Renovating Todd County’s historical courthouse will cost less than one cup of coffee per month per property taxpayer, people attending a recent public meeting learned.

Approximately fifty people listened to the county’s engineering and architectural consultant’s presentation on the potential uses of a renovated Todd County historical courthouse prior to the Todd County Commissioners meeting on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 17. County Administrator Nathan Burkett also reviewed the options for the 120-year-old building.

The consultants once again pointed out that the building is sound. They had previously pointed out that the building is structurally sound enough to last for at least another 100 years. By moving various departments scattered throughout Long Prairie into the courthouse and closer to other county departments the county will be able to operate more efficiently, the consultants said.

Nathan Burkett said that the efficiencies caused by renovating the courthouse and moving various departments into it would create savings and income for the county. He said that staff would likely be eliminated and rental income generated. He estimated that the savings and income would be approximately $194,000 per year.

Burkett and the consultants pointed out that the renovations of all three floors of the courthouse would cost approximately $4 million. Additional costs to move the 9-1-1 system, furnish the building, and construct an energy efficient geothermal heating and cooling system would bring the total cost to just under $4.4 million.

The consultants said it would be possible to do the construction in phases and spread the cost out over a longer period of time. They pointed out that construction costs are at an all time low now, however. Burkett said the construction costs for a project to build a new jail in Douglas County came in 20 percent under the engineers estimated costs.

On the other hand, demolishing the courthouse and moving the 9-1-1 system to a new location would cost about $400,000. Commissioner Ruda had said earlier that the $400,000 demolition expense would provide nothing for taxpayers.

A number of taxpayers spoke at the meeting. None expressed an interest in demolishing the building. However, two speakers said the timing of the expense was poor because of the bad economy. They suggested they might not vote to pay for the courthouse renovation because of the bad economy. Other taxpayers said the renovation was a good investment and the tax increase would be minimal.

Nathan Burkett suggested a financing plan that would include a 15-year $2.7 million bond, county reserves, and grants. He said that program would cost a taxpayer with $100,000 in homestead, or seasonal recreational, property about $3.58 per year, or thirty cents per month. The assessment would not show up until the 2012 or 2013 tax statements were printed, he said.

A supporter of the courthouse renovation said the courthouse can be preserved and renovated for less than a cup of coffee per month per taxpayer.

Courthouse ballot

resolution

Following the public meeting the Commissioners adapted the language to place on the November ballot regarding the courthouse. The language essentially gives the voters the opportunity to choose to renovate the building or demolish it. The ballot will read:

Authorizing bonding to renovate the Todd

County Historic

Courthouse

The Todd County Board of Commissioners have authorized a bond referendum for the purpose of renovating the Todd County Historic Courthouse. The result of this referendum will inform the county board as to the desires of the voters of the county with regards to the status of the historic courthouse. A failed referendum will likely lead to a decision that the historic courthouse can no longer be used or maintained and the building may be demolished. Yes

In favor of renovating the Todd County Historic Courthouse and to bond for up to $4.3 million for said purpose. No

Commissioner Blessing pointed out that the commissioners could choose to bond for less than the $4.3 million. Commissioner Ruda agreed, pointing out that there were grants available to help fund the project.

The ballot question will

be followed by: BY VOTING “YES” ON THIS BALLOT

QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

This statement is required by law when asking voters to vote on bonding.

Commissioner Neumann, who has supported putting courthouse renovation or demolition on the ballot, said he wished a decision could be postponed until the economy improves. Commissioner Kneisl wondered what would happen if the vote is close. He said he thought that commissioners would still be forced to make a decision. The commissioners seemed to lack consensus that a yes or no vote would be the final word on the subject.

There will be at least two more public meetings before November to discuss the ballot question.

Todd County

Development

Corporation

The commissioners signed a performance agreement contract with the Board of Directors of the Todd County Development Corporation. In the contract, the county agreed to provide the development corporation with an office and $80,000 per year, for three years, if the development corporation meets a set of economic development goals.

The primary goal the development corporation must meet is job creation or retention. The corporation will be required to create or retain 10 jobs in 2011, 20 in 2012 and 30 in 2013.

To create the jobs the corporation will be required to meet with 100 businesses per year, create a revolving loan fund, write successful grants, and regularly report their progress to the county board and county administrator.

The development corporation recently began a search for an executive director so it can meet these goals.

Planning and Zoning

The commissioners approved three Conditional Use Permits. One permit will allow Bruce and Sandy Paskewitz, of Moran Township, to build a 52-foot by 64-foot cattle barn. According to the Paskewitzs, and the Todd County Soil and Water Conservation District, the new barn will reduce pollution from the farm. The Long Prairie River passes through the Paskewitz property.

The commissioners also approved a Conditional Use Permit for Saukinac Campground on Sauk Lake in Kandota Township. The permit will allow the campground to construct a swimming pool, three new mobile home sites and a bathhouse. The commissioners, at the suggestion of the Planning and Zoning Commission, placed a condition on the campground that requires them to prepare a plan to prevent swimming pool water from entering Sauk Lake.

A third Conditional Use Permit was granted to David Michael near Lake Osakis in Leslie Township. The permit will allow the construction of a cluster sewer system on the site. Commissioner Neumann has expressed concern that this system will be only 300 feet from Lake Osakis.