Montevideo Foundation Grants for Veterans Service Event and Restorative Justice

The Chippewa County Board unanimously approved a final net levy of $17,172,017 for 2026, an 8.25% increase over 2025. It also approved cost‑of‑living adjustments for non‑union employees, commissioners, and the sheriff, as well as the county attorney contract and the legal newspaper bid. The budget for 2026 was adopted and a pedestrian crossing contract was awarded to Ti‑Zack Concrete.

• Approved 2026 final net levy of $17,172,017 (8.25% increase) – unanimous
• Approved 3.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for non‑union employees – unanimous
• Approved 3.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for commissioner wages, chair stipend $1,250 and meeting per diem $125 – unanimous
• Approved 3.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for the Sheriff position – unanimous
• Approved county attorney services contract $442,247 and victim services $70,000 – unanimous
• Approved legal newspaper bid (Clara City Herald host) – unanimous
• Approved 2026 budget (General surplus $983,564, Highway deficit $3,881,102, etc.) – unanimous
• Awarded pedestrian crossing bid to Ti‑Zack Concrete for $434,616.43 – unanimous

County Commissioners

The Chippewa County Board will approve the minutes from the Dec. 2 meeting and consider several consent agenda items, including a contract for family services, a depository resolution, an EFT authorization, and accounts payable. Public hearings will be held on the 2026 fee schedule and 2026 drainage assessments. Additional updates and requests, such as a property tax penalty abatement request and a highway update, will be discussed.

• Family Services Contract with Countryside Public Health
• Public Hearing: 2026 Fee Schedule
• Public Hearing: 2026 Drainage Assessments
• Property Tax Penalty Abatement Request
• Closed Session: IT Director Performance Evaluation

The Chippewa County Board unanimously adopted the 2026 fee schedule after a public hearing and approved the 2026 drainage assessment rates. The Board also approved a $5,000 wellness budget for 2026, a $4,700 contract with Meier Electric for emergency power equipment, a $282.21 penalty abatement, and authorized hiring for a vacant social‑worker position. Donations for the Adopt‑A‑Family program were accepted and the Emergency Management Performance Grant was added to the consent agenda.

• Adopt 2026 fee schedule – unanimous vote
• Approve 2026 drainage assessment rates – unanimous vote
• Approve $5,000 wellness budget for 2026 – unanimous vote
• Approve $4,700 contract with Meier Electric for emergency power – unanimous vote
• Approve $282.21 penalty abatement – unanimous vote
• Authorize advertising and hiring for vacant social‑worker position – unanimous vote
• Accept donations for Adopt‑A‑Family program – unanimous vote
• Add Emergency Management Performance Grant to consent agenda – unanimous vote

County Commissioners

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will meet on December 2, 2025. The agenda includes approving the minutes from the November 18 meeting, reviewing 2026 tobacco license applications, and discussing the County IV-D cooperative agreement for 2026. Additional items are an accounts payable review and updates from the highway department, sheriff’s office, and Heritage Haven program.

• Approve minutes of the November 18, 2025 meeting
• Consider 2026 tobacco license approvals
• Review 2026 County IV-D cooperative agreement
• Accounts payable review
• Highway update presentation

The commissioners approved the meeting agenda and a series of consent items. They voted not to enact an ordinance limiting shotgun use for the 2026 hunting season. The board also approved a personnel policy amendment on FMLA leave, fuel supply contracts, and the purchase of a rebuilt transmission for the County Ford Edge, and directed solicitation of quotes for a full downtown building roof replacement.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Decided not to enact shotgun zone ordinance for 2026 hunting season (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of rebuilt transmission for County Ford Edge and to solicit labor quotes (unanimous)
• Approved personnel policy amendment to make use of accrued leave optional during FMLA (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 fuel bids to listed suppliers (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items: November 18 minutes, 2026 tobacco licenses, child support enforcement agreement (unanimous)
• Closed public meeting to discuss purchase of property 13-129-4400 (unanimous)
• Directed solicitation of quotes for full downtown building roof replacement (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review several service contracts and a property sale to the Clara City EDA. The meeting includes updates on drainage, human resources, and a property acquisition request from U.S. Fish & Wildlife.

• Sale of tax-forfeited property to the Clara City EDA
• CCM Health Clinical Supervision Contract
• Daycare Licensing Contracts for Big Stone and Lac qui Parle Counties
• Yellow Medicine County Vulnerable Adult Investigative Service Contract
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife property acquisition request

The commissioners unanimously approved the agenda and a wildlife habitat easement certification for parcel 15-027-2100. They also approved a series of consent‑agenda items, including the sale of tax‑forfeited property to Clara City EDA and several service contracts. The board adopted personnel‑policy revisions to implement Minnesota paid‑leave starting Jan 1 2026.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved certification of wildlife habitat easement on parcel 15-027-2100 (unanimous)
• Approved consent‑agenda items: minutes of Nov 4 meeting, sale of tax‑forfeited property to Clara City EDA, CCM Health Clinical Supervision Contract, Big Stone County Daycare Licensing Contract, Lac qui Parle County Daycare Licensing Contract, Yellow Medicine County Vulnerable Adult Investigative Services Contract, Woodland Centers Purchase of Services Contract (unanimous)
• Adopted personnel‑policy updates for Minnesota Paid Leave effective Jan 1 2026 (unanimous)
• Directed Ag/Drainage Inspector to schedule public hearing Dec 16 2025 for final approval of 2026 drainage assessments

County Commissioners

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will consider a consent agenda that includes approving the minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting and four service contracts: MFIP, Woodland Centers, ISD 129 Election, and the 2026 First Stop Health contract. Additional scheduled items are updates on the courthouse water heater, Woodland Centers, highway projects, the sheriff’s office, Heritage Haven, and drainage repairs. A closed‑session will be held to evaluate the License Bureau Director.

• Approve minutes of the regular meeting on October 21, 2025
• MFIP Service Contract
• Woodland Centers Service Contract
• ISD 129 Election Contract
• 2026 First Stop Health Contract

The commissioners unanimously approved the agenda and a series of consent‑agenda items, including contracts for water‑heater replacement ($7,390), crack‑filling work ($75,550), and a $32,829 purchase of crack‑fill material. They also approved the resolution supporting Clara City’s 2026 Street and Utility Improvement Project and authorized the transfer of $193,088.49 in federal grant funds to the City of Granite Falls. Additional approvals included repair work for County Ditch #52 up to $14,690 and advertising for two Lead Communication/Correction Sergeant positions.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved water‑heater replacement contract $7,390 (unanimous)
• Approved crack‑filling contract $75,550 to Lot Pros, Inc (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of crack‑fill material $32,829 (unanimous)
• Approved pass‑through of $193,088.49 federal grant to City of Granite Falls (unanimous)
• Approved resolution supporting Clara City 2026 Street and Utility Improvement Project (unanimous)
• Authorized repairs to County Ditch #52 up to $14,690 (unanimous)
• Authorized advertising for two Lead Communication/Correction Sergeant positions (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve minutes, accounts payable, and contracts, including a 2026 Parenting Time Center agreement. The agenda includes updates on finances, roads, and restorative justice, as well as closed sessions regarding litigation and employee evaluations.

• Closed Session: Wal-Mart Litigation
• 2026 Parenting Time Center Contract for Services
• Kim Saterbak: Quarterly Financial Update
• Jeremy Gilb: Highway Update
• Closed Session: Annual Evaluation of Ag/Ditch Inspector

The commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda and several contracts, including a grant for a pedestrian crossing and a $162,209.76 construction award. They also approved a bond agreement for the Local Bridge Replacement Program and a $56,462 professional services contract for the County Landfill permit. Additional actions included a 10% wage stipend for JoAnn Blomme and promotion of the Ag/Drainage Technician to Grade 7.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Countryside Public Health grant for CROP program (unanimous)
• Approved Federal grant agreement for pedestrian crossing (unanimous)
• Awarded $162,209.76 bid to John Riley Construction (unanimous)
• Approved bond agreement for Local Bridge Replacement Program (unanimous)
• Approved $56,462 Stantec contract for County Landfill permit (unanimous)
• Offered 10% wage stipend to JoAnn Blomme with 90‑day check‑in (unanimous)
• Adjusted Ag/Drainage Technician to Grade 7 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the Capital Improvement Plan. The board will also receive updates on downtown building design, highway projects, and a market study.

• Public Hearing: Capital Improvement Plan
• Downtown Building Design presentation by Klein McCarthy Architects & Contegrity
• Tax Forfeiture Public Auction and Update
• Woodland Centers Family Based Counseling Services Contract
• Market Study Update by Tessia Melvin

The County Commissioners approved a five‑year capital improvement plan to fund the downtown Family Services building renovation, authorizing future issuance of general‑obligation bonds up to $5,000,000. They also approved a cooperative construction agreement with MNDOT, a $103,559.09 purchase of a John Deere tractor, and a $19,298 water‑heater spending limit pending further quotes. Additional actions included adopting the victim‑services contract, abating $1,282.86 in personal‑property taxes, and approving a joint powers agreement for criminal‑justice data access.

• Approved agenda (unanimous vote)
• Approved Victim Services Contract (unanimous vote)
• Authorized spending up to $19,298 for courthouse water heater if needed and to obtain more quotes (unanimous vote)
• Approved Cooperative Construction Agreement with MNDOT (unanimous vote)
• Authorized purchase of John Deere tractor for $103,559.09 (unanimous vote)
• Adopted five‑year Capital Improvement Plan and authorized future GO bonds up to $5,000,000 (unanimous vote)
• Approved joint powers agreement with State of Minnesota for criminal‑justice data network (unanimous vote)
• Authorized replacement of Family Services social‑worker position (unanimous vote)

County Commissioners

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will meet to review the 2026 preliminary levy and insurance funding. The agenda includes updates on FEMA flood maps and family services, as well as a closed session for the Engineer's performance evaluation.

• 2026 Preliminary Levy
• 2026 Insurance Funding
• UMVRDC JPA to Manage PACE Revolving Loan Fund
• MACCRAY Transportation Agreement
• US Bank Tri-Party Agreement

The Board unanimously approved the 2026 preliminary levy, setting a truth‑in‑taxation hearing for December 16, 2025. It also scheduled a public hearing on October 7, 2025 to consider a capital improvement plan and the issuance of general‑obligation bonds. Additional actions included approving a wage increase for County Engineer Jeremy Gilb, purchasing a $47,713.12 mowing machine, adopting insurance plan changes, and authorizing a tri‑party trustee agreement for the solid‑waste disposal revenue bond.

• Approved 2026 preliminary levy; hearing set Dec 16, 2025 (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing Oct 7, 2025 for capital improvement plan and bonds (unanimous)
• Authorized wage increase for County Engineer Jeremy Gilb effective Jan 1, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 15‑ft batting mower from Wildung Implement for $47,713.12 (unanimous)
• Approved insurance recommendations: higher deductible, 7% health funding increase, 10% dental rate increase for retirees (unanimous)
• Approved quote for asbestos inspection from MAAC, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved joint powers agreement with UMVRDC for managing PACE revolving loans (unanimous)
• Approved tri‑party agreement appointing US Bank as trustee for solid‑waste disposal revenue bond (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The commissioners approved the meeting agenda by unanimous vote. They received an update from FEMA on additional flood‑plain mapping and discussed its potential impact on residents and farmers. No further actions or votes were taken before adjourning the meeting.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous vote)

County Commissioners

The commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda, a final payment of $11,375.17 to John Riley Construction, and the purchase of three overhead door openers for $5,257. They also authorized the purchase of a replacement air‑conditioning unit for the server room at the lowest quoted price and approved the consent agenda items, including meeting minutes, a MFIP service agreement, and vendor payments totaling $117,696.99.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved final payment $11,375.17 to John Riley Construction (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of three overhead door openers for $5,257.00 (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of replacement server‑room air‑conditioning unit at lowest quote (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items: August 19 minutes, August 26 minutes, 2026‑2027 MFIP Service Agreement, and vendor payments total $117,696.99 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The commissioners approved the agenda by unanimous vote. Staff presented a preliminary 2026 levy draft and budget outlines for the Highway and Trails, General Fund, Ditch Fund, and Family Services. The board discussed the draft information and asked for additional details at the next regular meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (unanimous vote)
• Requested additional budget and levy information for next regular meeting
• Adjourned meeting

County Commissioners

The commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda and a payment of $815 for drone repairs. They also approved a two‑year transportation contract with the Montevideo School District and amended the bridge replacement priority list. Additional unanimous approvals included a contract with Widseth for engineering services, a detour agreement for Trunk Highway 212, the purchase of a $14,093 UTV, and a revised joint powers agreement for public health services.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved $815 payment for drone repairs (unanimous)
• Approved two‑year Montevideo School District transportation contract (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution amending bridge replacement priority list (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Widseth for bridge engineering services (unanimous)
• Approved detour agreement for Trunk Highway 212 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of Action Sports UTV for $14,093 (unanimous)
• Approved revised joint powers agreement for public health services (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and several consent items, including lease contracts and the economic development payment to Montevideo. It accepted a low‑bid $47,506 contract to replace a section of the Chippewa County‑Montevideo Library roof. The board also approved using MetLife to administer paid family medical leave and authorized a $67,000 Toward Zero Deaths grant agreement. Additional actions included hiring Klein McCarthy Architects for Family Services renovations and allocating $2,000 for a trailer and $100 for a wood splitter for the Sentence to Serve program.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted $47,506 low‑bid roof replacement contract for Library (unanimous)
• Approved MetLife administration agreement for paid family medical leave (unanimous)
• Authorized $67,000 Toward Zero Deaths grant agreement (unanimous)
• Authorized advertising and continuation of Sentence to Serve program through 2025 (unanimous)
• Entered agreement with Klein McCarthy Architects for Family Services renovation (unanimous)
• Directed purchase of $2,000 trailer and $100 wood splitter for Sentence to Serve program (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items including lease contracts, economic development payment, and personnel administration system (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to acquire 97.6 acres in Tunsberg Township for a State Wildlife Management Area. They also set a preliminary 2026 levy of $90,000 and approved the purchase of software for Family Services. An amendment to the 2025 fee schedule for childcare licenses was adopted, and a request for a $2 per‑capita economic‑development contribution was tabled for future consideration.

• Approved acquisition of 97.6 acres for State Wildlife Management Area (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary 2026 levy of $90,000 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of Family Services software ($31,314 plus $3,861 annual fee) (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to 2025 fee schedule for childcare license fees (unanimous)
• Tabled request for $2 per‑capita economic‑development contribution (~$10,800) (unanimous)
• Adopted Title VI Plan required for federal grant funds (unanimous)
• Closed public meeting for attorney‑client privilege discussion (unanimous)
• Opened public meeting after closed session (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The commissioners unanimously approved the agenda and the consent agenda, which included the June 17 meeting minutes and a list of vendor payments totaling $197,323.93. They also approved legislative fee increases for marriage licenses, well certificates and marriage amendments effective July 1, 2025, and directed staff to develop a job description and wage level for a Sentence to Serve crew leader. Additional actions included directing Ms. Blomme to gather more information on property address issues and ordering ATC May and Sheriff Olson to collect information on jail roof repairs.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous vote)
• Approved consent agenda items, including vendor payments (unanimous vote)
• Approved legislative fee increases for marriage licenses, well certificates and amendments (unanimous vote)
• Directed staff to develop job description and wage for Sentence to Serve crew leader (unanimous vote)
• Directed Ms. Blomme to gather more information on logical property addresses (decision)
• Directed ATC May and Sheriff Olson to gather information on jail roof repairs (decision)

County Commissioners

The board unanimously adopted the Housing Trust Fund Ordinance and approved an $8,500 match for the Permanent Supportive Housing Grant. It also approved the 2025‑2029 Highway Engineer contract, increased burial policy costs, hired a market‑study firm, and authorized various purchases and vendor payments totaling $581,661.91.

• Adopted Chippewa County Housing Trust Fund Ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved $8,500 match for Permanent Supportive Housing Grant (unanimous)
• Approved 2025‑2029 Highway Engineer Agreement with Jeremy Gilb (unanimous)
• Increased casket cost to $775 and grave liner to $1,250 with 3% annual increase (unanimous)
• Hired David Drown Associates for market study at approx. $27,000 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of Highway Department materials $8,467.80 (unanimous)
• Approved vendor payments totaling $581,661.91 (unanimous)
• Approved manure pipeline permit for Riverview LLP at Grace Dairy (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners met on June 5, 2025 to hear a housing study presented by Bolton & Menk. Commissioners discussed the findings and recommendations, but no motions, approvals, or votes were recorded. The meeting was then adjourned.

County Commissioners

The Board unanimously adopted the County Highway 5‑Year Plan. It also approved a $2,700 appropriation for Safe Avenues in 2025, final payments of $179,164.11 to R&G Construction and $103,964.70 to Knife River Corporation, and promoted Kevin Enevoldsen to Assistant Engineer. Additionally, the Board approved the performance evaluation of Angela Arndt with a step increase effective May 16, 2025.

• Approve agenda (unanimous vote)
• Approve 2025 Safe Avenues appropriation $2,700 and acknowledge 2026 request (unanimous)
• Approve final payment $179,164.11 to R&G Construction (unanimous)
• Approve payment $103,964.70 to Knife River Corporation (unanimous)
• Adopt 5‑year Highway Plan (unanimous)
• Approve consent agenda items including minutes and vendor payments (unanimous)
• Promote Kevin Enevoldsen to Assistant Engineer, effective June 1, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approve Angela Arndt performance evaluation and step increase, effective May 16, 2025 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda, which included a $700,000 General Obligation Note for septic system upgrades. They also approved a resolution authorizing the State’s acquisition of property in Grace Township. The board directed a public hearing notice for the Housing Trust Fund Ordinance and authorized a half‑tax refund for parcel 14‑012‑3100.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items: minutes, MPCA loan resolution and $700,000 General Obligation Note for septic upgrades, Badge Policy (unanimous)
• Approved DNR resolution to acquire property in Grace Township (unanimous)
• Directed posting of public hearing notice for Housing Trust Fund Ordinance on June 3 (unanimous)
• Authorized refund of half of property taxes for parcel 14-012-3100 (unanimous)
• Directed County Engineer to invoice owner for CSAH 6 bridge work (unanimous)
• Approved revised MAE State Recovery policy (unanimous)
• Approved step increase to Grade 19, Step 11 for Family Services Director effective May 3 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The commissioners adopted a resolution to implement Chippewa County Septic System Upgrade III. They also approved a property‑tax abatement for Dan Grube, authorized hiring a child‑protection social worker, and purchased a new disc mower for $17,495. All motions were passed by unanimous vote.

• Adopted Resolution to Implement Chippewa County Septic System Upgrade III (unanimous)
• Approved Property Tax Abatement for Dan Grube (unanimous)
• Authorized hiring of a child‑protection social worker (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of New Holland disc mower from Tjosvold Equipment for $17,495.00 (unanimous)
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Morrison County for secure file transfer site at $220 per year (unanimous)
• Approved engagement agreement with Taft, Stettinius, & Hollister for legal services (unanimous)
• Accepted petition and appointed viewers for redetermination of benefits on County Ditch 42 and 33 (unanimous)
• Authorized redetermination of benefits for County Ditch 73 and appointed viewers (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The board unanimously approved the Findings & Order authorizing the reroute of Improvement Branch 8 of County Ditch 11. It also adopted the 2024 Solid Waste Management Plan, approved a grant to study the county landfill, and authorized purchase of an 18‑foot utility trailer. Additionally, the consent agenda items—including appointment of the county engineer, law‑enforcement contract, and several grant agreements—were approved unanimously.

• Approved Findings & Order authorizing reroute of Improvement Branch 8 of County Ditch 11 (5-0)
• Adopted 2024 Solid Waste Management Plan (5-0)
• Approved grant agreement to study Chippewa County Landfill (5-0)
• Authorized purchase of 18‑foot utility trailer from Renville Sales for $4,873.50 (5-0)
• Directed culvert replacement on County Ditch 68, estimated cost $29,498 (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items: minutes, appointment of Jeremy Gilb as County Engineer, donation to Sheriff’s Office, Law Enforcement Labor Services Contract 2025‑2027, Prime West Behavioral Health Participation Agreement, Fraud Prevention Investigation Grant Agreement, County Building Energy Audit Contract and Grant with UMVRDC, County Problem Materials Collection Event (5-0)
• Approved vendor payments exceeding $2,000 as listed (5-0)
• Closed public hearing on ditch reroute (5-0)

County Commissioners

The commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda, entered a closed session to discuss current litigation, and then opened the public meeting. The meeting was subsequently adjourned. No substantive policy or budget decisions were made.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Entered closed session for litigation discussion (unanimous)
• Opened public meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The commissioners unanimously approved the low bid from John Riley Construction to replace two box culverts (project SAP 012-599-119 and 012-599-120) for $227,863.20. They also approved purchase of inmate health monitoring sensors for about $12,500, and allocated the remaining $76,000 of Tribal Consistency Funds to governmental services. Additional approvals included a field‑approach variance, right‑of‑way plats, and permits for a fiber‑to‑the‑premise project.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items: March 18 minutes, Extension Committee appointment, seasonal Land Resource hire (unanimous)
• Approved vendor payments totaling $85,136.86 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of inmate health monitoring equipment (~$12,500) funded by CROP Grant (unanimous)
• Approved John Riley Construction culvert replacement contract for $227,863.20 (unanimous)
• Approved field‑approach variance for CR‑37 with condition to remove existing access (unanimous)
• Approved recording of right‑of‑way plats for CSAH 4 reconstruction (unanimous)
• Approved permits for Hanson Communications fiber‑to‑the‑premise project (unanimous)