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Lyon County, MN

Lyon County public meetings in 2025

30 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 29, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: County board approves 9.9% levy increase for 2026

The Lyon County Board approved the 2026 net levy at $18,574,956, a 9.9% increase from 2025, and authorized a $850,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Debt Service Fund. The board also accepted a $500 donation for the K-9 program, approved policy changes, eliminated a 3/4 Educator position in the Extension Office, set the Parks budget at $65,000, and left the ACE appropriation unchanged with a revisit in April 2026.

Wed Dec 17, 2025

Park

✓ Decided: Lyon County Park Board reduces park lodge damage deposit to $250

The Lyon County Park Board approved lowering the park lodge damage deposit to $250 per rental and voted to approve a recommendation via email for the overall rental agreement and fees so it can reach the County Board by December. The board also reviewed events, engineering plans for camper cabins, hunting permits, and bike trail plans.

Thu Dec 11, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: County adopts comprehensive land use plan effective Jan. 1, 2026

The Lyon County Board of Commissioners adopted the updated Comprehensive Land Use Plan, effective January 1, 2026, after a public hearing with no comments. The board also approved a 9.9% preliminary levy increase for 2026, set a special meeting for December 23 to discuss cuts, and approved multiple license renewals, contracts, and property classifications.

Sun Nov 30, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: County approves $1.05M County Ditch 14 repair assessment over 15 years

The board approved a $1,047,301.32 assessment for County Ditch 14 repairs, spread over 15 years with a 4.5% interest rate and a December 22, 2025 prepayment deadline. The board also approved annual ditch maintenance levy increases for several county and judicial ditches, and accepted two donations for the Sheriff's Office. The SRDC Comprehensive Plan was presented for a public hearing on December 2, 2025, with requested wording changes to be made.

Mon Nov 10, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: County approves $9.8M bond for rural water project

The Lyon County Board approved a $9.8 million bond issuance on behalf of the Lincoln, Pipestone Rural Water (LPRW) system, with the county acting as bond issuer. The board also approved several routine items, including a lawful gambling permit, reappointments to the Red Rock Rural Water Board, and fee increases for landfill tipping. The Area II Joint Powers Agreement renewal was tabled for further review with legal counsel.

Tue Oct 28, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: County approves $14,183.39 damage payment for CD 4 repair easement

The board approved a negotiated damages payment of $14,183.39 for a 0.826-acre easement as part of the CD 4 repair, authorized the Auditor/Treasurer to issue payment, and directed the Chair to execute and record the drainage easement agreement. The board also reappointed Amy Heidi Fier as County Veterans Service Officer for another 4-year term, approved a letter of support for the City of Cottonwood's Community ReLeaf Grant project, accepted a $20 donation to the Sheriff's donation account, and approved the consent agenda including warrants totaling $876,755.75. A wetland bank RFP and Prime West Health update were presented but no action was taken on those items.

Mon Sep 22, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Lyon County sets preliminary 2026 levy at $18.58M, up 9.9%

The board set the preliminary 2026 property tax levy at $18,575,706, a 9.9% increase over 2025, and approved a resolution requesting state reimbursement for property tax relief after flood damage. Commissioners also approved 29 assessment contracts, a computer refurbishing agreement, two conditional use permits, and several other routine items. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

Tue Sep 9, 2025

Park

✓ Decided: Park Board approves shelter rental rules, limits to 60 attendees

The Lyon County Park Board approved new rules for shelter rentals, limiting events to 60 attendees on a first-come, first-served basis with no outside amenities, alcohol, or non-designated parking, and requiring cleanup by 10 pm. The board also increased the Park Lodge rental fee to $100 and the damage deposit to $350, adding rules against alcohol, smoking, and vaping. Additional decisions included allowing one extra tent per paid campsite for $5 per night (max 3 shelters) and tabling a hunting fee discussion for another year.

Fri Sep 5, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: County approves $26M bond guarantee for LPRW water expansion

The board approved a $26 million general obligation bond guarantee for Lac qui Parle Regional Water's water system expansion, with Lac qui Parle County as issuer. They also approved a private MetLife plan for Paid Family and Medical Leave, a $517,167 Legacy Grant for Garvin Park, and a $210,000 landfill hoop building. The board held a public hearing on a deer hunting rifle option but made no decision.

Thu Aug 21, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Lyon County declared a state of emergency following recent wind and rain property damage.

The Lyon County Board of Commissioners approved a state of emergency resolution after property damage occurred at the Lakeview School due to recent storms, which serves as an initial step to help residents seek reimbursement assistance. The board also accepted a $598,270.52 striping bid from Sir Lines-A-Lot, LLC, approved a conditional use permit for Alex Bakker's feedlot expansion, and authorized applying for a MN DNR Off Highway Vehicle Enforcement grant. Additionally, the commissioners approved the meeting agenda, consent agenda, and county warrants.

Sun Jul 20, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves tax abatements, ditch petition, and trail MOU

The Lyon County Board approved three commercial property tax abatements, granted a petition to partially abandon County Ditch 15, and approved a memorandum of understanding for the Camden Regional Trail. They also approved a joint powers agreement for Red Rock Rural Water System and changed the landfill evaporator rental to a larger model. The board heard updates on Extension, SBDC, and probation but took no action on those items.

Thu Jul 10, 2025

Soil & Water Conservation District

✓ Decided: SWCD approves $1.96M watershed grant, contracts, and Custer 11 amendment

The Lyon County Soil and Water Conservation District approved a $1.96 million Cottonwood-Middle Minnesota watershed implementation grant, a $3,250 Pheasants Forever partnership, and several cost-share contracts. It also approved a $36,540 amendment to the Custer 11 dam restoration project and formally cancelled a contract. All votes were unanimous (4-0) except where noted.

Thu Jul 3, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves $1.21M bid for two township bridge replacements

The Lyon County Board approved the low bid of $1,210,273.50 from M & K Bridge Construction Inc. for replacing two township bridges (SAP 42-599-153 and 42-599-154), one near Minneota and one near Florence. The board also approved several other items, including the sale of surplus property to Ralco for $22,500, a $214,155 MPCA PFAS grant agreement, a leachate evaporator rental agreement with ENCON, and a joint drainage authority order for JD 28. A 2026 budget discussion was held with no formal action taken.

Tue Jul 1, 2025

Comprehensive Plan

✓ Decided: County discusses parks, recreation goals and barriers

The Lyon County Comprehensive Plan meeting on June 24, 2025, was a discussion session focused on Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources. Participants identified goals such as expanding recreational activities, creating a parks inventory, and improving transportation to parks, as well as barriers like cost, distance, and staffing. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and discussion-only.

Thu Jun 26, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: County board approves six property value changes for 2025

The Lyon County Board of Appeal & Equalization approved all six recommendations from County Assessor Mark Buysse, adjusting 2025 proposed estimated market values for five properties downward and one upward. The changes range from a $286,700 decrease to a $14,200 increase. The motion passed unanimously with three votes in favor.

Thu Jun 26, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: County sets July 15 hearing on 10-year tax abatement for hotel project

The board scheduled a public hearing for July 15, 2025, to consider Rebound Real Estate's request for a 10-year tax abatement for a proposed 84-room Hampton Inn near the Red Baron Arena. The board also approved adding Project Lifesaver tracking fees to the county fee schedule, authorized park engineering quotes, and approved landfill gas well installation and oversight contracts. All votes were unanimous (3-0) with two commissioners absent.

Mon Apr 28, 2025

Park

✓ Decided: Park board approves online-only camping payments via Firefly

The Lyon County Park Board approved a motion to make all campsites at Garvin and Twin Lakes parks pay online only through Firefly, with a point-of-sale system for overflow in the horse campground and firewood purchases. The board also approved changes to the park rules document. Other items discussed included an open house, Easter event, stage sale, and capital improvements, but no decisions were made on those.

Fri Apr 18, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Lyon County approves Xcel Energy substation CUP and park board appointments.

The Lyon County Board of Commissioners approved a conditional use permit for a new Xcel Energy substation and laydown yard. The board also appointed two new members to the Park Board, approved a snowmobile club agreement with the state and DNR, and accepted two small donations for the parks and sheriff's office.

Mon Apr 14, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: County approves $62,244 landfill aeration system, online-only camp payments

The Lyon County Board approved several contracts and policy changes, including a $62,243.88 landfill aeration system, an $18,000 roof repair for the Ralco building, and a policy requiring online reservations for all campsites. The board also approved letters of support for Cottonwood's $5 million funding request, suspended the landfill wind policy, and authorized seeking bids for landfill gas well installation. All votes were unanimous (4-0) with Commissioner Anderson absent.

Wed Mar 26, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves $7,500 K9 grant, legacy grant, and surplus vehicle sales

The Lyon County Board approved several items including a $7,500 grant from the United States Police Canine Association for a K9, a 5-year Joint Powers Agreement with the State of MN Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force, and a Legacy Grant Agreement for Garvin Park Phase II with a $102,979 cash match. The board also approved the disposal of two surplus patrol vehicles, selling one to the Landfill Department and trading in the other, and authorized requests for quotes on engineering and equipment for various projects.

Wed Mar 26, 2025

Comprehensive Plan

✓ Decided: Lyon County board discusses vision, SMART goals for comprehensive plan

The Lyon County Comprehensive Plan meeting on February 11, 2025, was a working session to gather input on a draft vision statement and potential SMART goals. No formal decisions were made; the board and staff discussed possible rewording of the vision statement and reviewed a list of goal areas, including aggregate resources, transportation, natural resources, and land use compliance. Next steps include identifying specific SMART goals at a future meeting.

Wed Mar 26, 2025

Comprehensive Plan

✓ Decided: Lyon County reviewed comprehensive plan chapters covering land use and growth.

The provided document is a draft or descriptive text for the Lyon County Comprehensive Plan covering land use, growth and development, agriculture and natural resources, water planning, future development, and implementation strategies. The text outlines existing conditions, such as approximately 90% agricultural land use and Marshall serving as a regional center, but records no formal council votes, ordinances enacted, or binding policy approvals.

Thu Mar 13, 2025

Soil & Water Conservation District

✓ Decided: SWCD approves multiple cost-share contracts for conservation practices

The Lyon County Soil & Water Conservation District approved several cost-share contracts for well sealing, cover crops, and conservation crop rotation, along with an audit bid and a Pheasants Forever sponsorship. The board also discussed but did not vote on a structural policy change and committee appointments.

Tue Mar 11, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: County accepts CD 14 repair project, awards damages

The board approved the final acceptance of the CD 14 repair project, awarding damages for temporary crop, permanent right-of-way, and flowage easement. It also adopted the 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan, signed an HSEM grant agreement, and approved final payments for two road projects. All votes were unanimous except for Commissioner Anderson's abstention on CD 14 items.

Tue Feb 25, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves Redwood-Cottonwood Rivers Joint Powers Agreement despite opposition

The Lyon County Board approved the Redwood-Cottonwood Rivers Control Area Joint Powers Agreement, which includes a $10,000 increase for administrative costs, with Commissioner Anderson voting against. The board also approved a lawful gambling license for Soul Acres, a letter of support for the City of Tracy, an additional $2,295 for a pickup purchase, and an $8,831.82 ACE invoice. A motion to deny a $5,500 SWIF invoice was withdrawn and the matter tabled.

Tue Feb 11, 2025

Soil & Water Conservation District

✓ Decided: SWCD elects 2025 officers, approves committees and dues

The Lyon County Soil & Water Conservation District held its January 8, 2025 meeting, electing officers and appointing committees for 2025. The board approved the 2025 meeting schedule, MASWCD dues of $7,431.37, and Southwest Prairie Technical Services dues totaling $3,545.45. All motions passed unanimously with 3 votes in favor.

Thu Feb 6, 2025

Comprehensive Plan

✓ Decided: Lyon County reviews survey results, sets vision for next 10 years

The Lyon County Comprehensive Plan meeting on January 14, 2025, focused on reviewing community survey results and identifying trends. No formal decisions were made; the group discussed visioning ideas for the next decade, including housing, jobs, high-speed internet, and renewable energy. Next steps include interview days with community members and a follow-up meeting on February 11, 2025.

Thu Feb 6, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Lyon County approves jail contracts, vehicle purchases, and a new motor grader

The Lyon County Board of Commissioners approved routine warrants, a 5-year off-highway vehicle trail resolution, and renewed jail medical and mental health service contracts with Western Mental Health. They also approved vehicle and equipment purchases including a CAT motor grader, two sheriff patrol vehicles, and a pickup truck, alongside surplus declarations and grant applications. A property tax penalty abatement request from KAL Motors was discussed but not granted.

Thu Jan 23, 2025

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: County approves $136,939 change order for CD 14 repair

The board approved a $136,939 change order for County Ditch 14 repair, bringing the project total to $949,499.83, and approved a minimum $1,500 easement payment plus $500 per acre for the project. It also approved a conditional use permit for a feedlot expansion, a 5-year snowmobile trail grant-in-aid resolution, and the 2025 fee schedule as amended. Commissioner Anderson abstained from all CD 14 items.

Thu Jan 9, 2025

Soil & Water Conservation District

✓ Decided: SWCD approves $125 supervisor meeting rate, multiple cost-share payments

The Lyon County Soil and Water Conservation District approved a raise in supervisor meeting compensation to $125 per meeting, effective January 2025, and approved multiple cost-share vouchers and contract extensions. The board also extended several state cost-share and wetland grants to December 31, 2025, and approved payments for projects including Earl Skaar, Francis Dehmer, and the City of Marshall. A discussion on the Custer 7 & Sodus 32 grant was deferred to a later meeting.