Clearwater County public meetings in 2025
27 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board
The Board approved 2026 salary increases for the Sheriff, Auditor/Treasurer, Attorney, and Recorder, as well as Commissioner pay. They authorized $170,005.39 in opioid settlement disbursements to various local agencies and approved several highway and emergency equipment purchases.
- Approved 2026 Commissioner salary of $23,441.36 and $100 per diem
- Approved 2026 salary increases for Sheriff ($129,612.80), Auditor/Treasurer ($129,731.32), Attorney ($130,640.00), and Recorder ($90,464.00)
- Disbursed $170,005.39 from Opioid Settlement fund to seven local applicants
- Approved 2026 Highway Department Budget
- Approved project plan changes for County Highway 7 (2029) and County Highway 12 (2030)
- Approved $124,863.00 contract with R.J. Zavoral & Sons, Inc. for City of Bagley Park Road Improvement
- Approved purchase of Civil 3D subscription ($24,105.63) and Trimble GPS equipment ($37,415.00)
- Approved weather siren upgrades for Gonvick ($6,184.28) and Clearbrook ($6,185.98)
Board
The Board approved the 2026 tax levy with a total gross levy of $7,992,326. It also approved fiscal year 2026 budgets for Public Health, Solid Waste Management, and various Revenue Fund departments. Several liquor licenses and a non-union pay increase were also authorized.
- Approved 2026 tax levy with total gross levy of $7,992,326
- Approved FY 2026 Public Health and Solid Waste Management Fund budgets
- Approved 8% plus $0.50 per hour pay increase for non-union employees effective Jan 1, 2026
- Authorized $132,798.90 in payments from the County Revenue Fund
- Approved transferring $370,000 from Riparian Department to Sentence to Serve, Landfill Development, Equipment Account, and Water Plan
- Approved 2026 liquor licenses for Hoot Owl Resort, Sportsman’s Lodge, and Knutson’s Store
- Approved purchase of 2012 Polaris PRO RMK snowmobile for $3,250.00
- Tabled 2026 salary resolutions for Auditor/Treasurer, Attorney, Sheriff, Recorder, and Commissioners
Board
The Board approved the meeting agenda and held a closed session to evaluate five department heads. Auditor-Treasurer Al Paulson discussed potential commissioner pay increases and rural land price increases for 2026, but no action was taken on these items.
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Conducted closed session evaluations for Dan Hecht, Patty Flaa, Bruce Cox, Dan Suave, and Lisa Syverson
Board
The Board authorized several high-cost vehicle and equipment purchases for the Highway Department and Environmental Services. It also approved contracts for emergency management planning and accepted donations for the Emergency Operations Center.
- Approved $126,243.00 for a 2025 John Deere 335P Skidsteer
- Approved $86,427.40 for a Crafco Super Shot 250 Diesel Melter Base Unit
- Approved $51,760.40 plus tax/fees for a 2026 Chevrolet 2500HD Silverado
- Approved $47,062.91 for a Bobcat T66 Compact Track Loader (including trade-in)
- Approved $8,482.00 contract with U of M U-Spatial to update Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Accepted $7,500.00 donation from Enbridge Fueling Futures Grant
- Accepted $1,000.00 donation from Clearwater Polk Electric
- Adopted revised workplace accident and injury reduction policy (AWAIR)
Board
The Board authorized the purchase of two 2026 Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles and upfitting costs. They also approved a starting wage increase for the Watercraft Inspection Program and finalized payment for a pavement markings project.
- Authorized purchase of two 2026 Dodge Durango Pursuit AWD vehicles for $80,864.00
- Authorized vehicle upfitting costs not to exceed $40,000
- Approved 2026 starting wage increase for Watercraft Inspection Program to $15.50 per hour
- Approved payment of Clearwater County Highway Department bills
- Accepted Certificate of Performance for CP 25-100 Pavement Markings and authorized final payment to Sir Lines-A-Lot, LLC
- Authorized payment of $105,935.85 in invoices from the County Revenue Fund
Board
The Board authorized payments from the County Revenue and Public Health funds. It also approved the repurchase of a specific land parcel by U.S. Bank Trust Company.
- Authorized payment of $32,674.51 from the County Revenue Fund
- Authorized payment of $17,687.07 from the Public Health Fund
- Approved repurchase of parcel 23.306.0270 by U.S. Bank Trust Company for $1,597.16
- Approved October 14, 2025 Board Minutes with a correction
Board
The Board approved several staffing hires and equipment contracts. They authorized payments for highway bills and county invoices totaling over $378,000.
- Approved $78,390.00 contract with Eagleview for two aerial flights
- Approved $6,425.00 agreement with Vanguard CAMA Systems for licenses and test module
- Hired Jennifer Bockness as part-time appraiser (1,040 hours/year)
- Authorized hiring of Maizie Kingbird as full-time Communications Corrections Officer
- Hired Kristin Larson as Legal Secretary at $22.08 per hour
- Approved payment of Clearwater County Highway Department bills
- Authorized payment of $366,939.28 from County Revenue Fund and $12,043.13 from Public Health Fund
Board
The Board approved a proposal for a feasibility assessment and conceptual design of a demolition landfill site. Commissioners discussed a potential contracting agreement between the City of Bagley and the Sheriff's Department but requested a public meeting before deciding.
- Approved $32,150 proposal from Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for demolition landfill feasibility assessment
- Approved September 16, 2025 Board Minutes
- Approved meeting agenda
Board
The Board authorized a new inmate medical services contract and approved several payments for county services. They also filled a part-time maintenance position and approved repairs for a veteran handicap van.
- Authorized $395,860 annual jail health care contract with Wellpath
- Authorized hiring Eric Anderson as part-time Solid Waste Collection Site Maintenance Worker
- Approved $4,944.90 for Veteran handicap van repairs
- Authorized payment of $67,417.19 from County Revenue Fund and $6,765.55 from Public Health Fund
- Approved September 9, 2025, Board Minutes
- Approved September 9, 2025, Unorganized Township Board Minutes
Board
The Board approved the 2026 levy totaling $7,992,326 for Truth-In-Taxation purposes and established health insurance cost schedules for 2026. Other actions included authorizing a hazardous building repair order and approving several equipment purchases. A bill for Veterans handicap van repairs was tabled.
- Approved 2026 Levy for Truth-In-Taxation with a total gross levy of $7,992,326
- Approved 2026 health insurance monthly cost schedules for employees, retirees, and COBRA members
- Approved resolution ordering repair or removal of hazardous building at 24755 County Road 2, Shevlin
- Approved 3-year contract for RTVision Timecard Solution ($12,910 year 1; $7,160 years 2 and 3)
- Authorized $1,850 purchase of Carlyle air compressor for Alida Shop
- Approved $3,073.43 for Bonded Lock & Key to install locksets in auditor's office
- Authorized payment of $137,398.56 from County Revenue Fund and $13,635.75 from Public Health Fund
- Tabled bill for Veterans handicap van repairs in the amount of $4,944.90
Board
The Board approved a contract for a firestar shutter installation and authorized over $113,000 in invoice payments. A proposal to combine law enforcement coverage with the City of Bagley was tabled.
- Approved $10,400 contract with North Country Overhead Door for Assessor's office shutter
- Authorized payment of $100,456.97 in invoices from County Revenue
- Authorized payment of $12,984.94 in invoices from Public Health Fund
- Approved 2025 Tobacco License for Bagley Petroleum Inc.
- Tabled discussion on combining City of Bagley and County law enforcement coverage
Board
The Board authorized the installation of mandated security systems for the Sheriff, Attorney, and IT offices. It also approved the hiring of two Communications Corrections Officers and a Solid Waste Collection Site Maintenance worker. Additionally, the Board adopted a revised Emergency Action Plan for OSHA and MNOSHA compliance.
- Approved security systems for Sheriff ($2,134.50), Attorney ($12,220.25), and IT ($1,352.25) offices plus a $500 camera (4-1)
- Authorized hiring of Eric Fultz as full-time Communications Corrections Officer
- Authorized hiring of Jon Fisk as full-time Communications Corrections Officer
- Authorized filling vacant Solid Waste Collection Site Maintenance position at Grade 8
- Adopted new revision of the Emergency Action Plan for OSHA and MNOSHA compliance
- Approved Clearwater County and City of Bagley Agreement for SAP 015-600-013 (Tad Pole Loop Northwest)
- Authorized payment of $303,891.67 from County Revenue Fund and $49,670.89 from Public Health Fund
- Approved Clearwater County Highway Department bills
Board
The Board authorized the purchase of a concrete breaker for Environmental Services and appointed a new Information Technology Specialist. The Board also approved the July 15th meeting minutes and the current agenda.
- Approved $5,499.50 purchase of Erskine Attachments concrete breaker model 750 from Pink’s Repair
- Approved appointment of Myles Duit as Information Technology Specialist at $28.39 per hour
- Approved July 15th, 2025, Board Minutes
- Approved the meeting agenda
Board
The Board approved several maintenance contracts for the courthouse and jail, including exterior wall repairs and sidewalk work. The Board also voted to restructure the County Attorney's Office by replacing a vacant attorney position with a legal assistant role.
- Approved $210,120 contract with S&Y Bemidji, Inc. for courthouse and jail exterior repairs
- Approved $5,500 contract with Bellefy Concrete for south parking lot sidewalk replacement
- Approved $2,750 contract with Bellefy Concrete for ADA-compliant sidewalk extension to Clearwater Avenue
- Approved $163,673.42 in County Revenue Fund invoices and $20,460.54 in Public Health Fund invoices
- Approved payment of Clearwater County Highway Department bills
- Eliminated vacant third Attorney position and created second full-time Legal Office Assistant position
Board
The Board established an Opioid Steering Committee and appointed 13 members and two public members. The Board also appropriated $25,000 from the Opioid Settlement Fund to Public Health for committee administrative expenses.
- Established Opioid Steering Committee and appointed members (carried)
- Appropriated $25,000 from Opioid Settlement Fund to Public Health (carried)
- Authorized $187,655.91 in payments for the County Revenue Fund (carried)
- Approved Education Identity and Access Management Board Resolution (carried)
- Authorized moving Maiingan Johnson to part-time Communications Corrections (carried)
- Signed the Clearwater County Safety Program Policy Statement
- Approved June 17th Board Minutes (carried)
- Approved June 17th Board of Equalization Minutes (carried)
Board
The Board approved the hiring of a casual employee to transport veterans. They also authorized payments for the County Revenue and Public Health funds.
- Hired Douglas Lindgren as a casual employee for the County Veterans Service Office at $21.65 per hour
- Authorized $40,699.17 in payments for the County Revenue Fund
- Authorized $2,651.31 in payments for the Public Health Fund
- Approved the June 10th, 2025 Board Minutes
Board
The Board approved several personnel actions, including the hiring of a Public Health Coordinator and a summer employee for Long Lake Park. The Board also authorized payments for county funds and the purchase of IT software and emergency radios.
- Authorized Paul Toriseva to work up to 16 hours per week at the County Attorney’s Office
- Approved Clearwater County Highway Department bills
- Authorized payments of $101,218.12 (County Revenue Fund) and $17,809.18 (Public Health Fund)
- Approved hiring Jennifer Haman as part-time Public Health Coordinator at Step 7
- Approved purchase of 9 radios from Roger’s Two Way Radio for $60,570.00 via MDH grant
- Approved step increase for Patricia Flaa to Range 22 step 9 effective June 24, 2025
- Authorized purchase of NinjaOne software for $6,990.00
- Approved hiring Alibi Risland for summer work at Long Lake Park
Board
The Board of Commissioners approved the hiring of an Engineering Operations Manager and a public access maintenance worker. They also updated the employee screening process and accepted a vehicle donation for disabled veterans.
- Hired Camron Herriman as Engineering Operations Manager (Range 24, Step 1)
- Hired Eli Shegrud to maintain public accesses (Range 1, Step 8)
- Approved $54,634.18 for County Revenue Fund and $14,272.35 for Public Health Fund invoices
- Approved updated wording for Section 2.4.2 Final Screening Process
- Approved Hepatitis B Vaccination Offer for employees and new hires
- Accepted donation of 2012 Honda Odyssey Van for disabled Veteran transportation
- Approved May 13, 2025 Board Minutes
Board
The Board approved the 2025 Sheriff’s Office Fee Schedule and authorized payments totaling $219,931.04 for the County Revenue and Public Health funds. Several personnel changes were approved, including two promotions to full-time Communication Corrections Officers. A motion to hire S&Y Bemidji, Inc. for courthouse and jail exterior work was tabled.
- Adopted 2025 Sheriff’s Office Fee Schedule
- Promoted Aimy Hoiland to full-time Communication Corrections Officer
- Promoted Maiingan Johnson to full-time Communication Corrections Officer
- Authorized $197,455.44 payment for County Revenue Fund and $22,475.60 for Public Health Fund
- Authorized use of WEX Bank Fleet Card Services for County vehicle fuel
- Accepted Resolution for Tribal Transportation Facility Bridge Program Grant to replace Bridge 15501 on CSAH35
- Hired Travis Peterson as part-time Abstractor effective May 27, 2025
- Tabled motion to hire S&Y Bemidji, Inc. for courthouse and jail exterior work
Board
The Board approved the hiring of four seasonal employees for Long Lake Park and appointed Amelia Linehan to the Auditor-Treasurer Clerk position. The Board also approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from April 15, 2025.
- Approved hiring Laura Dahl, Marinda McRunnel, Amy O’Beirne, and Claire Haugen for Long Lake Park summer work
- Approved hiring Amelia Linehan to Auditor-Treasurer Clerk position (Range 8 Step 8) effective May 5, 2025
- Approved April 15, 2025 Board Minutes
- Approved meeting agenda
Board
The Board approved several updates to the County Personnel Policy, including bereavement leave and salary disclosure requirements. They also authorized payments for county invoices and a specific vendor, and accepted a water safety grant.
- Authorized Sheriff to sign $2,317.00 State of Minnesota Annual Boat and Water Safety Grant
- Authorized payment of $106,949.73 for County Revenue Fund and $15,689.02 for Public Health Fund
- Approved adding MN Statute 181.173 Subd 2 regarding salary ranges in job postings to Personnel Policy
- Approved updating Section 11.5 Bereavement Leave to 16 hours for immediate and 8 hours for extended family
- Approved updated meal reimbursement rates effective April 15, 2025
- Approved Personnel Policy changes recommended by labor attorney Ann Goering
- Approved payment to Green Pro Solutions in the amount of $2,580.96
- Approved removal of Nursing Service (Gonvick) from section 2.3.3 under Employment
Board
The Board approved a multi-million dollar contract for bituminous milling and surfacing and authorized several new hires across county departments. They also approved tax abatements for two properties and the repurchase of a parcel by a private citizen.
- Awarded $6,528,706.35 road surfacing contract to R.J. Zavoral & Sons, Inc.
- Approved hiring Patricia Loy and Matthew Amescua as Communications Corrections Officers
- Approved appointments of Allen Deshane and Jonathan Quandt to IT Specialist positions
- Approved tax abatements for Stonegate Apartments and Clearbrook Elevator
- Approved repurchase of parcel 17.032.0400 by Bryan Pederson for $3,460.82
- Authorized sale of 1997 Gulf Stream TTL Camper at May 10th auction
- Accepted donation of 2013 Chevy 1500 from Enbridge for Emergency Management
- Approved $198,627.81 in Revenue Fund and $31,442.17 in Public Health Fund invoices
Board
The Board awarded a pavement marking contract to Sir Lines-A-Lot, LLC and authorized the hiring of seven Communications Corrections Officers. They also approved an office desk purchase and various fund invoices. The Engineering Operations Manager position was tabled for further discussion.
- Awarded pavement marking contract CP-25-100 to Sir Lines-A-Lot, LLC for $89,280.80
- Authorized hiring of Cody Loy (full-time CCO)
- Authorized hiring of Kelsey Meartz (full-time CCO)
- Authorized hiring of Lani Thorssen (full-time CCO)
- Authorized hiring of Maiingan Johnson (part-time CCO)
- Authorized hiring of Matt Hruby (part-time CCO)
- Authorized hiring of Taylor Schock (part-time CCO)
- Authorized hiring of Amy Hoiland (part-time CCO)
Board
The Board authorized the hiring of an Assistant County Attorney and an Engineering Technician. It approved several equipment purchases for the Sheriff's office and a new email retention policy. The Board also authorized payments for county invoices and completed highway projects.
- Authorized hiring Seth Keysor as Assistant County Attorney effective April 7, 2025
- Approved $60,000 annual hosting and $15,000 setup fee for Aumentum Platform Tax System
- Approved $17,490 purchase of Eventide voice/call logging system from 911 Budget
- Approved $5,941.75 purchase of two key card controllers from 911 budget
- Approved Clearwater County Email Retention Policy effective March 11, 2025
- Authorized payment of invoices totaling $135,276.08 (Revenue Fund) and $17,515.57 (Public Health Fund)
- Authorized final payments to Vogt Dirt Service, LLC for projects CP 24-600 and CP 24-200
- Hired Thomas Morinville as Engineering Technician II (Grade 16, Step 5)
Board
The Board authorized the hiring of a legal secretary and a deputy sheriff. They also approved the purchase of a commercial dishwasher for the jail and authorized payments for county fund invoices.
- Hired Paul Toriseva as Legal Secretary at 8 hours per week (Grade 11, step 1)
- Authorized hiring of Wyatt Swenson as full-time deputy sheriff pending licensing and background check
- Approved $4,836.41 purchase of a Culinex commercial dishwasher for the jail using jail canteen funds
- Authorized payment of $119,204.79 for the County Revenue Fund
- Authorized payment of $8,173.71 for the Public Health Fund
- Authorized advertising for the Information Technology Specialist position
Board
The Board authorized four labor agreements effective through 2027 and increased the commercial solid waste service fee. Other actions included hiring four new county employees and authorizing the demolition of a tax forfeit house.
- Increased SW-2 Commercial solid waste fee from $75/ton to $92/ton
- Approved demolition of tax forfeit house parcel #23.304.0300 for $1,660
- Authorized sale of 47 cubic yard compactor roll-off container to Beltrami County for $14,000
- Approved labor agreements with Teamsters Local 346, Teamsters Local 320, and Minnesota Nurses Association
- Hired Joely Roberts, Lilliya Harper, Erin Fox, and Taylor Englestad
- Approved Always Staffing contract for 2025 AIS season
- Authorized payment of $168,674.40 for County Revenue Fund and $27,692.52 for Public Health Fund
- Approved repurchase of parcel 23.308.0250 by Armondo Corona for $557.31
Board
The Board authorized the purchase of a new truck chassis and dump body equipment for the Highway Department. They also approved several highway project advertisements and payments for county funds.
- Approved purchase of 2025 Freightliner 114 SD Tandem Axle Truck Chassis from Boyer Trucks, Inc. for $135,861.24
- Approved purchase of one Dump Body, Hoist and Snow and Ice Equipment from Bert’s Truck Equipment for $149,649.00
- Approved County State Aid Highway Funds Advance Resolution
- Authorized advertisement for project CP-25-100: Pavement Markings (letting date March 11, 2025)
- Authorized advertisement for multiple Bituminous Milling & Bituminous Surfacing projects
- Approved $122,281.88 in payments for the County Revenue Fund
- Approved $34,034.57 in payments for the Public Health Fund
- Approved payment of Clearwater County Highway Department bills as presented