Mower County, Minnesota

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the cannabis ordinance for commercial outdoor grow facilities. The board will also consider resolutions for housing tax abatements and a $22,000 assessment for a septic loan.

• Public hearing on Cannabis Ordinance Amendment: Commercial Outdoor Grow Facilities
• Resolution to approve housing tax abatement applications for Murphy Creek Meadows Subdivision
• Resolution to approve housing tax abatement application for Tim Sheedy
• Amendment to fee schedule to add marriage ceremony ($100)
• Amend County Board Meeting Schedule to add a committee of the whole

Mower County Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings to discuss modifying the Zoning Ordinance regarding outdoor cannabis grow facilities and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

• Public hearing on Zoning Ordinance Article VIII, Division 4 (Outdoor Cannabis Grow Facilities)
• Public hearing on Zoning Ordinance Article X (Accessory Dwelling Units)

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board will consider a resolution to approve a housing tax abatement for Caleb and Lexy Frank's replacement home in Dexter Township. The agenda also includes approvals for a liquor license for Echo Lanes, a fireworks display permit for Deer Creek Speedway, and several service agreements and property disposals. A public hearing will be held on the tax abatement application.

• Approve housing tax abatement for PIN 05.022.0060 (Dexter Twp)
• Approve liquor license for Grafing Company, Inc. d/b/a Echo Lanes (July 1 2026‑June 30 2027)
• Approve fireworks display permit for Deer Creek Speedway, LLC (July 4 2026)
• Approve Dataworks Plus service agreement renewal (Sheriff)
• Approve Ballot on Demand system purchase and processing services agreement

The commissioners unanimously authorized the Development Corporation of Austin to submit an Opportunity Zone 2.0 application using tract 0410. They also approved a Minnesota Lawful Gambling exempt permit for St. John the Baptist Church, a liquor license for Echo Lanes, a fireworks permit for Deer Creek Speedway, and a five‑year tax abatement for Caleb and Lexy Frank’s new single‑family home. The board accepted the rescission of a cannabis cultivation permit application.

• Authorized DCA to submit Opportunity Zone 2.0 application for tract 0410 (unanimous)
• Approved MN Lawful Gambling LG220 exempt permit for St. John the Baptist Church (unanimous)
• Approved liquor license for Grafing Co. d/b/a Echo Lanes (July 1 2026‑June 30 2027) (unanimous)
• Approved fireworks display permit for Deer Creek Speedway (July 4 2026) (unanimous)
• Approved five‑year tax abatement for Caleb and Lexy Frank’s replacement home (unanimous)
• Accepted rescission of cannabis cultivation permit application #1010 by Austin Property Holdings LLC/McIntire Feed and Grain Inc. (unanimous)

Mower County Board of Appeal and Equalization

The Mower County Board of Appeal and Equalization will hear appeals on property valuations from Lincoln Highway LLC and Isaac Stromlund, plus any walk-in appeals. The board will also consider assessor recommendations for adjustments to several parcels. They will vote to approve, reject, or table each item, affecting taxes payable in 2027.

• Appeal by Lincoln Highway, LLC (parcel 34.521.0120)
• Appeal by Isaac Stromlund (parcel 34.390.0050)
• Walk-in appeals accepted
• Assessor recommendations for Mueller, Sampson, Schulz, and Barber properties
• Board will approve, reject, or table appeals and recommendations

The Board of Appeal and Equalization reviewed multiple property value appeals. The Board approved several recommendations to decrease estimated market values for specific parcels and denied a multi-parcel appeal by Doran Kasel.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Decreased John & Dawn Mueller parcel 16.025.0060 value from $284,200 to $258,500 (unanimous)
• Decreased John Sampson parcel 17.033.0041 value from $1,874,200 to $1,864,900 (unanimous)
• Decreased Wade Schulz parcel 17.025.0030 value from $501,000 to $482,200 (unanimous)
• Decreased Evan Holst parcel 07.029.0010 value from $2,309,400 to $2,277,500 (unanimous)
• Decreased Mallissia & Leann Barber parcel 25.003.0170 value from $77,800 to $65,300 (unanimous)
• Decreased Doran Kasel parcel 10.033.0010 value from $2,187,500 to $2,156,000 (unanimous)
• Denied Doran Kasel appeal on six parcels (unanimous)

Mower County Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a state-licensed outdoor cannabis cultivation operation. The proposal involves a 44.24-acre parcel in Red Rock Township.

• CUP #1010: Proposed outdoor cannabis cultivation on a 44.24-acre parcel in Red Rock Township
• Proposed installation of 21 shipping containers for drying, curing, and packaging
• Proposed 20,000 feet of 8-foot high deer fencing with privacy screens
• Water irrigation usage estimated under 10,000 gallons per day for the first year

General

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will approve a series of liquor licenses for local businesses and two housing tax abatement applications. The meeting also includes resolutions regarding the SKB Lansing Landfill and the county's withdrawal from a rural energy board agreement.

• Approve Transient Merchant License for TNT Fireworks (June 20, 2026 - July 5, 2026)
• Approve Liquor Licenses for Cedar River Country Club, Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery, and Prime Stein, LLC
• Approve Housing Tax Abatement for Jay & Courtney Soltau (8.76AC NE1/4 NW1/4 Section 33)
• Approve Housing Tax Abatement for Joshua Gavin (NORTH SIDE PARK 2ND ADDN)
• Resolution to approve SKB Solid Waste Facility License with modifications

The Board approved a waiver for SKB Lansing Landfill to use a geosynthetic clay liner instead of a soil barrier. Additionally, the Board granted several liquor and merchant licenses and approved the county's continued participation in the Council on Local Results and Innovation performance measurement program.

• Approved agenda with cyber security insurance discussion (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including May 26 minutes and commissioner warrants (unanimous)
• Approved DAV Mayo Southeast Chapter 28 gambling exempt permit (unanimous)
• Approved TNT Fireworks transient merchant license (unanimous)
• Approved Cedar River Country Club liquor license (unanimous)
• Approved Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery, LLC liquor license (unanimous)
• Approved Prime Stein, LLC liquor license (unanimous)
• Approved Church of St. John of Adams temporary liquor license (unanimous)

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hear 2027 budget presentations from several outside agencies. Presenters include representatives from the Whitewater Project, Historical Society, Soil & Water Conservation District, SE MN Initiative Fund, and Southeast Minnesota Citizens Action Council. The board will also receive department updates from Correctional Services and Veteran Services. Miscellaneous business and walk‑in items will be addressed before adjournment.

• Whitewater Project – presentation by Nate Smit
• Historical Society – presentation by Randy Forster
• Soil & Water Conservation District – presentation by Cody Fox or a board member
• SE MN Initiative Fund – presentation by Alissa Oeltjenbruns
• Southeast Minnesota Citizens Action Council – presentation by Jeff Wyant, Wendy Todd, and Jennifer Hengel

The Mower County Board met in a work session on June 2, 2026 and heard 2027 budget presentations from several agencies, including the Whitewater Project ($10.7 M), the Historical Society ($68,000), the Soil & Water Conservation District ($175,000), and others. Each agency outlined its funding needs and ongoing projects. No motions, votes, or approvals were recorded during the session.

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

The Mower County Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on two variance applications. Variance #594 seeks a 100‑foot feedlot setback for Justin Gerber in Section 13, Adams Township, where the feedlot is within the required 1,000‑foot distance from a dwelling. Variance #593 requests a 36‑by‑30‑foot detached garage that would project 23 feet into the front‑yard setback area for Adam and Ashley Kirchhoff in Section 7, Windom Township. The board will hear applicant presentations, public comments, and then deliberate to issue findings of fact and vote on motions with or without conditions.

• Variance #594 – Justin Gerber requests a 100‑ft feedlot setback (to be located 900 ft from the dwelling) in Section 13, Adams Township
• Variance #593 – Adam and Ashley Kirchhoff request a detached garage (36 × 30 ft) projecting 23 ft into the front‑yard setback in Section 7, Windom Township
• Public hearing will be held in‑person at the County Government Center and via Microsoft Teams (link provided)
• Board will create Findings of Fact and consider motions with or without conditions for each variance
• Agenda approval and prior meeting minutes were approved unanimously

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a housing tax abatement application for a single-family home in LeRoy. The board will also consider accepting Black Husky LLC's decision to rescind a conditional use permit for an outdoor cannabis cultivation campus. Consent agenda items include approving a tax assessment repayment, tobacco licenses, and a gambling permit. The board will also approve a bid for electrical and mechanical upgrades at the Adams Highway Shop and a quote for cybersecurity insurance.

• Public hearing on housing tax abatement for Donald & Judy Orum in LeRoy
• Resolution to approve housing tax abatement for Orum property (PIN 26.004.0041)
• Accept Black Husky LLC's rescission of CUP #1009 for outdoor cannabis cultivation
• Approve bid for Adams Highway Shop electrical and mechanical upgrades
• Approve quote for cybersecurity insurance

The board approved its agenda and consent agenda, which included $298,262.85 in vendor payments and a $202,585.98 health‑services payable. It adopted a $4,476.34 assessment to recover an erroneous housing tax abatement, approved a lawful gambling exempt permit for a raffle, issued several new tobacco licenses, and granted a five‑year tax abatement to Donald and Judy Orum for a new single‑family home.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda with $298,262.85 vendor payments and $202,585.98 health services payable (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution #43-26 assessing $4,476.34 repayment to Ramaker property
• Approved Resolution #44-26 granting Minnesota Lawful Gambling exempt permit for LeRoy Clay Target Team raffle
• Approved new tobacco licenses for five businesses (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution #45-26 granting a five‑year tax abatement to Donald and Judy Orum for a new single‑family home

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings and consider adopting a new Comprehensive Land Use Plan, a zoning amendment for feedlots, and a smoke-free property ordinance. They will also vote on housing tax abatements for two single-family homes, a lease agreement for hay on tax-forfeited property, and a tobacco license renewal. Personnel policy amendments are also on the agenda.

• Housing tax abatement applications: New Horizon Homes (Nature Ridge Third, Austin) and Bradley & Theresa Wolff (Buckridge Estates, Grand Meadow Twp)
• Lease agreement with Ben Farrell for hay on tax-forfeited property
• Tobacco license renewal for AMA Corp d/b/a BEAR'S (July 2026 – June 2027)
• Zoning ordinance amendment: Special Requirements for Feedlots (Division 3, Section 14-18.2)
• Adoption of Mower County Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Smoke-Free/Tobacco-Free Property Ordinance

The Board unanimously adopted revisions to the Mower County Zoning Ordinance, including updates to feedlot requirements. It also approved a $83,311 contract with Chosen Valley Testing for environmental work and granted five‑year tax abatements for two single‑family home projects. The consent agenda, covering vendor payments, a lease renewal, and a tobacco license, was approved unanimously.

• Adopt Zoning Ordinance amendment (unanimous)
• Approve $83,311 contract with Chosen Valley Testing (unanimous)
• Grant tax abatement to New Horizon Homes, LLC (unanimous)
• Grant tax abatement to Bradley and Theresa Wolff (unanimous)
• Approve consent agenda vendor payments totaling $366,416.88 (unanimous)
• Approve lease renewal with Ben Farrell to Hay on tax‑forfeited property (unanimous)
• Approve tobacco license for AMA Corp d/b/a BEAR'S (unanimous)

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session featuring a project update on PowerOn Midwest from Great River Energy. The meeting also includes departmental updates from emergency management, public safety, the sheriff, the jail, and the county engineer.

• PowerOn Midwest project update from Great River Energy
• Emergency Manager Amy Bramwell department update
• PSAP Supervisor Tracy Hauschildt department update
• Sheriff Steve Sanvik department update
• County Engineer Mitch Wenum monthly update

The Mower County Board heard a PowerOn Midwest transmission project update from Great River Energy, including tax revenue estimates and easement details. County Engineer Mitch Wenum reported progress on the County Road 7 bridge and other roadway projects. Sheriff Steve Sandvik gave a review of departmental changes and recent cyber‑incident response. No actions were approved, denied, or tabled during this work session.

Mower County Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Conditional Use Permit #1009 for an outdoor cannabis cultivation campus in Austin Township, proposed by Black Husky LLC. The commission also considers a zoning ordinance amendment addressing abatement, annual fee schedules, swine lagoon requirements, and feedlot setbacks. The meeting includes approval of prior meeting minutes and staff updates.

• Public hearing for CUP #1009: outdoor cannabis cultivation campus (150' x 300' sites) in Section 10, Austin Township, property owner Matthew Johnson, applicant Black Husky LLC
• Zoning ordinance amendment to Article 1, Division 3, Section 14-18.2 on abatement, annual fee schedule, swine lagoon requirements, and feedlot setbacks
• Approval of minutes from March 2, 2026, and April 6, 2026
• Staff updates on permit statuses and upcoming items

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The board will hold public hearings and consider resolutions to approve housing tax abatements for seven single-family homes in various locations, including Austin, Adams, Frankford Twp, Marshall Twp, Udolpho Twp, and LeRoy. Other items include a joint powers agreement with the BCA, setting a public hearing for the comprehensive land use plan, and discussing Government Center roof repairs. The board will also receive quarterly financial and investment reports.

• Public hearings and resolutions for 7 housing tax abatement applications (Bigelow & Lennon, Mullenbach, Benson, Boe, Smith, DeBoer, Holdeman)
• Resolution to approve BCA Joint Powers Agreement and CJDN Subscriber Amendment for County Attorney
• Set May 12, 2026 as date for public hearing on Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Future Land Use Map
• Government Center Roof Repairs
• 1st Quarter Investment Report and Financial Update

The commissioners unanimously approved the agenda and consent items, including a $20,000 septic loan assessment for the Nelson parcel. They also adopted a resolution granting a Minnesota Lawful Gambling LG214 premises permit to the Stewartville Firemen's Relief Association for Deer Creek Speedway. Later, the board approved a five‑year property tax abatement for Bigelow & Lennon Construction’s new single‑family home.

• Approved agenda adding septic loan assessment ($20,000) – unanimous
• Approved consent agenda (minutes, payments, warrants, etc.) – unanimous
• Approved septic loan assessment for Nelson parcel #13.032.0020 – unanimous
• Approved Minnesota Lawful Gambling LG214 premises permit for Deer Creek Speedway – passed
• Approved five‑year tax abatement for Bigelow & Lennon Construction parcel (PIN 34.523.0270) – passed

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will consider approving three housing tax abatement applications and awarding contracts for road maintenance and culvert lining. The board will also discuss a dispatch feasibility study and set a date for a public hearing on a tobacco-free property ordinance.

• Approve housing tax abatements for Ryan Nagele, David & Rebecca Schulz, and Allen and Debra Fasbender
• Award quote for 2026 Roadside Weed Spraying
• Award CP 50-26-07 Culvert Lining Bid
• Set public hearing date for Tobacco-Free Property Ordinance on May 12, 2026
• Approve contract with Reassurance Solutions for Jail Monitoring Equipment

The Mower County Board approved the cannabis retail registration for Hidden Gardens Micro and the County Feedlot Officer 2025 report. It authorized a $500,000 transfer of ARPA funds to the Health and Human Services Fund and approved a gambling premises permit for the Blooming Prairie Fire Department Relief Association. The Board also adopted tax abatements for new housing projects owned by Ryan Nagele, David & Rebecca Schulz, and Allen & Debra Fasbender.

• Approved cannabis retail registration for Michael Attleson d/b/a Hidden Gardens Micro (unanimous)
• Approved County Feedlot Officer 2025 report (unanimous)
• Authorized $500,000 ARPA fund transfer to Health and Human Services Fund
• Approved Minnesota Lawful Gambling LG214 premises permit for Blooming Prairie Fire Department Relief Association (unanimous)
• Approved tax abatement for Ryan Nagele’s shouse project
• Approved tax abatement for David & Rebecca Schulz’s single‑family home
• Approved tax abatement for Allen & Debra Fasbender’s manufactured home
• Approved appointment of Sarah Lonergan to the Mower County Extension Committee

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will receive a public works project update, followed by a monthly department update from County Engineer Mitch Wenum. After the updates, the board will address any miscellaneous business and walk‑in items before adjourning.

• Public Works Project Update
• Monthly Department Update from County Engineer Mitch Wenum
• Miscellaneous Business (walk‑ins)

The Mower County Board heard a presentation on a potential Public Works Facilities Project, with Options 2B and 5 evaluated and Option 2B recommended. The County Engineer also gave an update on revising the Snow & Ice Policy. No formal decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded during the work session.

Mower County Planning Commission

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board will consider a resolution to renew a 0.5% local option sales tax to fund road and bridge projects and adopt the 2026‑2035 Transportation Improvement Plan. A separate resolution will propose raising the wheelage tax from $10 to $20. The board will also approve renewals for UKG and the county debtbook, a lease with Reagan Outdoor Advertising, and adopt or amend several personnel policies.

• Resolution to renew 0.5% Local Option Sales Tax for road & bridge projects (2026‑2035 Transportation Improvement Plan)
• Resolution to increase wheelage tax from $10 to $20
• Approve UKG renewal
• Approve Reagan Outdoor Advertising lease
• Adopt Personnel Policy B101 Tennessen Advisory/Wage Disclosure/Data Practices

The Mower County Board approved the 2026‑2035 Transportation Improvement Plan, dedicating local‑option sales tax proceeds to road and bridge projects. It also voted to increase the wheelage tax from $10 to $20 per vehicle, effective Jan 1 2027. Additional actions included approving seasonal liquor licenses, software renewals, a billboard lease, and a health‑services payment.

• Adopt 2026‑2035 Transportation Improvement Plan – adopted 5‑0
• Increase Wheelage Tax from $10 to $20 effective Jan 1 2027 – adopted 5‑0
• Approve seasonal liquor license for Deer Creek Speedway, LLC (4/1/26‑10/31/26) – approved unanimously
• Approve seasonal liquor license for Chateau Speedway 1956, LLC (5/1/26‑9/30/26) – approved unanimously
• Approve UKG HRIS renewal ($62,205.88) for 4/1/26‑12/31/26 – adopted 5‑0
• Approve DebtBook software renewal ($11,500) for 2/28/26‑2/27/27 – adopted 5‑0
• Approve 10‑year Reagan Outdoor Advertising lease for billboard at Public Works campus – adopted 5‑0
• Approve Health & Human Services accounts payable $223,775.67 – adopted 5‑0

General

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board will review and vote on a range of items including licensing, infrastructure contracts, and land-use permits. Items include digitizing 2025 board minutes ($454), seasonal liquor licenses for Meadow Greens Golf Course and Adventure Bound BT, and a housing tax abatement for a single-family home (PIN 34.471.0020). The board will also consider award of seasonal aggregate, bituminous and pavement-marking contracts and will vote on six Conditional Use Permit applications for commercial state-licensed cannabis cultivation or processing on specified parcels.

• Approve ArcaSearch proposal to digitize 2025 Board minutes (estimated $454)
• Approve seasonal liquor license for Meadow Greens Golf Course, Inc. (3/1/2026‑11/30/2026)
• Approve seasonal liquor license for Adventure Bound BT, LLC (4/1/2026‑10/31/2026)
• Approve housing tax abatement for Bigelow & Lennon (PIN 34.471.0020)
• Approve CUP 1002‑1007 for commercial state‑licensed cannabis cultivation or processing on parcels 09.030.0010‑0018

The Mower County Board approved a five‑year property tax abatement for a new single‑family home owned by Bigelow & Lennon Construction, LLC. It also approved several seasonal contracts for aggregate, bituminous, pavement marking, fuel supply, curbside sweeping, and health‑human‑services expenses. All actions were adopted unanimously.

• Approved tax abatement for Bigelow & Lennon Construction, LLC (5-0)
• Approved seasonal aggregate contract to Ulland Brothers, Inc. for $264,860.00 (5-0)
• Approved seasonal bituminous contract to HG Meigs LLC for $324,630.00 (5-0)
• Approved seasonal pavement marking contract to Sir Lines‑A‑Lot for $208,725.00 (5-0)
• Approved fuel supply quote to Baudoin Oil Co., Inc. (diesel $0.039/gal, gasoline $0.356/gal) (5-0)
• Approved curbside sweeping contract to Damel Corporation, Inc. for $6,426.00 (5-0)
• Approved Health & Human Services accounts payable of $70,618.73 (5-0)
• Approved purchase of service agreements with Credible Minds for $11,400 (5-0)

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a work session featuring a presentation on bonds by Ehlers. The meeting also includes a monthly department update from County Engineer Mitch Wenum.

• Bond 101 presentation with Ehlers
• Monthly department update from County Engineer Mitch Wenum

The Mower County Board received a Bond 101 overview from Ehlers advisors and a funding presentation from the County Engineer. The presenters discussed financing options for the Public Works Campus project and highway funding sources, including potential tax changes. The next step is a public hearing to set the maximum borrowing amount, followed by a 30‑day reverse referendum. No formal decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Mower County Planning Commission

The Mower County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on several Conditional Use Permit applications to allow commercial, state‑licensed cannabis cultivation or manufacturing on parcels in Section 30, Leroy Township. The agenda lists the parcel identifiers, property owners and applicants for each request. No decisions are recorded; the hearing will gather public input before any approvals.

• CUP #1002 – commercial cannabis cultivation on Parcel A, Section 30, Leroy Township (owners: Dennis & Diane Winfield; applicant: Daniel Till)
• CUP #1003 – commercial cannabis cultivation on Parcel B, Section 30, Leroy Township (owner: Gaylord Winfield Revocable Trust; applicant: Eduardo Martinez)
• CUP #1004 – commercial cannabis cultivation on Parcel C, Section 30, Leroy Township (owner: Gaylord Winfield Revocable Trust; applicant: Eduardo Martinez)
• CUP #1006 – cannabis manufacturing and processing on Parcel E, Section 30, Leroy Township (owners: Dennis & Diane Winfield; applicant: Cory Hardy)
• CUP #1007 – commercial cannabis cultivation on Parcel F, Section 30, Leroy Township (owner: Gaylord Winfield Revocable Trust; applicant: Kendra Yermain)

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a housing tax abatement for Todd Weisinger. The body will also consider awarding low bids for bridge replacements and road surfacing, as well as discussing a potential shotgun-only ordinance for deer hunting.

• Public hearing and resolution for housing tax abatement for Todd Weisinger (PIN 20.013.0010)
• Low bid awards for bridges in Marshall, Pleasant Valley, and Lyle Townships
• Low bid award for bituminous surfacing on CR 57, CSAH 16, CSAH 15, and CSAH 3
• Contract amendments for Adams Shop updates and Government Center 1st floor remodel
• Discussion on pursuing or waiving a Shotgun-only Ordinance for deer hunting

The Mower County Board approved a tax abatement for a new single‑family home, a 20% match for the JC Hormel Nature Center’s grant, and authorized several infrastructure contracts including a $7,795,119.34 award for bituminous surfacing on County Roads. All motions passed unanimously (5‑0).

• Approved tax abatement for Todd Weisinger’s property (5‑0)
• Approved 20% match funding for JC Hormel Nature Center LCCMR grant (5‑0)
• Approved Health & Human Services accounts payable $205,767.29 (5‑0)
• Approved commissioner warrants totaling $330,082.47 (5‑0)
• Awarded $209,634.36 contract to Alcon Excavating for Bridge L4980 replacement (5‑0)
• Awarded $131,274.00 contract to Midwest Contracting for Bridge 50J03 replacement (5‑0)
• Awarded $410,840.02 contract to Alcon Excavating for Bridge L5013 replacement (5‑0)
• Awarded $7,795,119.34 contract to Ulland Brothers for bituminous surfacing projects (5‑0)

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a home-based firearm business. The board will also discuss resolutions concerning nuclear power generation and property tax exemptions for a proposed gas-fired power facility.

• CUP 999 request by Robert Nathan Humphrey for indoor firearm sales and gunsmithing
• Resolution on repealing Minnesota's moratorium on new Nuclear Power Generation facilities
• Resolution regarding Personal Property Tax exemption for the proposed Austin Energy Station
• 2026 Spring Load Restriction Resolution
• Authorization for the purchase of Sheriffs Office Vehicles

The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, including staff appointments to the 2026 Insurance Benefit Labor Management Committee. It adopted a Spring Load Restriction Resolution setting axle load limits on county highways. Commissioners approved a new Administrative Services Coordinator position (4-1) and authorized health & human services payments and service‑agreement renewals. Finally, the Board passed a resolution supporting a personal‑property‑tax exemption for the proposed Austin Energy Station.

• Approved consent agenda and staff appointments (unanimous)
• Adopted Spring Load Restriction Resolution (passed)
• Approved Administrative Services Coordinator position (4-1)
• Authorized Health & Human Services accounts payable $75,549.23 (unanimous)
• Approved renewal of Self Fund Health Administrative Services Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved renewal of multiple Purchase of Service Agreements (unanimous)
• Supported tax exemption for Austin Energy Station (passed)
• Approved commissioner warrants for various vendor payments (passed)

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session on February 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Board Room Lower Level. The agenda includes an update on the MariBell transmission line project with Dairyland Power. Commissioners will discuss a personal property tax exemption request for SMMPA related to a new gas‑fired power generation facility presented by Austin Utilities representatives. Additional items include a resolution supporting the MN Rural Electric Association’s effort to repeal the state moratorium on new nuclear power plants, a monthly update from the County Engineer, and consideration of action on the Shotgun Zone Ordinance.

• Update on MariBell transmission line project (Dairyland Power)
• Discussion of personal property tax exemption for SMMPA on a new gas‑fired power plant (Austin Utilities)
• Discussion of resolution supporting repeal of Minnesota’s nuclear power moratorium (MN Rural Electric Association / MN Nuclear Energy Alliance)
• Discussion of action regarding Shotgun Zone Ordinance
• Monthly Department Update from County Engineer Mitch Wenum

The board received updates on the MariBell Transmission Line Project from Dairyland Power and GridLiance. They reviewed Austin Utilities’ proposal for an $85 million natural‑gas combustion turbine facility. Commissioners discussed a resolution to support repealing Minnesota’s nuclear‑power moratorium, which will be introduced at the next meeting. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Mower County Planning Commission

The Mower County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a home occupation. The commission will also discuss updates to the Comprehensive Plan and receive staff updates.

• Public hearing for CUP #999: Robert Humphrey request for indoor firearms sales, gunsmithing, and training in a detached garage in Section 22 of Pleasant Valley Township
• Discussion of Comprehensive Plan updates

Mower County Board of Adjustment

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board will approve routine items such as the agenda, minutes, payment reports, and loan assessments for two septic projects totaling $43,567.11. It will also approve the annual solid‑waste hauler licenses, health and human services accounts payable, and receive financial updates. A motion to amend the adopted 2026 fee schedule will be considered. Additional business includes recognitions, commissioner warrants and committee reports.

• Approve loan assessment for Scott A & Tamara R McMasters – $21,470.49
• Approve loan assessment for John Paul and Barbara Jean Kloeckner – $22,096.62
• Approve annual solid waste hauler licenses (13 licenses) effective 2/1/26‑1/31/27
• Motion to amend the adopted 2026 fee schedule
• Approve Health & Human Services accounts payable

The Mower County Board adopted special assessments for septic‑loan repayments for two properties, totaling $43,567.11. It also approved Health & Human Services accounts payable of $197,163.60 and commissioner warrants totaling $338,643.72. Solid‑waste hauler licenses for 2026‑27 were approved, and the fee schedule was amended to add feedlot and inmate boarding fees. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved septic loan assessment of $21,470.49 for Scott A & Tamara R McMasters (unanimous)
• Approved septic loan assessment of $22,096.62 for John Paul & Barbara Jean Kloeckner (unanimous)
• Approved Health & Human Services accounts payable of $197,163.60 (unanimous)
• Approved commissioner warrants totaling $338,643.72 (unanimous)
• Approved annual solid waste hauler licenses for 2026‑27 (unanimous)
• Amended 2026 fee schedule: $30 feedlot late fee and inmate boarding fees of $75/$175 per day (unanimous)

General

General

Mower County Board of Commissioners

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will consider several resolutions, including a motion to approve a contract with the City of Austin for a Law Enforcement Center. The board will also decide on a housing tax abatement application for a single‑family home in Dexter and a conditional use permit for a 300‑foot telecommunications tower proposed by Cloud 1. Additional items include equipment purchase quotes and a solid‑waste assessment for the D. Finley parcel.

• Motion to approve the contract with the City of Austin for the Law Enforcement Center
• Resolution to approve or deny the housing tax abatement application of Geoffrey Burgos (PIN 23.004.0070)
• Resolution to approve or deny CUP 994 for a 300‑foot telecommunications tower by Cloud 1 (AT&T anchor tenant)
• Approval of quotes for replacement of a mini excavator (Unit 26) and a low‑boy trailer (Unit 62)
• Resolution to adopt a solid‑waste/cleanup assessment on the D. Finley parcel (08.051.0220)

Mower County Board of Commissioners

Mower County Board of Commissioners - Work Sessions

The Mower County Board of Commissioners will hold its annual organizational meeting to elect a chair and vice-chair, approve committee assignments, and vote on resolutions for 2026 financial institutions, warrants, and appropriations.

• Elect Chair and Vice-Chair
• Approve 2026 Board Committee Assignments
• Approve 2026 Auditor Warrants
• Approve 2026 General Fund Appropriations
• Approve 2026 Meal Reimbursement rates

Mower County Planning Commission

The Mower County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a telecommunication tower. The commission will also elect a Vice-Chair for 2026.

• Public hearing for CUP #994: 300ft guyed telecommunication tower in Section 26 of Grand Meadow Township
• Election of 2026 Planning Commission Vice-Chair