Stevens County public meetings in 2025

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The Stevens County Board of Commissioners approved the 2026 salary and benefit packages for the County Attorney, Auditor/Treasurer, Recorder, and Sheriff, each with a 2% cost‑of‑living increase on Jan. 1 and July 1, 2026. The board also approved the 2026 solid‑waste collection license for Engebretson & Sons Disposal Service, the 2026 tobacco licenses for listed retailers, and a one‑time payment of all 2025 invoices. All motions passed with unanimous affirmative votes.

• Approved 2026 salary of $161,782.40 for County Attorney (all aye)
• Approved 2026 salary of $115,752 for County Auditor/Treasurer (all aye)
• Approved 2026 salary of $106,558 for County Recorder (all aye)
• Approved 2026 salary of $139,724 for County Sheriff (all aye)
• Approved 2026 solid‑waste collection transportation license to Engebretson & Sons Disposal Service Inc (all aye)
• Approved 2026 tobacco licenses for listed retailers (all aye)
• Authorized payment of all 2025 invoices received before year‑end on Dec. 30, 2025 (all aye)
• Approved $250 donation from Fraternal Order of Police Glacial Lakes Lodge #23 for “shop with a cop” (all aye)

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The board held the annual Truth in Taxation Hearing, during which County Administrator Becky Young presented a year‑to‑date overview of the 2025 budget and the proposed 2026 budget and levy. Public comments were taken, but no formal actions or approvals were taken. The board will set the 2026 budget and levy at its regular meeting on December 16, 2025.

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The board approved a letter of support for the Developmental Achievement Center solar grant and adopted the DAC lease addendum, which adds no cost to the county. It also authorized the County Administrator to seek a no‑interest loan from West Central Initiative after the state grant is awarded. The board approved a contract with Wolf Track Energy for the solar project. A motion to assume utility bills through Ottertail Power Company was introduced, but the minutes do not record the vote outcome.

• Approved letter of support for DAC solar grant application (motion carried, unanimous aye)
• Approved DAC lease addendum, no additional county cost (motion carried, unanimous aye)
• Authorized County Administrator to pursue no‑interest loan from West Central Initiative (Resolution 251201‑23, motion carried, unanimous aye)
• Approved contract with Wolf Track Energy for solar project (motion carried, unanimous aye)
• Motion to assume utility bills through Ottertail Power Company introduced; vote outcome not recorded
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried, unanimous aye)

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The Stevens County Board approved the agenda addition for a donation, committed $11,488.16 in‑kind match for the Hazard Mitigation Plan, and adopted the County’s Commissioner Warrants totaling $273,411.52. It also approved the County Ditch fiscal‑agent fee, the 2026 ditch levies, accepted a $1,000 donation for a restricted Sheriff’s Office fund, and adopted the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency feedlot work plan. The board then approved the Road and Bridge 5‑year plan, the 4‑year gravel surfacing plan, and a bridge‑replacement priority list for the next five years. All motions passed with unanimous affirmative votes.

• Approved agenda addition for donation (Stephanie Buss) – all members aye
• Approved Hazard Mitigation Plan funding letter committing $11,488.16 in‑kind match – all members aye
• Approved Commissioner Warrants totaling $273,411.52 – all members aye
• Approved County Ditch Fiscal Agent Fee $10,500 and $50 per ditch assessment – all members aye
• Approved 2026 Ditch Levies as presented – all members aye
• Accepted $1,000 donation from John Riley Construction and created restricted fund for Sheriff’s Office – all members aye
• Approved Road and Bridge 5‑year plan and 4‑year gravel surfacing plan – all members aye
• Approved Bridge Replacement Priority List (Resolution No. 251118‑22) – all members aye

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The commissioners approved the agenda with two additions, accepted the prior meeting minutes, and approved a low‑potency hemp edibles retail registration for Vannur Vapes. They adopted a resolution urging the repeal of Minnesota's nuclear‑energy moratorium and joining the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance. The board also approved an $8,000 Access Settlement Agreement and modified Engebretson's contract hours to eliminate Saturday service.

• Approved agenda with additions (Rebecca Young; Access Agreement) – unanimous aye vote
• Approved minutes of 10/21/25 meeting – unanimous aye vote
• Approved Low Potency Hemp Edibles Retail Registration for Vannur Vapes – unanimous aye vote
• Approved Resolution to join MNEA and urge repeal of nuclear moratorium – unanimous aye vote
• Approved Access Settlement Agreement for $8,000 with proof of record destruction – unanimous aye vote
• Approved modification of Engebretson's contract hours: no Saturday service, open 7 a.m.–M‑F effective 12/1/25 – unanimous aye vote

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The commissioners approved a $75 per‑request fee for judicial shielding of real‑estate records. They also approved the $1000 donation from Good Shepard Lutheran Church, the 2026 Human Services contracts, and several road and IT expenditures. All motions passed with unanimous affirmative votes.

• Approved $75 fee for each judicial shielding request (unanimous aye)
• Accepted $1,000 donation from Good Shepard Lutheran Church (unanimous aye)
• Approved Human Services warrants totaling $200,136.37 (unanimous aye)
• Approved 2026 Human Services contracts (unanimous aye)
• Approved final payment of $71,140.36 for County Road 14 aggregate base project (unanimous aye)
• Approved 2025 server purchase from Dell for $15,856.57 (unanimous aye)
• Approved Minnesota Paid Leave policy contract with MetLife (unanimous aye)
• Approved cleaning of CD10 ditch for $48,804.96 to Wagner Construction (unanimous aye)

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The Stevens County Board approved a series of contracts and purchases, including a $3.47 million award for road and bridge work to Mark Sand and Gravel. It also accepted a $5,000 donation from Pembina Pipeline for SWAT training and approved a 5‑year copier lease for the Extension Office. The 2024 Financial Statements were adopted, and a 4.5‑acre land lease to Paul Schmidgall was authorized.

• Approved agenda with Emergency Management update (unanimous)
• Accepted $5,000 donation from Pembina Pipeline for SWAT training (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 Financial Statements (unanimous)
• Approved 5‑year copier lease $186.58/month for Extension Office (unanimous)
• Awarded remodel contracts to Ameson's Construction ($21,264.60) and Viking Garage Door ($15,132.00) (unanimous)
• Awarded $3,474,901.29 bid to Mark Sand and Gravel for SP 075‑618‑017 and SAP 075‑609‑040 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 2026 motor grader for $335,964.58 (unanimous)
• Approved 4.5‑acre land lease to Paul Schmidgall in Framnas Township (unanimous)

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The Stevens County Board certified the 2026 Preliminary Levy at a 5.10% rate. It also approved a Conditional Use Permit for Agralite Electric Cooperative’s new substation and reappointed Jeff Boyle to a five‑year term on the Planning Commission. Additional actions included accepting a resignation and back‑filling a heavy‑equipment operator position, approving lease renewals for office equipment, and adopting the MFIP Biennial Service Agreement and Human Services warrants.

• Certified 2026 Preliminary Levy at 5.10% (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Agralite substation with findings and conditions (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Jeff Kisgen, Heavy Equipment Operator/Maintenance II, effective Oct 1 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved back‑fill of Heavy Equipment Operator/Maintenance II position (unanimous)
• Reappointed Jeff Boyle to a five‑year term on the Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Approved lease for Canon wide‑format printer and scanner at $287.64 per month for five years (unanimous)
• Approved lease for Canon copier at $94.26 per month for five years (unanimous)
• Approved Human Services warrants totaling $140,690.33 (unanimous)

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The board approved the Housing and Redevelopment Authority’s 2026 administrative budget and authorized a special benefit tax levy of $556,000. Commissioners accepted the resignation of Engineering Technician Jamie VanKempen effective Sept. 12, 2025 and approved backfilling the Highway Technician position. The board also accepted a $150 donation to the sheriff’s office, approved the retirement of Custodian David Gillen effective Jan. 5, 2026, and directed the staff‑and‑personnel committee to explore health‑care cost options.

• Approved 2026 HRA administrative budget and $556,000 special benefit tax levy (all members voting aye)
• Accepted resignation of Engineering Technician Jamie VanKempen, effective Sept. 12, 2025 (all members voting aye)
• Approved backfill of Highway Technician position (all members voting aye)
• Accepted $150 donation to sheriff’s office “shop with a cop” program (all members voting aye)
• Accepted retirement of Custodian David Gillen, effective Jan. 5, 2026 (all members voting aye)
• Approved backfill of Custodian position (all members voting aye)
• Closed meeting under MN Statute 13D.03 (all members voting aye)
• Directed staff and personnel committee to discuss health‑care cost increase options (all members voting aye)

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The commissioners voted to accept Big Stone County's termination of the emergency management services contract effective Dec. 31, 2025. They also approved a quit‑claim deed for parcel 05‑9010‑000 to Larry and Paul Moser and authorized advertising sealed bids for parcel 03‑9039‑000. Additional actions included approving a $13,693.68 software licensing purchase, final payments of $13,407.21 and $6,428.94 for road projects, a $143.50 augmentation for a social‑services supervisor, and $167,766.92 in human‑services warrants.

• Accepted termination of BSC emergency management contract (all aye)
• Approved quit‑claim deed for parcel 05‑9010‑000 to Larry and Paul Moser (all aye)
• Authorized advertising sealed bids for parcel 03‑9039‑000 (all aye)
• Approved VMWare software licensing purchase of $13,693.68 (all aye)
• Approved final payment of $13,407.21 to Morris Sealcoat (all aye)
• Approved final payment of $6,428.94 to Lot Pros (all aye)
• Approved $143.50 augmentation for social‑services supervisor (all aye)
• Approved human‑services warrants totaling $167,766.92 (all aye)

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The Stevens County Board approved several contracts, policies, and grant allocations. Notably, it authorized a $44,515 purchase of a Chevrolet pickup and awarded a $46,100 sealcoating contract. The board also approved multiple opioid grant funds totaling $87,876.34. All actions were adopted with the recorded votes.

• Approved purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet 1500 pickup for $44,515 (unanimous aye)
• Awarded sealcoating contract to Morris Sealcoat and Trucking for $46,100 (unanimous aye)
• Approved Paid Family Medical Leave contract with MetLife (unanimous aye)
• Approved policy 3.11 Ethics and Conflict of Interest (unanimous aye)
• Approved opioid grant of $720 to RUSC Kingship (aye: Wohlers, Kopitzke, Lesmeister-Nelson, Staples; abstain: Ennen)
• Approved opioid grants: Car Care Program $35,000; Vivie $7,950; West Central Minnesota Communities Action $35,000; Stevens County Ambulance $9,206.34 (unanimous aye)
• Approved assessing contracts with City of Morris and City of Donnelly (unanimous aye)
• Approved employee referral bonus of $500 for child protection social worker (unanimous aye)

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The board approved the agenda and minutes for the meeting. It authorized $229,450.47 in commissioner warrants, a gambling license for the Morris Hockey Association, and $169,502.50 in human services warrants. The 2025‑26 fee schedule for Human Services and a service agreement for the Drop‑in Center were also approved. The resignation of Victim Witness Coordinator Emily Murphy was accepted.

• Approved agenda (all members aye)
• Approved minutes of 7/1/25 meeting (all members aye)
• Approved commissioner warrants totaling $229,450.47 (all members aye)
• Approved gambling license for Morris Hockey Association at Pomme de Terre Golf Club (all members aye)
• Approved human services warrants totaling $169,502.50 (all members aye)
• Approved 2025‑26 fee schedule for Human Services (all members aye)
• Approved service agreement with Jenny Rose for Drop‑in Center through end of 2025 (all members aye)
• Accepted resignation of Emily Murphy, Victim Witness Coordinator effective July 22, 2025 (all members aye)

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The Stevens County Board approved the agenda and the minutes from the June 17 meeting. It awarded three construction contracts: $80,840.50 to Schaefer Excavating for CSAH 10 culvert work, $33,010 to Ferguson Asphalt Paving for the Chokio Maintenance lot, and $61,523.50 to Joe Riley Construction for the DAC lot with a county share of $30,761.75. The board also adopted updated policies with a new rule that no per diem be paid to canvassing board members.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of 6/17/25 meeting (unanimous)
• Awarded CSAH 10 culvert repairs contract to Schaefer Excavating, $80,840.50 (unanimous)
• Awarded Chokio Maintenance lot paving contract to Ferguson Asphalt Paving Inc., $33,010 (unanimous)
• Awarded DAC lot construction contract to Joe Riley Construction, $61,523.50 (county cost $30,761.75) (unanimous)
• Adopted updated board policies with addition of no per diem for canvassing board (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The Stevens County Board approved a $217,789.50 bid from Arneson Construction to repair the old highway building roof, funding the deficit from Human Services reserves. It also approved $178,234.38 in Human Services warrants, several service agreements, a memorandum of understanding with the Central Minnesota Child Advocacy Center, and the reappointment of Charlotte Culbertson to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The State Affordable Housing Aid Program proposal (option C) and a $500 referral bonus for two deputy positions were approved. The board removed the daytime strobe‑light condition from the Interim Use Permit for Tenaska MET towers.

• Approved $178,234.38 Human Services warrants (all members voting aye)
• Approved service agreements for DAC, Prairie Community Services, Divine House, Good Life Services, Chokio Alberta School, Hancock School and Morris Area School (all members voting aye)
• Approved MOU with Central Minnesota Child Advocacy Center (all members voting aye)
• Reappointed Charlotte Culbertson to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for a five‑year term (all members voting aye)
• Approved SAHA proposal option C for restriction timeline and percentages (all members voting aye)
• Approved $500 referral bonus for referrals to two deputy positions (all members voting aye)
• Approved Arneson Construction bid $217,789.50 for roof repair, deficit funded by Human Services Reserves (all members voting aye)
• Removed daytime strobe light condition from Interim Use Permit (ayes: Kopitzke, Lesmeister-Nelson, Staples; nays: Ennen, Wohlers)

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a resolution declaring Stevens County in a state of emergency for the June 2 severe weather event. They also approved several contracts—including a liquor license renewal, a service agreement with Carisia Alyea, staff training contracts, and a $23,274.11 parcel‑fabric upgrade—each passing with all members voting aye. The board scheduled a public hearing for the Met Tower interim‑use permit amendment and certified an easement without conditions, with the easement vote recorded as four ayes and one nay.

• Declared state of emergency for June 2 severe weather (all members voting aye)
• Approved liquor license renewal for Pomme de Terre Golf Club (all members voting aye)
• Approved service agreement with Carisia Alyea (all members voting aye)
• Approved staff and supervisor training contracts using reserved funds (all members voting aye)
• Scheduled public hearing on Met Tower interim use permit amendment for June 17, 2025
• Approved parcel fabric and ArcGIS/SQL server upgrades $23,274.11 (all members voting aye)
• Certified easement without conditions (ayes: Kopitzke, Lesmeister, Ennen, Wohlers; nays: Staples)
• Accepted resignation of Regina Lighthall, Child Support, effective May 28, 2025 (all members voting aye)

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The commissioners approved four interim use permits for met towers with a condition to notify pilots. They also approved a resolution to join the West Central Minnesota Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force Joint Powers Agreement. Additional actions included awarding a road aggregate contract, approving final payment for a bridge replacement, and adopting the 2026 budget timeline.

• Approved four interim use permits for met towers with pilot‑notification condition (Ayes: Kopitzke, Staples, Ennen, Lesmeister‑Nelson; Nays: Wohlers)
• Approved resolution to join West Central Minnesota Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force Joint Powers Agreement (all members voting aye)
• Awarded bid for CP 2025‑01 aggregate base on CSAH 14 to Wanger Companies, $241,800.00 (all members voting aye)
• Approved final payment for Baker Township bridge replacement to John Riley Construction, $209,472.00 (all members voting aye)
• Approved out‑of‑state travel for Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Reed to Nevada (all members voting aye)
• Approved out‑of‑state travel for Deputy Swiontek to Philadelphia for drug‑recognition training (all members voting aye)
• Approved continuation of sponsorship with West Central Trailblazers Snowmobile Association (all members voting aye)
• Approved 2026 budget timeline as presented (all members voting aye)

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The board approved an amended contract with the City of Hancock for blading. It awarded three contracts: a $268,481.94 bituminous sealcoat to Morris Sealcoat and Trucking, a $46,683.04 seasonal striping contract to Vogel Traffic Services, and a $99,200.00 gravel‑crushing contract to Brown Excavating. The board also accepted a $500 donation for Veterans Services and took on cannabis registration authority from Baker and Stevens Townships.

• Approved amended contract with City of Hancock (all members voting aye)
• Awarded bituminous sealcoat contract to Morris Sealcoat and Trucking Inc., $268,481.94 (all members voting aye)
• Awarded seasonal striping contract to Vogel Traffic Services, $46,683.04 (all members voting aye)
• Awarded gravel‑crushing contract to Brown Excavating Inc., $99,200.00 (all members voting aye)
• Accepted $500 donation from The American Legion Riders for Veterans Services (all members voting aye)
• Accepted delegation of cannabis registration authority from Baker and Stevens Townships (all members voting aye)
• Approved agenda with addition of donation for approval (all members voting aye)
• Approved minutes of 4/15/25 meeting with corrections (all members voting aye)

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The Stevens County Board approved multiple warrants and updated the auditor fee schedule. It authorized a sub‑grant agreement for Hazard Mitigation Assistance and approved a Conditional Use Permit. The board awarded a $2,087,219.15 contract for bituminous mill and overlay work and purchased a $29,431.23 water‑truck tank. It also accepted a resignation, backfilled a child‑protection social worker position, and accepted delegation of cannabis registration authority.

• Approved Commissioner Warrants (all members aye)
• Authorized Hazard Mitigation Assistance sub‑grant (Resolution No. 250415-10)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Riley property (all members aye)
• Awarded $2,087,219.15 road resurfacing contract to Mark Sand and Gravel (all members aye)
• Approved purchase of water‑truck tank for $29,431.23 from Superior Tank and Fabrication (all members aye)
• Accepted resignation of Child Protection Social Worker Kaitlyn Silver and approved backfill (all members aye)
• Accepted delegation of cannabis registration authority to the County (all members aye)
• Approved Human Services warrants totaling $95,115.16 (all members aye)

Stevens County Board of Commissioners

The Stevens County Board approved the Artificial Intelligence Policy and a Material Recovery Facility agreement. It also awarded the 2025 seasonal route and seal project to Astech of St. Cloud and authorized advertising for bids on an aggregate base project. Additionally, the board appointed Linda Vavra to the Bois de Sioux Watershed board and approved the meeting agenda and minutes.

• Approved agenda with addition of HR update (all members aye)
• Approved minutes of 3/18/25 meeting with corrections (all members aye)
• Approved Material Recovery Facility agreement (all members aye)
• Approved Artificial Intelligence Policy (all members aye)
• Awarded 2025 seasonal route and seal project to Astech of St. Cloud for $23,980 (all members aye)
• Approved advertisement for bids on CP 2025-01 Aggregate Base up to $25,000 (all members aye)
• Approved appointment of Linda Vavra to Bois de Sioux Watershed board (all members aye)