Rice County Board work session September 16, 2025
- The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Gerry Hoisington at 8:30 am. Roll was called and all commissioners were present for the pledge of allegiance.
Hoisington read the preamble to the US Constitution and asked for a moment of silence, which he also referred to as prayer, for the widow of Charlie Kirk.
II. PROPERTY TAX & ELECTIONS: Denise Anderson
First item of business was an annual update from Dean Sunderlin, Chair of Circle Lake Improvement District (CLID). Sunderlin described his group’s unsuccessful efforts to obtain state funding to support cleanup of the lake and explained that it has been necessary to take on the three segments of the cleanup one by one, raising money locally as possible. Aeration, weed cleanup and sequestration of pollutants comprise the aspirational pilot project. Aeration was begun this summer with great results. Curly leaf pondweed was cleaned up over about 93 acres, and milfoil was determined not to be a big enough problem to merit attention this year.
III. ASSESSOR’S OFFICE: Assessor Joshua Schoen presented an update on the assessment process and results. He explained that the department is legally required to inspect one fifth of county properties each year, and is allowed to utilize digital media. The online data hub is informed by flyover photos by Eagleview. The data hub has been visited almost 30% more in 2025 than in 2024. County property values have more than doubled since 2012 with accompanying increases in taxes.
A big concern of commissioners is the availability of homestead status. Hoisington asked how homestead status is determined, and Purfeerst and Peters expressed appreciation for information. Hoisington asked if taxpayers are satisfied and Schoen said not really but his department is improving use of Eagleview to better satisfy inquiries.
IV. ADULT SERVICES: Megan Thomas
A. Adult Services Updates included a brief guide to acronyms, which was helpful but insufficient. Her report covered numerous changes in costs and reimbursement rules which will strain the county system in different ways beginning at different dates.
One major change is increases in licensing fees for care providers, up from $500 every two years to $2100 annually. In Rice County 76 providers will be affected.
Hoisington asked about the 48-hour rule, which requires a person committed for treatment to be placed within 48 hours. He summarized the answer: “We have a rule but we can’t achieve it.”
V. PUBLIC HEALTH/NURSING: Deb Purfeerst
A. Rice County Safe Roads Coalition – TZD (Toward Zero Deaths Grant Update
Purfeerst introduced Jessica Schleck, Southeast TZD Regional Coordinator for seven counties, and Kathy Cooper, Rice County TZD Safe Roads Coordinator, who spoke passionately and at length about her work for the past 18 years Toward Zero Deaths in Rice County.
B. Public Health Updates – 2025 Community Health Assessment Community Meeting and
Improvement Planning
Purfeerst introduced Sara Coulter, Rice County Public Health Clinic & Community Supervisor, who shared information about Rice County health data, prioritizing issues raised by attendees at the March meeting. Commissioner Hoisington reacted by saying he appreciated the energy of her presentation
VI. HIGHWAY: Dennis Luebbe, Rice County Highway Engineer, updated the board briefly on recent progress, saying several projects are nearing completion. In response to questions, he mentioned details of cost overruns, including need to move a utility pole and remediation of bad soil in some areas. He said that they are in the process of posting rules in all county parks. Purfeerst and Malecha asked about specific county roads, including CR 43 and 27.
VII. FINANCE: In place of Rice County Chief Financial Officer Paula O’Connell, County Administrator Sara Folsted reviewed the preliminary levy spreadsheets, which were not available except online for the commissioners on their own screens and displayed in the meeting-room on the large screens. The observer was not able to see or hear Sara or examine the spreadsheets in detail as the print was tiny and far away. (Observer note: After the meeting, I inquired of Sara and she suggested we could have an online webinar to learn more.)
Hoisington asked about the increase in the levy. Purfeerst asked now much of the increase is in costs of personnel, not an easy question to answer, it seems. Hoisington commented that transparency is key, and Folsted pointed out that all the information is on the website. At the close of the presentation, Hoisington asked other commissioners if everyone understood, and there was no specific response. He then commented that our best approach to cost increases will be to stay efficient.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT happened at around 11:00 am.
(Observer note: After the meeting two commissioners asked me personally if I understood everything and I said not yet.)
