Category: Rice County Commission

Rice County Commissioners Committee of the Whole  October 20,2026 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance Present: Underdahl, Purfeerst, Hoisington, Malacha, Peters Parks: Dennis Luebbe Shared Use Trail Study: Cannon River Wilderness Area Connector: Environmental Services (Julie Runkel and team) has completed environmental study: (DRAFT posted online) 2.5 mile stretch, west side Hwy 20, Northfield … Continue reading Observer Report: Rice County Commissioners, 10.20.26 →

Public Forum Public comment regarding receiving a ditch assessment of more than $13k. Cited strain on farm budgets, and Minnesota losing residents which commenter credits to high taxes and mismanagement of public funds. Noted that landowners pay via insurance when ditches fail due to flooding, and they pay for maintenance of ditches. Asked board to … Continue reading Observer Report: Rice County Commissioners, 10.13.26 →

CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Roll Call Approval of Agenda Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting - September 8th, 2026  ATTORNEY'S OFFICE: Brian Mortenson Unanimously approved: National Domestic Violence Awareness Month October 2026  Underdahl: We just reduced the HOPE center’s budget by 10%. I support this resolution, but I also think we need … Continue reading Observer Report: Rice County Commissioners, 9.22.26 →

Call to order and Pledge of Allegiance  Present: Peters, Hoisington, Malecha, Purfeerst, Underdahl  Outside Agency:   Rice and Steele 911 Center Budget Discussion. Move this year to new location, with associated improvements in software. Primary funding from county. All budget details available on county website.  Environmental Services: Julie Runkel  Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Expansion Feasibility … Continue reading Observer Report: Rice County Commissioners, 9.15.26 →

Open Forum ISAIAH Bethel Lutheran Church congregants attended and one gave comment about the problems with healthcare access, including medicaid coverage, and the impact on Rice County government and taxpayers.  After recessing, commissioners informally asked one another if there was anything they can do and noted no, not really -- they can only advocate up.  … Continue reading Observer Report: Rice County Commissioners, 9.8.26 →