2015-16 budget revision sparks policy questions
At the first of many meetings scheduled for the newly-renovated small courtroom, the Wadena County Board of Commissioners convened June 14 with just three members present, plus one in St Cloud and one in Canada. Modern technology made it possible for all five to participate by conference call.
Board Vice Chair Dave Hillukka led the two-hour public portion of the meeting along with Commissioners Rodney Bounds and Sheldon Monson who were also present. Commissioner Bill Stearns and Board Chair Jim Hofer joined the meeting via long-distance phone calls and courtroom microphones near the telephones.
The board will meet in the small courtroom until January 2017. Commissioners voted to assign the commissioners’ board room to the auditor/treasurer’s office so the treasurer’s office can be converted into the human resources department and the auditor’s office can temporarily expand to conduct the November 2016 election.
In other news, the board
o Heard a presentation from Leota Lind of South Country Health Alliance on the organization’s finances, current issues and legislative initiatives.
o Approved a resolution requesting a routine advance of state aid funds for 2016 road and bridge projects.
o Approved the date of July 12 for a public hearing on the Wadena County Water Plan.
o Heard a request from County Assessor Lee Brekke for the installation of a customer service counter and window, and an automatic door locking system.
o Approved a gambling permit for the Knob Hill Sportsman’s Club gun raffle.
o Set board meeting dates for the next three months.
o Approved the personnel committee charter.
o Learned of the hiring of three seasonal workers at the highway department, and two part-time transit drivers.
o Held a closed meeting to discuss labor negotiation strategy.
