Freeborn County, Minnesota

General

The Joint Drainage Authority for Freeborn and Waseca Counties will hold a preliminary hearing to consider the petition for the improvement of Joint Ditch J8. The board will review the engineer's preliminary report and public comments before deciding whether to dismiss the project, return it for more analysis, or order a detailed survey report.

• Preliminary hearing for Joint Ditch J8 improvement
• Review of engineer's preliminary report
• Public comment period
• Potential appointment of viewers for detailed survey
• Decision on project feasibility and public benefit

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

General

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners

The Board will consider and act on several consent‑agenda items, including minutes, employee status, drainage repairs, and claims. It will receive reports and adopt resolutions on grant agreements for family services, a zoning ordinance amendment requiring surveys near setbacks, and an expansion of Conditional Use Permit #186 for a swine finisher barn addition. Additional items include hiring resolutions, a truancy officer agreement, a grant application for the Songbird Trail, and a final payment for concrete rehabilitation on County State‑Aid Highway 46 east of Albert Lea. The meeting will conclude with a closed‑session discussion of attorney‑client privileged matters related to an ACLU lawsuit.

• Approval of minutes from the July 7, 2026 Board meeting (consent agenda)
• Approval of drainage ditch repairs (consent agenda)
• Resolution to accept grant agreements with the Freeborn County Family Services and Children’s Mental Health Collaborative for family home‑visiting services and a community health worker position
• Resolution amending Sec. 42‑59 of the Zoning Ordinance to require surveys for structures within 5 ft of setback lines or protection districts
• Expansion of Conditional Use Permit #186 to allow a 41' × 168' addition to an existing swine finisher barn

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners is holding a workshop to review June 2026 budget versus actuals and department budget recommendations. The body will also discuss a zoning ordinance amendment and a truancy officer agreement with Albert Lea Public Schools.

• Proposed amendment to Sec. 42-59 of the Zoning Ord. regarding survey requirements for structures near setback lines
• Truancy Officer Letter of Agreement with Albert Lea Public Schools
• Songbird Trail Regional Trail Grant application and committed funds update
• Presentation on Tax Forfeited Property by Ian Rigg of the City of Albert Lea
• Budget presentations for Public Health, DHS, IT, Sheriff, Attorney, Commissioners, Administration, and Highway

Board of County Commissioners

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will hold a workshop to review budget presentations from seven departments: Auditor/Treasurer, Veteran Services, Environmental Services, Probation & Pre-Trial Services, Recorder, Assessor, and Maintenance. They will also discuss updating the boardroom with interactive technology and receive an update on the DHS elevator. Commissioner training times are also on the agenda.

• Department budget presentations for Auditor/Treasurer, Veteran Services, Environmental Services, Probation & Pre-Trial Services, Recorder, Assessor, and Maintenance
• Discussion of boardroom/chambers updates for interactive technology capabilities
• Update on the DHS elevator from Facilities Manager Brad Herfindahl
• Commissioner training times

Board of County Commissioners

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will consider several resolutions related to the Songbird Trail project, including awarding a construction contract, approving active transportation and regional trail grant agreements, and reconditioning bridges. Other notable items include a resolution to deny opioid settlement funding for a peer support program and approval of an off-site gambling application for the Twin Lakes Firemens Relief Association.

• Resolution denying funding for the Peer Support for Freeborn program through Meetopolis with Opioid Settlement Funds
• Resolution approving off-site gambling application for Twin Lakes Firemens Relief Association at Hickory Hills Campground
• Resolutions for Songbird Trail construction: contract award, Active Transportation Grant, MnDNR Regional Trail Grant, and bridge reconditioning
• Memorandum of Agreement with City of Hartland for parking and access at new community center and fire hall
• Approval of Driver and Vehicle Services Lease Agreement with Department of Public Safety for 2027-2032

Board of County Commissioners

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will consider a series of resolutions covering departmental reports, funding decisions, and appointments. Items include a zoning ordinance amendment for cannabis businesses, funding denials and acceptances for health programs, and a final payment for highway culvert lining. The meeting also includes a resolution to appoint two Shell Rock River Watershed District managers.

• Resolution to appoint two Shell Rock River Watershed District managers
• Resolution denying funding for the Freeborn County Peer Connect program through Doc’s Recovery House with Opioid Settlement Funds
• Resolution accepting a donation from St. Theodore Catholic Church for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program
• Resolution approving amendments to the Freeborn County Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 42) for cannabis businesses
• Resolution authorizing final payment for CP 026-LINE-999 – lining of various culverts on County Highways

The Board appointed Mike Lee and Wes Dahl as managers for the Shell Rock River Watershed District. The Board also denied a $40,000 funding request for the Peer Connect program through Doc's Recovery House.

• Approved June 2nd minutes and various claims totaling $2,717,593.41
• Appointed Mike Lee as Shell Rock River Watershed District Manager
• Appointed Wes Dahl as Shell Rock River Watershed District Manager
• Denied $40,000 in Opioid Settlement Funds for Doc's Recovery House Peer Connect program
• Accepted a donation of baby items from St. Theodore Catholic Church for the WIC program
• Granted LPHE retail license to Staples Enterprises Inc (dba: Expressway)
• Granted gambling permit license to Albert Lea Amateur Hockey Association at Oakview Golf Course
• Authorized filling one seasonal Environmental Services laborer/intern position

General

The Freeborn County Board of Appeal and Equalization will meet to hear an appeal from Teresa & Olle Gladso regarding the 2026 assessment of their residential property in Albert Lea. The board will also consider valuation recommendations from the Assessor's Office and may hear additional walk-in appeals.

• Hear written appeal by Teresa & Olle Gladso for parcel 34.339.0130 (Residential, Albert Lea)
• Review Assessor's Report of Valuation and Classification Data for 2026 assessment (taxes payable 2027)
• Consider valuation/classification recommendations from Assessor's Office
• Possible consideration of walk-in appeals

The Board of Appeal and Equalization reviewed a written appeal regarding a vacant lot. The Board decided to make no change to the valuation of the appealed parcel and approved recommended valuation changes for 13 additional parcels.

• Approved meeting agenda
• Limited appeal presentations to 3 minutes
• Maintained valuation of parcel 34.339.0130 (4-0)
• Approved recommended valuation changes for 13 parcels (4-0)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a workshop to discuss funding requests from various outside agencies. The session includes a report from the Finance Department and a discussion on Board of Appeal and Equalization procedures.

• Funding requests from SEMCAC, STARS Mentoring, and Albert Lea Public Library
• Funding requests from Freeborn County Soil & Water Conservation District and History Center of Freeborn County
• Funding requests from Freeborn County Agricultural Society, SMIF Foundation, and ALEDA/Greater Jobs
• Discussion on County Board of Appeal and Equalization procedures
• Finance report through May

Board of County Commissioners

The Freeborn County Board will meet on June 2, 2026, to act on a consent agenda including routine approvals and several department reports. Key items include filling a vacant part-time probation assistant position, transferring tax-forfeited property to the Minnesota DNR, and authorizing the hiring of a replacement for County Attorney Erin O'Brien. Public comment is limited to five minutes per speaker.

• Consider resolution to fill vacant part-time Probation and Pre-Trial Assistant position
• Transfer of Tax Forfeiture Property to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
• Authorize hiring of Erin O'Brien's replacement in County Attorney's office
• Meetings will no longer be livestreamed but recordings with closed captioning will be posted
• Public comment limited to five minutes per speaker

The board adopted its agenda and a consent agenda that approved routine items and $1,530,014.49 in claims payments. It also approved filling the vacant Probation and Pre‑Trial Assistant position and the Assistant County Attorney position. Additionally, the board authorized the transfer of a tax‑forfeiture parcel to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

• Approved agenda as presented
• Adopted consent agenda approving May 19 minutes, employee status changes, drainage repairs, and $1,530,014.49 in claims payments
• Approved filling the vacant part‑time Probation and Pre‑Trial Assistant position
• Approved transfer of tax‑forfeiture property (Section 14, Township 103 N, Range 23 W) to the State DNR
• Approved filling the Assistant County Attorney position

Board of County Commissioners

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will consider several resolutions regarding opioid settlement funds, including awards to the sheriff's office and regional EMS, and denials for two other applicants. The board also will vote on conditional use permits for a natural gas station expansion and a commercial kennel, as well as an ordinance amendment for accessory buildings in the agricultural district. Numerous routine items such as consent agenda, reports, and department updates are also on the agenda.

• Consider resolution to award opioid settlement funds to Freeborn County Sheriff's Office for jail monitoring devices
• Consider resolution to award opioid settlement funds to Southeastern MN EMS for preservation-of-life
• Consider resolutions to deny opioid settlement funding to My Sober Care and Trellis Marketing
• Resolution approving Conditional Use Permit #415 for expansion of natural gas town border station in Pickerel Lake Township
• Resolution approving Conditional Use Permit #416 for establishment of commercial kennel in Bath Township

The Board adopted its consent agenda, approving May 5 minutes, employee actions, drainage repairs and $3,558,060.12 in claims. It approved $45,210 for monitoring devices in sheriff’s jail cells and $115,848.18 for EMS LUCAS equipment, while denying $65,000 to My Sober Care and $45,000 to Trellis Marketing. Additional actions included authorizing cost‑share decision authority for septic inspections and initiating County Ditch 55 proceedings.

• Approved consent agenda items including $3,558,060.12 in claims
• Approved $45,210 award to Sheriff’s Office for jail monitoring devices
• Approved $115,848.18 award to SE EMS for LUCAS equipment and training
• Denied $65,000 award to My Sober Care digital recovery platform
• Denied $45,000 award to Trellis Marketing opioid awareness PSA campaign
• Authorized Environmental Health Coordinator to decide SSTS compliance cost‑share funding
• Initiated proceedings for County Ditch 55
• Adopted agenda as presented

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners is holding a workshop to discuss the Songbird Trail 2026 construction project and review three RFP presentations for the Opioid Advisory Committee. The body will also consider a resolution to declare surplus property and review budget-to-actual figures through April.

• Opioid Advisory Committee: 3 RFP Presentations
• Resolution to declare surplus property
• Songbird Trail 2026 Construction Project Update
• Budget to Actual report through April
• Discussion on requirements to reduce library aid

Board of County Commissioners

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will consider several resolutions, including a phased retirement and separation agreement for the Financial Manager, a library service agreement with SELCO, and a proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month. The board will also approve consent agenda items such as drainage ditch repairs and regular full-time employee status, and discuss a planning commission report.

• Resolution approving phased retirement and separation agreement for Financial Manager (effective May 5, 2026)
• Resolution to accept SELCO Agreement for Library Service
• Resolution proclaiming May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Freeborn County
• Resolution accepting a $25 donation to the Freeborn County Next Step Clubhouse
• Consideration of College Street parking sign request from County to City of Albert Lea

The Board adopted its consent agenda, approving the April 21, 2026 minutes, employee status changes, and drainage repairs. It proclaimed May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month, accepted a $25 donation for the Next Step Clubhouse, and filled two vacant staff positions. The Board also approved interfund transfers totaling $3,077,423 with corresponding budget increases and entered a three‑year library service agreement with SELCO and the City of Albert Lea.

• Approved Consent Agenda items: April 21, 2026 minutes; employee status changes; drainage repairs
• Proclaimed May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month
• Accepted $25 donation to the Freeborn County Next Step Clubhouse
• Approved filling the Office Support Specialist, Sr. – Program Specialist position
• Approved filling the Social Worker / Case Manager CPCW position
• Approved interfund transfers of $2,124,705 (General Fund) and $952,718 (Social Service Fund) to the Road & Bridge Fund, increasing budgets accordingly
• Entered a three‑year library service agreement with SELCO and the City of Albert Lea
• Approved the agenda with an addition under Miscellaneous Business

Board of County Commissioners

The board will consider a resolution to deny a preliminary plat and rezoning petition for Trigreen Bazaar LLC, approve a liquor license for Oakview Golf Course, authorize a crossing agreement with Union Pacific for CSAH 18, and approve amendments to a cell tower land lease. Other business includes consent agenda items, department reports, and filling several county positions.

• Denial of preliminary plat and rezoning for Trigreen Bazaar LLC
• Liquor license for Oakview Golf Course
• Crossing agreement for CSAH 18 (South Broadway) in Albert Lea with Union Pacific
• First Amendment to Land Lease Agreement for Vertical Bridge-Cell Tower
• Approval of drainage ditch repairs

The Freeborn County Board adopted a consent agenda approving the April 7 minutes, regular full‑time employees and drainage repairs. It granted a liquor license to the Freeborn Lake Recreation Association and approved a crossing agreement with Union Pacific Railroad. The Board denied Trigreen Bazaar LLC’s preliminary plat and rezoning request and authorized a letter of support for the Veteran’s Treatment Court grant. Several staffing resolutions, including filling a vacant social‑worker position, were also approved.

• Approved agenda amendment removing Finance Manager report
• Adopted consent agenda items: April 7 minutes, regular full‑time employees, drainage repairs
• Adopted Resolution 26‑131 (banks doing business) – Eckstrom abstained on Arcadian Bank
• Granted 3.2% beer liquor license to Freeborn Lake Recreation Association (Oakview Golf Course)
• Denied Trigreen Bazaar LLC’s preliminary plat and rezoning petition
• Authorized a letter of support for the Veteran’s Treatment Court Enhancement Grant
• Approved crossing agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for CSAH 18 improvements
• Approved filling of vacant Freeborn County Social Worker / Case Manager position

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will hear presentations on workforce development, budget performance, property tax assessments, and jail healthcare statistics. Commissioners will also discuss telework data, watershed appointment processes, planning and zoning matters, a proposal for labor‑relations services, SELCO library services, a land‑lease amendment for a cell tower, and a personnel recommendation to fill the ditch inspector position.

• Vertical Bridge Cell Tower – First Amendment to Land Lease Agreement
• Proposal for Labor Relations Services for Freeborn County
• Recommendation to extend an offer for the Ditch Inspector position
• Discussion on Watershed appointment processes going forward
• Discussion regarding Planning & Zoning Commission

Board of County Commissioners

The commissioners will consider a resolution to rescind a prior action and remove $750,000 from the Economic Development budget. They will also vote on several contract awards for public works projects and accept donations to the CVCC. Additional items include a presentation on the SELCO library services contract renewal and an update on the Horseshoe Solar Project near Hayward.

• Rescind Resolution 26-086 and de‑commit $750,000 from Economic Development
• Authorize award of contract CP 026-CPR-046 (Public Works)
• Authorize award of contract SAP 024-599-056 (low SAP) (Public Works)
• Approve Local Bridge Replacement Program Grant Agreement for SAP 024-630-023
• Presentation on renewal of SELCO‑Freeborn County contract for library services

The commissioners approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda items for regular full‑time employees and drainage repairs. They appointed Steve Kraushaar to the Cedar River Watershed District Board, accepted three donations for the Crime Victims Crisis Center, and awarded contracts for a road panel repair ($139,757.20) and bridge replacements ($677,329.75). The board also approved a $73,167.50 grant agreement for a local bridge replacement program and de‑committed $750,000 previously allocated to economic development, rescinding Resolution 26‑085.

• Approved agenda as presented
• Approved consent agenda items: regular full‑time employees and drainage repairs
• Appointed Steve Kraushaar to Cedar River Watershed District Board
• Accepted $500 donation from Nunda Township for CVCC
• Awarded road panel repair contract to Doyle Conner Co. for $139,757.20
• Awarded bridge replacement contract to Minnowa Construction Inc. for $677,329.75
• Approved $73,167.50 grant agreement for local bridge replacement program
• De‑committed $750,000 economic development funds and rescinded Resolution 26‑085

Board of County Commissioners

The commissioners will consider several resolutions using opioid settlement money, including funding for Albert Lea Area Schools and the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office. They will also act on a grant to Albert Lea Family Housing, an agreement for pondweed treatment on Fountain Lake, and a donation of a trailer from the Red Cross. Additional items include a resignation of the Ditch Inspector and a vacancy fill.

• Resolution to approve Albert Lea Area Schools request for funding with opioid settlement money
• Resolution to approve Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office request for funding with opioid settlement money
• Resolution authorizing SAHA funds to Albert Lea Family Housing LP
• Resolution to enter agreement with SRRWD to use AIS funds for curly‑leaf pondweed treatment on Fountain Lake
• Resolution to accept donation of a trailer from the Red Cross

The Freeborn County Board adopted an agenda amendment ratifying the Chair’s emergency and the Administrators’ Office closure, and approved the March 3, 2026 minutes. It approved several resolutions allocating opioid settlement funds to Albert Lea Area Schools for AED replacement and to the Sheriff’s Office for a mental‑armor training program, amended a CDC public‑health grant, and granted statewide affordable housing aid to Albert Lea Family Housing. Additional approvals included an invasive‑species prevention agreement and authority for low‑income sewer‑system cost‑share funding.

• Approved agenda addition ratifying emergency and Administrators’ Office closure
• Approved March 3, 2026 minutes (consent agenda)
• Approved $32,000 opioid settlement award to Albert Lea Area Schools for AED replacement
• Approved opioid settlement award to Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office for 49 North “Mental Armor” training program (as amended)
• Approved amendment of the CDC Public Health Infrastructure Grant Agreement with Minnesota Department of Health
• Approved granting of $108,364 Statewide Affordable Housing Aid to Albert Lea Family Housing LP
• Approved agreement with Shell Rock River Watershed District for Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Aid Funds
• Approved decision‑making authority for low‑income SSTS cost‑share funding

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a workshop to discuss budget reports, grant programs, and funding requests. The meeting includes reviews of opioid settlement funds and affordable housing aid.

• Commitment of $750,000 of de-committed Economic Development dollars
• Statewide Affordable Housing Aid recipient: Albert Lea Family Affordable Housing
• Opioid Settlement Funds RFPs presentation
• Shell Rock River Watershed AIS funding request
• CDC Infrastructure Grant Amendment

Board of County Commissioners

The Freeborn County Board will consider resolutions to award construction contracts for various road projects and approve the resignation and replacement of a Public Health Planner. The agenda also includes the approval of minutes, seasonal bid items, and a parking lease agreement.

• Resolution accepting Annual Seasonal Bid Items
• Resolution authorizing award of construction contract for CP 026-LINE-999, CIPP lining of various culverts
• Resolution authorizing award of construction contract for CP 026-SAND-005, supplying wash sand for snow and ice control
• Resolution authorizing award of construction contract for CP 026-SEAL-022, seal coating of various highways
• Resolution to approve the Parking Lease agreement between Freeborn County and Good Samaritan - Albert Lea

The commissioners approved the meeting agenda with added items on legislative advocacy and interim assessor duties, and adopted a consent agenda that approved minutes from February meetings and regular full‑time status employees. They accepted seasonal bid price lists for the highway department and awarded multiple construction contracts for highway projects. The board also approved the 2024 committed fund balances and accepted the resignation of the public health planner.

• Approved agenda with items on legislative advocacy and interim assessor duties
• Adopted consent agenda approving February 12 and February 17 meeting minutes and regular full‑time status employees
• Accepted annual seasonal bid price lists for the highway department
• Awarded $103,605 contract to Subsurface, Inc. for Project CP 026‑LINE‑999
• Awarded $69,750 contract to Ulland Brothers, Inc. for Project CP 026‑SAND‑005
• Awarded $711,048.15 contract to Allied Blacktop Company for Project CP 026‑SEAL‑022
• Awarded $3,878,587.70 contract to Ulland Brothers Inc. for Project SP 024‑070‑034
• Accepted resignation of Avi Sukhwal, Public Health Planner

Board of County Commissioners

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will consider several resolutions, including a funding participation and construction agreement with Carlston Township for Bridge L5619. They will also adopt the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan and approve the 2026‑2027 State Child Support Cooperative Agreement. Additional items include approvals for drainage ditch repairs, regular full‑time employee status, and acceptance of several staff resignations and a vacancy fill.

• Approval of Drainage Ditch Repairs
• Resolution approving Funding Participation and Construction Agreement with Carlston Township for Bridge L5619
• Resolution adopting the 2025 Freeborn County Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Resolution approving the 2026‑2027 State Child Support Cooperative Agreement
• Resolution accepting resignations of County employees and filling an Accounting Specialist vacancy

The Freeborn County Board adopted the meeting agenda and the consent agenda items, including the February 3rd minutes, full‑time employee status and drainage repairs. It approved drainage‑inspector contracts, five tobacco retail licenses, a bridge‑replacement agreement with Carlston Township, and adopted the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan. The board also authorized payment of $1,259,718.91 in claims and approved filling the vacant Accounting Specialist position.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion by Shoff, seconded by Kaasa)
• Adopted consent agenda items: February 3 2026 minutes, regular full‑time status employees, drainage repairs
• Approved Drainage Inspector Contracts for 2026 (Dave Clausen and Johnathan Heeren)
• Granted one‑year tobacco retail licenses to five businesses
• Approved agreement with Carlston Township to replace Bridge L5619
• Adopted the 2025 Freeborn County Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Authorized payment of $1,259,718.91 in approved claims
• Approved filling the vacant Freeborn County Accounting Specialist – DHS position

Board of County Commissioners

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet on February 12, 2026. A public input session will be held to gather community feedback on recent Minnesota law changes that let counties decide whether to keep shotgun‑only zones or permit rifles in designated areas. The session is informational and no action will be taken until the Board reviews the comments.

• Public Input Session – Shotgun Zone: discuss shotgun‑only vs rifle zones (Freeborn County Courthouse, Commissioners’ Chambers)
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Approval of Meeting Agenda
• Commissioner's Round Table Discussion
• Public Comment Introduction (2‑minute limit per speaker)

Commissioners Kaasa and Eckstrom moved and seconded a motion to approve the agenda as presented. After discussion, the motion was voted on and approved. The board then opened a public comment period before adjourning the meeting.

• Approved agenda as presented (motion passed)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a workshop to discuss infrastructure updates and administrative policies. Key topics include the Songbird Trail project and the delegation of emergency expenditure authority.

• Delegating limited Emergency Expenditure Authority during declared emergencies
• 2026 Drainage Inspector Contracts
• Songbird Trail Construction Contract No. 1 and Regional Masterplan updates
• City Local Option Sales Tax Proposal for Songbird Trail funding
• Freeborn County Fairgrounds (Vertical Bridge)

Board of County Commissioners

The Freeborn County Board will consider a consent agenda that includes minutes from the Jan. 20, 2026 meeting, approval of regular full‑time status employees, and drainage ditch repairs, all without discussion unless removed. Committee reports will be given, and the Board will vote on several resolutions, including a solar project at the Environmental Services building, a $364 donation from CCF Bank for the county WIC program, and personnel actions for the Probation Officer and Assessor positions. The meeting also includes a motion to ratify a voting‑rule resolution.

• Approval of minutes from the Jan. 20, 2026 Board meeting
• Approval of regular full‑time status employees
• Approval of drainage ditch repairs
• Resolution for the solar project at the Environmental Services building
• Resolution accepting a $364 donation from CCF Bank for the WIC program

The Freeborn County Board approved its agenda and adopted a consent agenda that included the January 20, 2026 minutes, regular full‑time employees, and drainage repairs. It approved a solar project at the Environmental Services building, accepted two donations totaling $1,024, and took action on probation staff matters. The board also appointed Ryan Rasmusson as County Assessor and ratified a prior voting‑rule resolution.

• Approved agenda as presented
• Adopted consent agenda items: Jan 20 2026 minutes, regular full‑time employees, drainage repairs
• Approved solar project at the Environmental Services building
• Accepted donations: $364 from CCF Bank to WIC‑Public Health and $660 in gift cards for Human Services
• Accepted resignation of Probation Officer Andrea Strom effective Feb 27 2026
• Approved filling the vacant Probation Officer position
• Appointed Ryan Rasmusson as County Assessor (term Mar 3 2026‑Dec 31 2028)
• Ratified Resolution 26‑054 (Rule 21 voting changes)

Board of County Commissioners

The Freeborn County Board will consider a series of resolutions, including a housing tax abatement for the city of Albert Lea, contracts for two Drainage Inspectors, and a funding agreement for Bridge L5611 with Alden Township. Additional items include authorizing a County Ballot Board, approving loans to county and judicial ditch projects, and setting a public‑input meeting for the Shotgun Zone Ordinance. The meeting also contains routine approvals of minutes, employee status, and committee reports.

• Resolution to approve the housing tax abatement in the city of Albert Lea
• Resolution approving Drainage Inspector contract with John Hereen
• Resolution approving Drainage Inspector contract for Dave Claussen
• Resolution approving a Funding Participation and Construction Agreement with Alden Township for Bridge L5611
• Resolution to approve Rule 21 – Voting Changes

The board approved an agenda amendment removing drainage contracts, adopted the consent agenda items, and passed several resolutions including a housing tax abatement, creation of an absentee ballot board, loans for county ditches, and multiple appointments and service agreements.

• Approved agenda amendment removing Drainage Ditch Inspector contracts (motion passed)
• Adopted consent agenda items: Jan 6 minutes, Jan 7 closed‑session minutes, regular full‑time employees
• Approved housing tax abatement for 502 Milrose Cr, Albert Lea, MN
• Authorized County Absentee Ballot Board (4 FOR, 1 AGAINST)
• Authorized loans totaling $1,083,050 for county ditches
• Appointed Amy Conner as Interim Assessor effective Jan 20 2026
• Appointed Mike Lee to the Freeborn County Planning Commission (term ends Dec 31 2027)
• Accepted $400 donation from Round Prairie Lutheran Church Women for the Crime Victims Crisis Center

Board of County Commissioners

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will review federal funding options for rural healthcare and hold a discussion on tax increment financing (TIFs). They will also consider a joint powers agreement for the Minnesota Housing – Minnesota City Participation Program and review the December budget versus actual cash basis figures. County Administrator items include a discussion of the NextRequest data request system.

• Federal Funding Rural Healthcare
• Tax Increment Financing (TIFs) discussion
• Minnesota Housing – Minnesota City Participation Program Joint Powers Agreement discussion
• Finance Report: Budget to Actual for December – overview of cash basis actual vs. budget
• NextRequest – Data Request Information and Discussion

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a workshop to discuss various operational and regulatory topics. The session includes updates on county jail mental health care and ambulance coordination with Mayo Clinic. Commissioners will also review federal program impacts and a proposed moratorium on nuclear energy.

• Mental health care in county jails
• Ambulance services coordination with Mayo Clinic
• WIC program pass-through costs
• Bonding bill allocations for Local Bridge Replacement Program
• Proposed moratorium on nuclear energy

General

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will hold a closed session to discuss attorney-client communications regarding an ACLU 287(g) Lawsuit. The meeting will be livestreamed from the Freeborn County Government Center.

• Closed session for attorney-client privilege
• Discussion of ACLU 287(g) Lawsuit
• Livestream available at www.co.freeborn.mn.us

Board of County Commissioners

The Freeborn County Board will elect a chairperson and vice‑chairperson for 2026, adopt Robert's Rules of Order as its parliamentary authority, and consider a consent agenda covering routine approvals. Several resolutions will be acted on, including the award of opioid settlement funds to Albert Lea Fire Rescue for overdose response equipment and a five‑year bridge replacement plan. Additional items address transportation grant applications, service‑agreement purchases for human services, and policy adoptions such as dress code and telecommuting.

• Election of the 2026 Freeborn County Board Chairperson
• Election of the 2026 Freeborn County Board Vice‑Chairperson
• Consider a resolution adopting Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised as the parliamentary authority for 2026
• Resolution to approve the award of opioid settlement funds to Albert Lea Fire Rescue for first responder overdose response equipment
• Resolution approving a Five Year Bridge Priority Replacement Plan