Call to order, roll call, approval of agenda and minutes from November 14. All commissioners present except Purfeerst.
Property Tax and Elections
Denise Anderson asked for reappointment of Grace Martin and Art Madsen to Rice County Extension for 3-year terms until the end of 2026.
She also requested a board resolution naming the basic sale price and auction date for a certain tax-forefeited property. In response to a commissioner’s question, she explained that the law requires the County Board to officially set those terms.
Passed unanimously.
Information Technology
Allan Klug reported on an increase in the cost of security software from Darktrace.
Rice County has utilized Darktrace as an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) since 2020. IPS support and monitoring is provided by Computer Information Technology (CIT) integrated with other security services and monitored by the CIT Security Operation Center (SOC). Darktrace is the most utilized security tool in IT and has proven useful for protecting the network and recreating events and troubleshooting. The Darktrace software is due for renewal. CIT provided a quote for $95,760/yr, which was a significant increase over the previous cost of $55,272/yr plus $5400 in 2023 for increased license count.
Klug was able to reduce the increase by negotiating with CIT to eliminate certain unnecessary modules but it’s still $77,244/yr. Discussions are continuing to potentially reduce cost.
One commissioner questioned the reliability of Darktrace and was given assurances from Klug. Several expressed the wish that a US vendor could be used, but Klug said that continuing to use Darktrace is optimal, since the county’s needs are well taken care of and the software is fully integrated into Rice County’s systems. CIT, the vendor providing Darktrace, has served Rice County’s cyber system needs for over 10 years.
Rice County attorney Brian Mortenson emphasized how important security is, and Klug said Darktrace has an excellent record in preventing breaches.
A member of the public expressed concern that Darktrace is “a foreign agent,” being based in the UK and the Hague. One commissioner asked that the IT department further explore US-made software to replace Darkrace. On a rollcall vote the original motion passed, authorizing funding for Darktrace not to exceed $77,244/yr.
Highway
Dennis Luebbe requested board support of a Wheatland Township application for $350,000 in state Local Road Improvement Program funding that requires nominal county board support.
The Township application requires a County Board Resolution of support, and if the application is successful, the Highway Department’s commitment to assist in the project development and administration of a future construction contract. The Highway Department can provide this assistance.
Passed unanimously.
Parks and Facilities
Matt Verdick requested that the board retract award of a bid for the roof of the Fairgrounds Conservation Building.
Two members of the the fair board expressed concern that the building might not be maintained in the future. Their group maintains a garden on the fair grounds and stores its tools there. They were reassured that they would be consulted in the event that the building was not going to be maintained and they would be included in decision making.
Passed unanimously.
Administration
Sarah Folsted presented the consent agenda, including the extra time/overtime report, payment of bills, and recent personnel appointments. She presented the latest union contract for ratification by the board.
Both passed unanimously.
The board adjourned the regular meeting and went into closed session to consider a property sale or purchase.
