By Sara Strong
An engineer and architect firm, Vetter-Johnson, will inspect the Luverne Community Hospital today and report on whether its structure is worth remodeling.
The Rock County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved spending up to $5,000 to evaluate the hospital.
Depending on the outcome of today’s inspection, the Rock County Board may approve more money to research costs of remodeling the facility for specific uses.
A law enforcement center, for example, is one option the county previously discussed.
The hospital may be vacated if Sioux Valley Hospitals and Health System decides to build a new hospital in Luverne. The county and city of Luverne have shown interest in working with Sioux Valley and will consider purchasing the building, if it’s available.
In other business
Tuesday the board:
Corrected an error in the previously reported levy increase. It will be 1.25 percent more than last year, instead of what had been incorrectly tabulated as a 4-percent increase.
Passed a resolution of support to seek funding from the state to get topographical mapping statewide. The system of reading topography would benefit the Highway Department, Land Management Office and the county assessor.
Learned that County Road 4 east of Luverne, probably will be open to traffic next week. The bridges under construction near the city park will be completed.
The Board discussed Rock County’s $500 contribution to Prairie Public TV for the second week. At the last meeting, a tie vote stopped Ron Boyenga’s motion to no longer contribute to the station. He wanted to pull funding because it aired the late Sen. Paul Wellstone’s memorial service, which turned into somewhat of a political rally for Democrats.
Jane Wildung and Ken Hoime said at the last meeting that the content wasn’t under the control of the station, so considering other programs of local interest, they would support the donation.
The county will still contribute $500 because Tuesday’s motion by Boyenga died for lack of a second.