Wadena County, Minnesota

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will hold a road tour with the Highway Department and County Engineer Anthony Maule. No official actions or votes will be taken during the event.

• Road tour with Highway Department and County Engineer Anthony Maule
• Departure from Highway Department at 221 Harry Rich Drive
• Review of county highway facilities and roads
• No action or votes will be taken by the Board

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing and discuss housing tax abatement for a specific parcel. The board will also review financial reports and various grant and subsidy requests.

• Public hearing and decision on housing tax abatement for Parcel 02-537-0100
• FY27 Vets Services Grant Agreement
• 2026 Todd Wadena Community Corrections Subsidy Request
• City of Verndale 2025 TIF Report
• 2026 DDA Annual Maintenance Agreement Review

County Commissioners

The board will consider approving a fund transfer for the Friendly Rider Facility and a professional land survey services contract. They will also discuss capital building projects for 2026-2030 and conduct a site visit at the fairgrounds. Consent items include warrants, a public health advisory appointment, replacement vehicles, and employment updates.

• Approval to transfer funds for Friendly Rider Facility
• Professional Land Survey Services Contract (CP 080-112-004)
• Capital Building Projects 2026-2030 discussion
• Fairgrounds site visit
• Human Services 2026 Replacement Vehicles (consent agenda)

County Commissioners

The board will hold public hearings on proposed housing tax abatements for four properties (02-537-0030, 04-023-1010, 07-012-2010, 11-002-1015) and a commercial tax abatement (17-300-0370). They will also consider a conditional use permit for Ryan Busch, approve a transit operating and capital grant resolution for Friendly Rider 2027, and discuss the ADA courthouse entrance project and housing trust fund. Consent items include warrants, minutes, a low-income septic system replacement grant, and appropriations for the Old Wadena Society and Ag Society.

• Public hearing on housing tax abatements for four properties
• Public hearing on commercial tax abatement (17-300-0370)
• Approve conditional use permit for Ryan Busch (02-001-2030)
• Approve Friendly Rider 2027 transit operating and capital grant resolution 2026-21
• Discuss ADA courthouse entrance project

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners Budget Committee will meet to review three financial documents: a 10-year levy history, year-to-date figures for 2025-2027, and a payroll comparison. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda consists entirely of informational reviews.

• 10-year levy history review
• Year-to-date financials for 2025-2027
• Payroll comparison report

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board will hold a public hearing at 1:15 PM on tax abatements for parcels 13-430-0020, 11-009-3015, 13-020-1010, 08-004-2040, and 12-031-4010. Regular agenda items include housing tax abatements for six parcels, a countywide rollout of a Health Care Savings Plan, and approval of 2026 allocations for the Sebeka Historical Society, The Economic Alliance, and The Initiative Foundation. The board will also discuss forestry site prep and timber sales. Consent agenda items include warrants, minutes, budget reports, a liquor license for Nimrod Baseball Association, and a Sebeka event obstruction permit.

• Public hearing on tax abatements for parcels 13-430-0020, 11-009-3015, 13-020-1010, 08-004-2040, 12-031-4010
• Housing tax abatements for parcels 13-430-0020, 13-020-1010, 08-004-2040, 11-009-3015, 02-460-0040, 12-031-4010
• Countywide rollout of Health Care Savings Plan
• Approve 2026 allocations for Sebeka Historical Society, The Economic Alliance, and The Initiative Foundation
• Nimrod Baseball Association liquor license approval

The Board approved several maintenance contracts for the courthouse, including window cleaning and deep cleaning. Additional decisions included human services position changes, tax abatements for specific parcels, and forestry site preparation.

• Approved Consent Agenda unanimously
• Approved temporary Human Services position change to 1.0 FTE (unanimous)
• Approved 2027-2028 Human Services HCSP Renewal Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved HCSP Countywide Rollout (unanimous)
• Designated Heather Olson as Identified Official for Education Identity and Access Management (unanimous)
• Approved Clearview Solutions LLC quote for $3,403.00 courthouse window cleaning (unanimous)
• Approved Building Maintenance and Restoration quote for $2,792.50 courthouse deep cleaning (unanimous)
• Approved $15,184 for forestry reforestation site prep (unanimous)

County Commissioners

This is a routine meeting of the Wadena County Board of Equalization with only procedural items on the agenda, including property owner appointments and assessor recommendations. No specific property valuations or tax decisions are listed.

• Property Owner Appointments
• County Assessor Recommendations

The Board of Equalization reviewed multiple requests and assessor recommendations regarding property valuations. The board approved various reductions to estimated market values for several parcels based on construction, land classification, and physical reviews.

• Denied 10% reduction request for Brian/Andrew Roth (unanimous)
• Approved 15% value reduction for Mason Brothers/Abby’s Bakery parcel 22.005.3390 to $2,642,100 (unanimous)
• Approved $32,200 valuation reduction for Elena and Kevin Sharma parcel 21.300.0470 to $55,000 (unanimous)
• Denied change to valuation for Nathan R. Umland parcel 03.018.4020 (unanimous)
• Approved $14,100 reduction for VE Estates, LLC parcel 20.035.3035 to $274,600 (unanimous)
• Approved $17,900 reduction for Lance D. and Vanessa M. Perius parcel 13.030.2030 to $311,500 (unanimous)
• Approved $15,700 reduction for Keith and Patricia Frame parcel 18.330.0040 to $306,200 (unanimous)
• Approved $2,400 reduction for Jeremy and Holly Maurstad parcel 18.032.1030 to $324,100 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

This is a quorum notice for a Planning Commission meeting; no votes or actions will be taken by the County Board. A public hearing will be held at approximately 7:00 pm to consider proposed amendments to Subdivision Ordinance #4.

• Public hearing on proposed amendments to Subdivision Ordinance #4 at 7:00 pm
• Meeting in Multi-Purpose Room, Lower Level, Wadena County Courthouse, 415 Jefferson St. S, Wadena
• Quorum of County Commissioners may attend but no board action or votes will occur

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve routine warrants and minutes, discuss a solar project update, and hold a public hearing on a tax abatement for a specific parcel.

• Public hearing on tax abatement for Parcel 07-002-1020
• Update from Invenergy regarding solar project near Verndale
• Hearing on Wadena County Schedule Of Fees
• Approval of 2026 Boat And Water Safety Agreement
• School Nursing Contract 26-27

The Board of Commissioners approved the updated county schedule of fees and a tax abatement application. Discussion included potential library service changes, solar project updates near Verndale, and courthouse entrance improvements.

• Approved today's agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including auditor warrants and various contracts (unanimous)
• Approved Employment Update (unanimous)
• Approved Wadena County Schedule of Fees (unanimous)
• Approved Tax Abatement Application for parcel 07-002-1020 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a culvert replacement request for CR145 and a budget amendment for solid waste. The board will also consider various permits for local organizations and review financial reports from April 2026.

• CR145 Culvert Replacement Request on JD6 and CD10
• Budget Amendment for Solid Waste
• 2026 1st Half Allocation for Historical Society
• Temporary Liquor License for Nimrod Baseball Association
• Special Use Permits for Twin City Trail Riders

The commissioners approved the meeting agenda, accepted the Planning Commission draft minutes, and ratified the Reliance inmate‑telephone services agreement, all unanimously. They then voted to approve the County Road 145 culvert replacements on Judicial Ditch 6 and County Ditch 10. The meeting was adjourned at 10:11 a.m.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted Draft Minutes of May 21 Planning Commission meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted Reliance Location Services Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved County Road 145 culvert replacements on JD 6 and CD 10 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:11 a.m. (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board will approve routine warrants, minutes, and donations on the consent agenda. It will discuss updates to the comprehensive plan, a public hearing at 9:15 a.m., and several regular items including a housing tax abatement (02-007-4020). Additional items include a signage payment for Old Wadena and Nimrod Parks and technology funds for the Recorder's Office.

• Approve payment for signage for Old Wadena and Nimrod Parks shop
• Recorder's Office tech funds for Windows migration
• Housing tax abatement (02-007-4020)
• Public hearing at 9:15 a.m.
• Eagle Prairie Pioneer Club gambling permit

The commissioners approved the consent agenda and paid $1,212 for signage at Old Wadena and Nimrod Parks from the Tax Forfeited Land Sales Park Reserve Fund. They authorized the sale of a 2010 Chevy Impala with a $1,000 minimum bid. The board unanimously awarded a $120,547.98 contract to Corbin Excavating for project CP 080-002-026 and approved a housing tax abatement for parcel 02-007-4020. A board work session was scheduled for August 10 at M‑State and a fairgrounds work session for July 14 at the Sheriff’s Building.

• Approved consent agenda items, unanimous
• Approved $1,212 signage payment from park reserve fund, unanimous
• Approved sale of 2010 Chevy Impala with $1,000 minimum bid, unanimous
• Awarded CP 080-002-026 contract to Corbin Excavating, $120,547.98, unanimous
• Approved housing tax abatement for parcel 02-007-4020, unanimous
• Scheduled August 10 board work session at M‑State, unanimous
• Scheduled July 14 fairgrounds work session at Sheriff’s Building, unanimous

County Commissioners

The board will consider a consent agenda including warrants, a gambling permit, policy updates, and an employment update. Regular agenda items include a resolution (2026-15) regarding reassurance solutions for the Sheriff's Department, hiring a part-time driver for Friendly Rider, and the 2025 Highway Department annual report. After break, there will be reports on the comprehensive plan update and zoning ordinance amendments, subdivision ordinance amendments, and Commissioner Kangas' planning and zoning requests.

• Resolution 2026-15 for sheriff's department reassurance solutions
• Friendly Rider hiring a permanent part-time driver
• 2025 Highway Department annual report
• Comprehensive plan update and zoning ordinance amendments
• Menahga Gateway Lions gambling permit approval

The board unanimously approved a temporary $500,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Sheriff’s Department budget, with $250,000 to be returned after each of two tax settlements. They also unanimously approved a $21,550 purchase of two Reassurance Solutions sensors for the county jail and the hiring of a permanent part‑time driver for the Friendly Rider transit service. The consent agenda, including auditor warrants and a gambling permit, was approved unanimously, and the board agreed to move proposed subdivision ordinance amendments to a public hearing.

• Approved $500,000 temporary transfer from General Fund to Sheriff’s budget (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of two Reassurance Solutions sensors for $21,550 for the jail (unanimous)
• Approved hiring a permanent part‑time driver for Friendly Rider transit (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items including $49,263.54 auditor warrants and Menahga Gateway Lions gambling permit (unanimous)
• Approved addition of budget change presentation to agenda (unanimous)
• Decided to move subdivision ordinance amendments to a public hearing (consensus)
• Introduced new Economic Alliance Executive Director Alison Medeck (informational)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:45 a.m. (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve routine financial warrants, low-income home septic system grants, and a resolution awarding a contract for the Friendly Rider facility project. The meeting includes a public hearing and reports on parks, IT, and opioid treatment.

• Approval of Auditor and Human Services warrants for May 5, 2026
• Low-income home owner grants to replace septic systems (PIDs 11-001-3010 and 14-010-1011)
• Resolution 2026-19 awarding contract for Friendly Rider facility project
• Public hearing scheduled for 9:15 a.m.
• Approval to re-list tax-forfeited parcel 22.530.0080

The commissioners awarded the Friendly Rider facility construction contract to Breitbach Construction for $2,929,980, with a 90% state GO bond contribution. They also approved the Updated Friendly Rider Procurement Policy, the 2026 Nepotism Policy, and re‑listed county parcel 22‑006‑1050 for auction. Additional actions included approving groundwater monitoring services and the 4‑H building construction scope.

• Approved Friendly Rider facility contract to Breitbach Construction $2,929,980 (4‑1)
• Approved Updated Friendly Rider Procurement Policy for 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Nepotism Policy for Personnel Manual (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Groundwater Monitoring Services contract $19,000 (unanimous)
• Approved 4‑H building construction scope and Widseth proposal (unanimous)
• Approved re‑listing of parcel 22‑006‑1050 for $20,000 auction (unanimous)
• Approved change‑order authority up to $10,000 per order (4‑1)
• Approved policy updates for Personnel Manual (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the 2027 budget and hold a public hearing at 9:15 AM. The agenda includes reviews of human services reports, an AI policy, and various administrative approvals.

• 2027 Budget discussion
• Public hearing at 9:15 AM
• Housing Tax Abatement for Parcel 02-001-3012
• West Central Fiber installation
• Blueberry Holdings liquor license

The commissioners unanimously adopted a county-wide Artificial Intelligence policy effective May 1, 2026. They also approved a $30,000 Community Benefit Funds grant for park improvements. Additional approvals included a landowner ditch maintenance request, a sheriff’s office internship, and a free Wi‑Fi fiber project at the fairgrounds.

• Adopt AI Policy (unanimous)
• Approve $30,000 Community Benefit Funds grant (unanimous)
• Approve landowner maintenance of County Ditch 5 at own expense (unanimous)
• Approve Sheriff’s Office internship agreement with Sourcewell (unanimous)
• Approve West Central free Wi‑Fi fiber line at fairgrounds (unanimous)
• Approve Human Services Behavioral Health Unit position for 2026 and 2027 budget (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board will consider a resolution granting a conditional use permit for a wedding venue and accessory campground proposed by Jeffrey and Shannon Lausten. The meeting also includes routine consent agenda items such as approval of minutes and auditor warrants, and regular agenda items like a public hearing, hiring approvals, contract agreements, and award notices. Additional reports on finance, transportation projects, and public health will be presented.

• Resolution 2026-14: Conditional Use Permit for Jeffrey and Shannon Lausten wedding venue and accessory campground
• Approval to hire 2 jailer‑dispatchers
• Approval of Motorola Solutions connectivity agreement
• Award of CP 080-004-026 (Resolution 2026-13)
• Housing Tax Abatement

The commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda, the consent agenda, and a conditional use permit for a wedding venue in Huntersville Township. They also approved hiring two full‑time jailer‑dispatchers and a five‑year Motorola Solutions 911 dispatch contract. In addition, the board awarded three major road construction contracts totaling over $3.8 million. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved the meeting agenda with PFML discussion (unanimous)
• Approved the consent agenda after pulling two items for further discussion (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Jeffrey and Shannon Lausten wedding venue (unanimous)
• Approved hiring of two full‑time jailer‑dispatchers (unanimous)
• Approved Motorola Solutions Connectivity Service Order Agreement No. 2 (unanimous)
• Approved award of CP 080-004-026 to J.B. Nanik, Inc. for $443,864.00 (unanimous)
• Approved award of SAP 080-618-013 to Anderson Brothers Construction for $2,135,331.56 (unanimous)
• Approved award of SP 080-623-023 to R.J. Zavoral & Sons, Inc. for $1,285,027.10 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet with the Planning Commission to publicly discuss the County Comprehensive Plan. The meeting is scheduled for March 19, 2026, at the Sebeka Senior Center.

• Public discussion of the County Comprehensive Plan

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss several administrative items and facility bids. The agenda includes a public hearing and a review of commercial tax abatements.

• Approval to advertise for bids for the Friendly Rider Facility
• Public hearing scheduled for 7:15 PM
• Liquor license approval for Wahoo Valley Bar And Grill
• 2026 DDA Maintenance Agreement
• Commercial Tax Abatements

The commissioners voted 3‑2 to allow the Friendly Rider Transit Director to advertise for construction bids on the new transit facility, which will cost the county about $180,000 and represent 10% of a $3.492 million bond. They also approved a 29.01 years‑of‑service credit policy for employees by a 3‑2 vote, and adopted a resolution to seek $100,000 from Sourcewell for comfort‑dog programs with a 3‑2 vote. The commercial tax abatement for parcel 04‑018‑1020 was approved unanimously.

• Advertise for bids for Friendly Rider Transit Facility (3-2)
• Approve 29.01 Years of Service Credit Policy (3-2)
• Approve Sourcewell Impact Funding Resolution 2026-10 (3-2)
• Approve Commercial Tax Abatement for parcel 04-018-1020 (unanimous)
• Approve Consent Agenda items (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will consider several consent agenda items, including auditor and human services warrants and a housing and tornado tax abatement report. Regular agenda items include a Right to Farm presentation and resolution, the Veterans Services annual report, and 2027 highway department salt bids. The board will discuss a professional services agreement with Widseth and consider funding for an ash processing building under the Capital Assistance Program. A closed session will be held for attorney‑client privileged matters.

• Auditor warrants (03‑10‑2026)
• Human services warrants (03‑10‑2026)
• Professional Services Agreement with Widseth
• Capital Assistance Program funding for ash processing building
• 2027 Highway Department salt bids

The commissioners unanimously approved the agenda and consent items, including housing and tornado tax abatement reports. They adopted a Right to Farm resolution, authorized several contracts, and approved the county’s participation in the state‑run 2027 road salt contract. The board also authorized a settlement with AAA Roll‑Off Service and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved the consent agenda and housing/tornado tax abatement reports (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-8 Right to Farm Declaration (unanimous)
• Authorized participation in the State Contract for 2027 road salt purchases (unanimous)
• Authorized Widseth professional services contract for $16,200 (unanimous)
• Signed Resolution 2026-9 supporting the ash processing project (unanimous)
• Authorized settlement with AAA Roll‑Off Service for $59,493.87 repayment plan (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting at 10:50 a.m. (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will consider several consent agenda items, including approval of minutes from February 17 and 24, auditor and human services warrants, and renewal of the public health accountant contract. Financial reports for January 2026, covering revenues, expenditures, and cash balances, will be reviewed. Regular agenda items include a League of Women Voters presentation, reimbursement to the University of Minnesota for 4‑H building utilities, discussion of storage cabinets for the opioid settlement, clarification of a commercial tax abatement, and actions on tax‑forfeited properties and the elections coordinator position.

• Public Health Accountant Contract Renewal
• Opioid Settlement – Storage Cabinets
• Commercial Tax Abatement Clarification
• Approve re‑listing of tax‑forfeited parcels and minimum bids
• Elections Coordinator Position and Extension Support Staff Position

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet with the Planning Commission to publicly discuss the County Comprehensive Plan. The meeting is scheduled for February 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Wadena County Courthouse.

• Public discussion of County Comprehensive Plan
• Meeting with the Planning Commission
• Wadena County Courthouse, Lower Level Multi-Purpose Room

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board will approve a consent agenda that includes minutes, warrants, several committee charters, the CJIS Interagency Agreement, employment and financial reports. Regular agenda items include a Human Services statistical report, a Highway Department update, the SAP 080-618-012 engineering design services contract, and an update agreement for maintenance of CH & HS elevators. Administrator updates and commissioner/committee reports will also be presented before adjournment.

• Approve SAP 080-618-012 Engineering Design Services Contract
• Approve Update Agreement for Maintenance of CH & HS Elevators
• Approve CJIS Interagency Agreement
• Approve Management Team Charter 2026
• Approve Financial Report December 2025

The commissioners approved the Management Team, Board of Appeal and Equalization Charters and updated the Tax Abatement Committee Charter. They approved a design services contract with Interstate Engineering for a bridge design project. The board also approved up to $40,000 from the Non‑Levied Building Fund for renovations and equipment for the new County Administrator’s office.

• Approved Management Team, Board of Appeal and Equalization Charters and updated Tax Abatement Committee Charter (unanimous)
• Approved design services agreement with Interstate Engineering for SAP 080-618-012 bridge design (unanimous)
• Approved funding for Administrator office renovations and equipment, not to exceed $40,000 from Non‑Levied Building Fund (4‑1 vote)
• Approved the day's agenda (unanimous)
• Approved the consent agenda after pulling three charters (unanimous)
• Approved the auditor and human services warrants ($430,790.30 and $17,834.25) as part of consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved the elevator service agreement update (discussion noted, no vote recorded)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet on February 17, 2026 to discuss the hiring process for a county administrator with SGR. The discussion will focus on how the administrator will be selected. No specific decisions are listed in the agenda.

• Discussion with SGR about the hiring process for a county administrator

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners chose one of the three applicants for County Administrator. A Negotiating Committee consisting of Chair Ron Noon, Vice Chair Bryan Winkels, and HR Director Jennifer Westrum will prepare the offer letter. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Selected a candidate for County Administrator (candidate not named)
• Formed Negotiating Committee (Chair Ron Noon, Vice Chair Bryan Winkels, HR Director Jennifer Westrum) to draft offer letter
• Motion to adjourn carried unanimously

County Commissioners

The County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss several resolutions, including law enforcement Narcan and school canine services. The agenda includes a public hearing and the adoption of a collective bargaining agreement for non-licensed jailers and dispatchers.

• Resolution 2026-4 regarding Narcan for Law Enforcement
• Resolution 2026-5 regarding Wadena Schools and Interquest Canines
• Resolution 2026-6 adopting LELS Non-Licensed Jailer-Dispatcher CBA
• Public hearing scheduled for 9:30 AM
• Discussion on housing tax abatements

The commissioners approved a $1,584 purchase of Narcan for law enforcement agencies. They also approved a $1,360 grant for Interquest detection canines at Wadena-Deer Creek Schools and created a part‑time Hope Center position with a 3‑2 vote. Additional actions included adopting a collective bargaining agreement, a shift‑MOU, transferring labor files to new counsel, and granting a housing tax abatement.

• Approved $1,584 Narcan purchase for law enforcement (unanimous)
• Approved $1,360 Interquest canine support for Wadena-Deer Creek Schools (unanimus)
• Created part‑time Hope Center position; motion passed 3‑2
• Approved LELS Non‑Licensed Jailer/Dispatcher collective bargaining agreement (unanimous)
• Adopted 12‑hour shift MOU for LELS dispatchers (unanimous)
• Authorized transfer of county labor files to Dyan Ebert & Cally Kjellberg‑Nelson (unanimous)
• Accepted housing tax abatement for parcel 17-620-0190 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission will hold a joint meeting to discuss the County Comprehensive Plan with the Planner. No actions or votes will be taken during this event.

• Discussion of the County Comprehensive Plan

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board will consider several items, including public hearings on commercial and housing tax abatement policies. It will vote on a resolution to approve a Conditional Use Permit for Erickson on PID 14-009-1050. Additional actions include a property conveyance to the City of Nimrod and a one‑time stipend agreement for LELS deputies.

• Public hearing on Commercial Tax Abatement Policy (9:15 AM)
• Public hearing on Housing Tax Abatements (9:30 AM)
• Resolution 2026-3: Approve CUP for Erickson on PID 14-009-1050
• Resolution 2026-2: Conveyance of property to City of Nimrod
• LELS Deputies MOU one‑time stipend

The board approved several items, including a conditional use permit for a sand pit on parcel 14‑009‑1050, the LELS supervisors collective bargaining agreement, a $6,000 stipend memorandum for four licensed deputies, and the conveyance of Track B and Old County Road 26 to the City of Nimrod. It also approved a housing tax abatement for parcel 14‑026‑3050, adopted a language change to the commercial housing tax abatement policy, reappointed four members of the Extension Committee, and set a $1,000 travel‑reimbursement limit for administrator‑candidate interviews.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for sand pit on parcel 14‑009‑1050 (unanimous)
• Approved LELS Supervisors collective bargaining agreement (unanimous)
• Approved $6,000 stipend MOU for four LELS licensed deputies (unanimous)
• Approved conveyance of Track B and Old County Road 26 to City of Nimrod (unanimous)
• Approved housing tax abatement for parcel 14‑026‑3050 (unanimous)
• Adopted language change to commercial housing tax abatement policy (unanimous)
• Reappointed four members of the County Extension Committee (unanimous)
• Set $1,000 maximum travel reimbursement for administrator‑candidate interviews (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The board will consider and vote on several consent agenda items, including approval of the minutes, auditor warrants, and human services warrants. They will also vote to approve an agreement with ProWest and Associates to upgrade the county’s address process to ArcGIS Pro. Additional regular agenda items include a public hearing at 9:15 AM, a housing tax abatements discussion, and a grant for polling place accessibility. Reports on the 4H building update, human services statistics, and the interim county administrator will be presented.

• Approve agreement for services with ProWest and Associates to upgrade address process to ArcGIS Pro
• Housing Tax Abatements
• 2025 Polling Place Accessibility Grant
• Public Hearing at 9:15 AM
• Update on 4H Building

The commissioners approved the consent agenda items, eliminated the Building Committee, and adopted several specific projects. They approved a housing tax abatement for parcel 10‑011‑4010, accepted a $9,868.69 polling‑place accessibility grant, and authorized a $2,988.49 GIS address‑process upgrade. The board also entered a closed session and adjourned the meeting unanimously.

• Approved Consent Agenda items (auditor warrants $559,950.78, human services warrants $42,715.62, building committee charter, historical society allocations, employment update) – unanimous
• Eliminated the Building Committee – unanimous
• Approved Housing Tax Abatement for parcel 10‑011‑4010 – unanimous
• Approved 2025 Polling Place Accessibility Grant of $9,868.69 for courthouse ramps – unanimous
• Approved agreement with ProWest & Associates to upgrade address process to ArcGIS Pro for $2,988.49 – unanimous
• Entered closed session for attorney‑client privilege discussions – unanimous
• Adjourned the meeting – unanimous

County Commissioners

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet to elect a new chair and vice chair, approve warrants and contracts for feedlot agreements and comprehensive plan updates, and review committee assignments.

• Election of Board Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
• Approval of warrants for Auditor and Human Services
• Approval of 2026 Feedlot Agreement
• Approval of contract to update County Comprehensive Plan
• Designation of 2026 depositories and investments

The commissioners elected Ron Noon as chair and Bryan Winkels as vice chair, both unanimously. They approved the 2026 Feedlot Agreement and a contract to update the County Comprehensive Plan, the latter passing 3‑2. Additional approvals included the Highway Department’s annual purchases, the MPCA Feedlot Delegation Agreement, and three newspaper publication bids. A motion to have the County Engineer assist Friends of Wadena County Youth with bid documents failed 3‑2.

• Appointed Ron Noon as Board Chairperson (unanimous)
• Appointed Bryan Winkels as Vice Chairperson (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Feedlot Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved Contract for Services to Update County Comprehensive Plan (3-2)
• Approved Highway Department’s Annual Purchases (unanimous)
• Approved MPCA Feedlot Delegation Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved three bids for 2026 Official County Newspaper publications (unanimous)
• Motion to have Engineer assist FOWCY prepare bid documents failed (3-2)