Rice County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting August 13, 2024
During the public comment session, one resident objected to the proposed sales tax option as unfairly regressive and illegal. Another resident commented on the new state flag design.
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A. Roll Call
All present.
B. Approval of Agenda
Unanimous.
C. Approval of Minutes – Regular Meeting – July 23, 2024
Unanimous.
II. VETERAN’S SERVICES: Tracy McBroom
A. MDVA Enhancement Grant
McBroom asked for approval to accept a grant from the Minnesota Department of Veterans’ Affairs in the amount of $12,500.
Approved unanimously.
B. New Van Policy
McBroom requested approval to revise the policy on use of a van to transport veterans to
medical appointments.
Approved unanimously.
C. Return on Investment-2023 Rice County Veterans Services by numbers
McBroom reported that the 3,557 veterans in Rice county bring $33,408,948 into the county in benefits, while the Veterans Service Office current budget is $245,785.
III. SOCIAL SERVICES: Chris Kern
A. Approval of U of M stipend
The University of Minnesota offers the County a stipend of $600 to conduct a program called Nourish and Flourish with Friendship House.
Approved unanimously.
IV. FINANCE: Paula O’Connell
A. Ratification of Professional Services Agreement between MnCCC & Trimin Systems,
Inc.
O’Connelll explained that the state Board of Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative has
negotiated pricing for support and maintenance of the Rice County financial system from Trimin Systems. Significant increases in 2020 and 2021 were due to years of neglect of updating of the systems. This contract extends through 2027, with the basic contract costing $995,500 in 2024.
Approved unanimously.
B. Local Option Sales Tax Discussion (LOST)
In accordance with recent board discussion, O’Connell presented the proposal to offer the
public an opportunity to vote on whether to utilize a sales tax option to pay for the new safety center instead of relying solely on property taxes. The proposal is to levy a .375% sales tax for up to 30 years yielding approximately $88,214,000 or until the project is paid for. Substantial discussion highlighted various Commissioners’ concerns. All want the voters to decide. They agree that some voters may imagine that by creating the sales tax they will avoid property tax increases, which is not probable, as many other costs will also rise and need to be paid for by property taxes. If approved, the item will be on the ballot November 5, 2024.
Approved unanimously.
V. ADMINISTRATION: Sara Folsted
A. Consent Agenda
Extra Time/ Over Time Report 07-26-2024
Payment of Bills
Personnel Appointments 08-13-2024
Approved unanimously.
B. Ratify a Stipend MOA for the Transition Team within the current LELS Correctional
Officer Sergeant union contract.
Folsted asked for approval of a Memorandum Of Agreement amending the current Law
Enforcement Labor Services, Inc., Correctional Officers Sergeants union contract for 2024 to
authorize a stipend of $400/month for county police sergeants assigned to work directly on a daily basis to help build the new Safety Center.
Approved unanimously.
VI. HIGHWAY: Dennis Luebbe
A. Resolution # 24-032 Safety Plan Grant
Luebbe asked for approval to pursue a federal grant under the Safe Streets and Roads for All Comprehensive Safety Plan. Use of the grant would focus on higher risk areas and populations.
If awarded this grant would cover 80% of expenses and state funding is available for the
remaining 20%. No direct County funding would be needed.
Approved unanimously.
B. Correction to Board minutes from April 23, 2024, mis-identifying the contractor on culvert replacement on CSAH 3 as IMS Contracting. It is ICON.
Approved unanimously.
The Board moved into closed session, and observers all left the room.
C. Closed Session under MN Statue 13D.05 Subd.3 (c)(3) to develop or consider offers or
counteroffers for the purchase or sale of real or personal property. This is regarding
parcel No. 1819350003, No. 181935004, and No. 0132450002.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
