Koochiching County, Minnesota

County Board of Commissioners

The Koochiching County Board and Development Authority will meet to address financial reports, personnel changes, and infrastructure bids. The Board is considering a public hearing for ambulance subsidies and a request for 2027 IRRRB economic development funding.

• Setting a public hearing on Ambulance Service District Subsidy
• Resolution to request 2027 IRRRB Economic Development Funding
• Review and award bid for Motor Pool Chevrolet Equinox
• Authorization to secure easements for SAP 036-601-016
• Approval of Small City Grant Appropriation from GNTL Taxes

County Board of Commissioners

The board will consider routine approvals including claims, hires, and service agreement renewals. They will also hold a public hearing for property tax appeals as the County Board of Equalization at 6 p.m. Additionally, the Committee of the Whole will discuss the 2027 budget schedule.

• Accept resignation of Jail Cook and approve to fill vacancy
• Approve renewal of Northland Counseling AFC Housing Support Agreement
• Approve County Election Appointments
• Consider authorizing RFQ for engineering services for drinking water planning
• 2027 Budget Schedule discussion in Committee of the Whole

County Board of Commissioners

The Koochiching County Board will approve routine claims, personnel actions (including a jail cook resignation and multiple hires), and several housing support agreement renewals. Commissioners will consider authorizing an RFP for engineering services for drinking water planning. The evening Committee of the Whole will discuss the 2027 budget schedule, and the Board of Equalization will hear property tax appeals.

• Approve payment of the 2nd half budget allocations
• Accept resignation of Jail Cook and approve to fill vacancy
• Approve renewal of Northland Counseling AFC Housing Support Agreement
• Consider authorizing RFP for engineering services for Drinking/Potable Water Comprehensive Planning/Design
• 2027 Budget Schedule discussion in Committee of the Whole

The Board authorized two highway department contracts for striping and asphalt repair projects. Personnel changes including a promotion and two separations were also approved.

• Approved agenda (3-0)
• Approved June 9, 2026 minutes (3-0)
• Approved Owen Amundson promotion to full-time E911 Dispatcher/Correction Officer
• Approved Charles Phillips employment separation (3-0)
• Noted hire of Jeremi Giddens as temporary/seasonal Environmental Services Transfer Station Laborer
• Noted hire of Kory Williams as full-time Transfer Station Operator
• Approved FY2027 County Veterans Service Office Operational Enhancement grant application (3-0)
• Awarded $62,905.87 striping contract to Sir Lines A Lot (3-0)

County Board of Commissioners

The Koochiching County Board will hold a regular meeting on June 9, 2026, to approve routine financial and personnel actions, consider a grant for boat and water safety, authorize seeking bids for a new motor pool vehicle, and discuss two major items in Committee of the Whole: Statewide Affordable Housing Aid and an Ambulance Subordinate Service District Subsidy. The meeting includes public teleconference access.

• Approve 2026 Boat and Water Grant for Sheriff Department
• Authorize Complex Director to seek bids for new motor pool vehicle
• Discuss Statewide Affordable Housing Aid in Committee of the Whole
• Discuss Ambulance Subordinate Service District Subsidy in Committee of the Whole
• Approve publication and recruitment for Citizens Budget Committee in Districts 1 and 4

The Board approved May payment listings totaling $4,506,068.59 and payroll/ACH payments of $2,237,294.15. Additional actions included approving a training reimbursement contract, recruitment for the Citizen Budget Committee, and authorizing bids for vehicle replacement and repair.

• Approved May summarized payment listing of $4,506,068.59 (3-0)
• Approved May payroll and ACH payments of $2,237,294.15 (3-0)
• Approved Courthouse claims of $39,650.23 (3-0)
• Approved Highway claims of $431,282.96 (3-0)
• Approved JET training reimbursement contract for Pamela Jensen (3-0)
• Approved recruitment for Citizen Budget Committee members (3-0)
• Authorized bids for a new Public Health and Human Services SUV and repairs for vehicle 114 (3-0)
• Approved $6,772.00 DNR Boat and Water grant (3-0)

County Board of Commissioners

The County Board will first hold a public hearing at 9:00 a.m. on the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) project list, then convene its regular meeting at 9:30 a.m. to consider approving an updated LOST project list, setting a public hearing on an ambulance service district subsidy, and acting on various personnel, contracts, and administrative items.

• Public hearing on Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) project list
• Consider approving updated Local Option Sales Tax project list (Highway Dept. item D.1)
• Approve setting public hearing on ambulance service district subsidy
• Consider approving lease agreement for Veterans Service Office
• Approve Opioid Toolkit, committee application and request for proposal document

The Koochiching County Board adopted a resolution to continue the one‑half percent local option sales tax for transportation and directed the County Administrator to certify it to the state. The board also approved a lease for the Veterans Service Office, a solid‑waste management plan amendment, and a $10,000 contract change order for the Big Falls demolition landfill closure.

• Adopted resolution continuing the 0.5% sales tax for transportation (unanimous)
• Approved five‑year lease of office space for Veterans Service Office at $1,250/month (unanimous)
• Approved amended Northeast Minnesota Regional Solid Waste Management Plan (unanimous)
• Approved $10,000 engineering consulting change order for Big Falls demolition landfill closure (unanimous)
• Approved LG220 exempt gambling permit for Rainy River Community College Foundation raffle (unanimous)
• Approved Opioid Toolkit and related grant documents (unanimous)
• Approved Courthouse, Highway, and Public Health claims totaling $157,735.59 (unanimous)
• Approved employment separation of Mya Gilbertson and back‑fill vacancy (unanimous)

County Board of Commissioners

The Koochiching County Board will hold a regular meeting on May 12, 2026, with routine approvals of minutes, financial listings, and payroll. Notable items include a Borderland Treatment Court presentation and a proclamation for Treatment Court Month, as well as approval of nuisance beaver trappers and hired truck rental for the Highway Department. The Committee of the Whole will discuss a Veterans Services update, budget reviews, and a commissioner appreciation BBQ.

• Borderland Treatment Court presentation
• Proclamation of Treatment Court Month
• Approval of 2026 Nuisance Beaver Trappers
• Approval of 2026 Hired Truck Rental
• Budget reviews (2025 Q4 and 2026 Q1) in Committee of the Whole

The Koochiching County Board approved an on‑sale intoxicating liquor license for True North LLC (3796 Hwy 53, International Falls) for the period May 13 – Oct 31 2026. The board also adopted a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Treatment Court Month, approved various financial payments, and awarded low‑bid contracts for nuisance beaver trapping and hired truck rentals. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved agenda addition to consider True North LLC liquor license (unanimous)
• Approved April 2026 payment listings totaling $3,073,845.44 (unanimous)
• Approved April payroll and ACH payments totaling $1,573,517.50 (unanimous)
• Approved Courthouse claims $78,477.20 and Highway claims $88,810.35 (unanimous)
• Approved void of warrant #61133 ($75.00) and #61114 ($416.14) (unanimous)
• Adopted proclamation declaring May 2026 Treatment Court Month (unanimous)
• Approved True North LLC on‑sale liquor license (unanimous)
• Awarded low bids for 2026 nuisance beaver trappers (unanimous)

County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider several personnel hires and promotions and review IT equipment quotes. The meeting includes authorizing bids for road striping and repair projects and deciding on four land use permits. Members will also set a public meeting date to update the Local Option Sales Tax project list.

• Award Calcium Chloride bid to Edwards Oil
• Authorize bids for CP 2026-01 Striping and CP 2026-02 Crack Seal and Mastic Repair
• Conditional Use Permits CUP #20261345 (Carney), CUP #20261353 (Snider), and CUP #20261355 (Sims)
• Interim Use Permit IUP #20261353 (Snider)
• Quote for Virtual Machine Hosts and Modular Smart Array

The Koochiching County Board approved a series of contracts, permits, and agreements, including the new MnCCC Joint Powers Agreement and several conditional use permits. All motions were carried with unanimous votes except one 4‑1 vote to fill a sheriff deputy vacancy. No motions were denied or tabled.

• Approved Courthouse and Highway claims totaling $403,763.10 (5-0)
• Approved void of warrant #60853 for $3,000.00 (5-0)
• Approved hiring of Craig Westin (temp) and John Heppner (full‑time) (5-0)
• Approved filling vacant Sheriff Deputy position (4-1)
• Appointed Commissioner McIntyre to NCLUB (5-0)
• Approved new MnCCC Joint Powers Agreement and By‑Laws (5-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Tony Zook residential porch project (5-0)
• Approved combined rezoning and conditional use permit for commercial trucking business (5-0)

County Board of Commissioners

The Koochiching County Board will consider a range of items, including approval of an off‑site gambling application, financial reports, and several human‑resources actions. It will also vote on a boat and water grant for the Sheriff’s Department, authorize highway department bids for services, and approve an environmental services contract for lake inspections. Public comment, a university extension presentation, and other updates are scheduled before adjournment.

• Approve Off‑Site Gambling Application
• Approve 2026 Boat and Water Grant (Sheriff’s Department)
• Authorize Highway Department to seek bids for hired trucks, propane delivery, nuisance beaver services, and calcium chloride
• Award Bid SAP 036‑636‑009
• Contract AIS Inspection for Lake Kabetogama and Ash River

The commissioners voted to move the County’s investment management services from Bremer Wealth to UBS Financial. They also adopted a Dark Sky Week proclamation, approved a $30,000 emergency‑preparedness service contract, and authorized a supplemental equipment grant for rock markers. Additional actions included authorizing highway quotes, awarding a mill and overlay road project, and entering an AIS inspection agreement.

• Approved UBS Financial as depository and transferred investment services from Bremer Wealth (5‑0)
• Adopted International Dark Sky Week proclamation (5‑0)
• Approved purchase of service agreement with Paramount Planning Group for public health emergency preparedness, up to $30,000 (5‑0)
• Approved Minnesota DNR supplemental equipment grant for rock and no‑wake markers, $4,863 county funds and $113.91 state funds (5‑0)
• Authorized Highway department to seek quotes for trucks, propane, beaver services, and calcium chloride (5‑0)
• Awarded SAP 036‑636‑009 mill and overlay project and full‑depth reclamation (5‑0)
• Authorized agreement with North St. Louis County Soil and Water Conservation District for AIS watercraft inspection program (5‑0)
• Approved purchase of ATV trail clean‑up bags, $500 (5‑0)

County Board of Commissioners

The Koochiching County Board of Commissioners will discuss the creation of an ambulance subordinate service district and the appointment of a steering committee to negotiate an ambulance contract. The board will also consider a lease request from the City of International Falls for law enforcement center space.

• Resolution to create Ambulance Subordinate Service District
• Lease request from City of International Falls for Law Enforcement Center space
• Authorization to seek bids for hired trucks, propane delivery, nuisance beaver services, and calcium chloride
• Repurchase of tax-forfeited property
• Amended Remote Work Policy

The board approved a resolution establishing a Subordinate Service District for the International Falls Ambulance Service Area. It also appointed commissioners and staff to negotiate the ambulance contract and approved a lease counter‑offer for the Law Enforcement Center space. Additional actions included repurchasing tax‑forfeited properties, authorizing equipment purchases, and approving a congressional spending application for an emergency training facility.

• Approved creation of Subordinate Service District for International Falls Ambulance Service Area (5-0)
• Appointed Commissioners Roche, Sjoblom, Administrator Coe and Attorney Naglosky to negotiate ambulance contract (5-0)
• Approved counter‑offer lease of Law Enforcement Center space to City of International Falls: $50,000 annually for 5 years, CPI adjustments (4-1)
• Approved application for Congressional Directed Spending for emergency training and storage facility (5-0)
• Approved repurchase of tax‑forfeited property East ½ of Lot 2, all of Lot 3, West ½ of Lot 4, Block 79 (5-0)
• Approved repurchase of tax‑forfeited property Lots 14‑16, Sha Sha Point (5-0)
• Authorized purchase of two used transfer station spotter trucks up to $71,700 (5-0)
• Authorized acceptance of best bid for waste canister attendant at Ray site (5-0)

County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to approve monthly financial claims and payroll. The body is considering several contracts and requests, including election equipment purchases and IT domain projects. Discussions will also cover environmental services and ATV club support.

• Purchase of election equipment
• One year contract for Marco eFax for New LEC
• .GOV Domain Project through VC3
• Fiscal agent request and letter of support for Voyageur Country ATV Club
• Authorization to engage ICF Metal Fabrication and Welding to repair MSW Trailer

The Koochiching County Board unanimously approved a series of financial and staffing actions. Highlights include buying five OmniBallot AVD units for $19,708, authorizing a $10,747.24 .GOV domain project, and entering a contract for eGoldFax services. The board also approved a staffing agreement for AIS watercraft inspectors and supported a solid‑waste campus design request.

• Approved agenda with no additions (3-0)
• Approved February payroll and ACH payments of $1,629,377.13 (3-0)
• Approved retirement of Nancy Heibel and authorized fill vacancy (3-0)
• Approved purchase of five OmniBallot AVD units for $19,708 (3-0)
• Approved .GOV Domain Project using $10,747.24 cybersecurity funds (3-0)
• Approved contract with Marco for eGoldFax solution (3-0)
• Authorized staffing agreement with Always There Staffing Inc. for AIS watercraft inspectors (3-0)
• Approved letter of support for St. Louis County solid‑waste campus design request (3-0)

County Board of Commissioners

The Koochiching County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the establishment of an ambulance subordinate district. The board will also consider several grant applications and conditional use permits for commercial operations.

• Public hearing on establishing ambulance subordinate district
• Conditional Use Permit #20261327 for commercial storage buildings at the former Indus School
• Conditional Use Permit #20261331 for a ready-mix concrete plant
• Application for federal funding for an emergency services garage and facility
• Authorization for County Engineer to seek bids for Project SAP 036-636-009

The Koochiching County Board approved multiple financial claims, warrant voids, and an employment separation, and adopted a resolution supporting study of a regional water system. It also approved a $750,000 federal funding application for an emergency services garage and several conditional use permits. All motions passed with unanimous or near‑unanimous votes.

• Approved Courthouse ($240,201.16), Highway ($214,348.43) and Public Health claims (5-0)
• Approved warrant voids totaling $104,994.82 (5-0)
• Approved employment separation for part‑time E911 Dispatcher Maverick Wolden (5-0)
• Appointed Commissioner McIntyre to Arrowhead Regional Corrections Executive Board (5-0)
• Adopted resolution supporting further study of a regional water system (5-0)
• Approved application for up to $750,000 federal funding for emergency services garage (5-0)
• Approved conditional use permit #20261327 for commercial storage at former Indus School (5-0)
• Approved conditional use permit #20261331 for Wagner Construction ready‑mix plant (4-1, 1 abstain)

County Board of Commissioners

The Koochiching County Board will consider several financial and administrative items, including approval of January payroll, courthouse and highway claims, and a warrant void. It will adopt resolutions to renew the part‑time deputy PERA pension plan and to approve a State Airport Fund grant amendment. The board will also consider a response to International Falls regarding a law‑enforcement center lease. Environmental Services will be authorized to enter grant agreements for water and soil resources for fiscal years 2026‑2027.

• Adopt Resolution to Renew Annual Agreement of Enrolling Part‑Time Deputies in PERA P&F Plan
• Adopt Resolution Approving State Airport Fund Grant Agreement Amending Board Resolution 2026/01-10
• Consider Approving Response to City of International Falls Letter Regarding Law Enforcement Center Lease
• Approve January Payroll and ACH Payments
• Authorize Environmental Services Director to Enter into FY 2026‑2027 State of Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resource Grant Agreement

The board approved several financial items, including a $3,990,237.99 payment listing, $1,578,689.82 payroll, and $82,460.49 courthouse claims. It adopted a resolution enrolling part‑time sheriff deputies in the PERA police and fire plan and approved a State Airport Fund grant agreement (Agreement 1058226) with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. All motions passed with unanimous votes of the five commissioners.

• Approved agenda addition for Lead Transfer Station Operator separation (5-0)
• Approved $3,990,237.99 payment listing (5-0)
• Approved $1,578,689.82 payroll and ACH payments (5-0)
• Approved courthouse claims $82,460.49 and highway claims $60,483.74 (5-0)
• Adopted resolution to enroll part‑time sheriff deputies in PERA plan (5-0)
• Approved State Airport Fund grant agreement with MnDOT, Agreement 1058226 (5-0)
• Approved response letter and amended lease to City of International Falls (5-0)
• Authorized entry into FY 2026‑2027 Water and Soil Resources Block Grant (5-0)

County Board of Commissioners

The Koochiching County Board of Commissioners will review service agreements for Northland Counseling and a grant from the MN Secretary of State. The board will also discuss a law enforcement center lease offer and an ambulance service district resolution. Other items include the purchase of a sweeper attachment for the highway department.

• Renewal of Northland Counseling Children’s Mental Health, Clubhouse, and Mental Health Purchase of Service Agreements
• Election Grant from the MN Secretary of State
• Purchase of a sweeper attachment for the Highway Department front-end loader
• Repurchase of tax-forfeited property
• City of International Falls response to Law Enforcement Center lease offer

The Koochiching County Board unanimously approved a Limited Use Permit to construct, maintain, and operate a snowmobile trail along Trunk Highway 11. It also approved several financial items, including Courthouse and Highway claims totaling $706,549.92 and a $35,378 purchase of a sweeper attachment. Additional actions included accepting a $586.24 state grant, renewing three Northland Counseling service agreements, and authorizing the repurchase of a tax‑forfeited property.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Courthouse claims $648,884.70 and Highway claims $57,665.22 (unanimous)
• Approved payment of listed 2026 dues totaling $34,? (unanimous)
• Approved employment separation of Stephanie Hopwood, Public Health Nurse (unanimous)
• Accepted $586.24 grant from MN Secretary of State (unanimous)
• Authorized $35,378 purchase of sweeper attachment for front‑end loader (unanimous)
• Approved repurchase of tax‑forfeited property Lot 19, Block 19 (unanimous)
• Adopted Limited Use Permit No. 3606‑0023 for snowmobile trail on Highway 11 (unanimous)

County Board of Commissioners

County Board of Commissioners

The County Board and Koochiching Development Authority will elect their 2026 chairs and vice chairs. The board will decide on 2026 mileage rates, minimum salaries for elected officials, and a liquor and tobacco license for R Store Inc.

• Resolution setting minimum salaries for elected officials
• Liquor and tobacco license for R Store Inc
• State Airport Fund Grant Agreement approval
• Bid award for 2026 Official Newspaper
• Emergency Management Coordinator Contract

The Koochiching County Board elected Commissioner Ricky Roche as Chair and Dale Erickson as Vice Chair. It approved the agenda, minutes, year‑end claims, budget appropriations, mileage rate, and a series of contracts. A resolution was adopted setting minimum salaries for the Auditor/Treasurer, Recorder, Sheriff and County Attorney. Additional approvals included a state airport grant and an emergency‑management contract.

• Elected Commissioner Ricky Roche as Board Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Commissioner Dale Erickson as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 courthouse claims $249,271.71 and highway claims $112,000.63
• Approved first‑half 2026 budget appropriations to libraries, humane society, fairs, etc.
• Set 2026 standard mileage rate at 72.5¢ per driven mile
• Adopted minimum salaries: Auditor/Treasurer $91,781; Recorder $78,565; Sheriff $106,332; Attorney $120,998
• Approved state airport fund grant agreement (Agreement No. 1059563)
• Approved 2026 Emergency Management Contract with Willi Kostiuk for $32,400