Rock County Commissioners meet July 21
Rock County Board of Commissioners July 21, 2026
Herreid Board Room - Rock County Courthouse 9:00 A.M.
Chair Williamson called the meeting to order with all Commissioners present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Agenda of 21 July 2026 was approved on a motion by Thompson seconded by Reisch carried on a voice vote.
County Board meeting minutes of 7 July 2026 were approved on a motion by Overgaard seconded by Reisch carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Overgaard to call a public hearing to order at 9:05 A.M. to allow public comments regarding (2) Rock Home Initiative requests for Nicholas and Hollie Heronimus and Dennis and Vonda Klarenbeek. The five-year abatement amounts are as follows:
•Nicholas and Hollie Heronimus - $8,002; $1,600.44/yr
•Dennis and Vonda Klarenbeek - $6,765; $$1,392.56/yr
No public comment was received. Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch to close the Public Hearing at 9:09 A.M., declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch to approve Resolution No. 14-26, a Rock Home Initiative Abatement for Dennis and Vonda Klarenbeek and Resolution No. 15-26, a Rock Home Initiative Abatement for Nicholas and Holli Heronimus, declared carried on a voice vote.
Calla Jarvie, Rock County Librarian provided a review of the conference she attended at the Institute of Museum and Library Services, she stated the conference centered around activities for the country’s 250th anniversary. She also informed the board she requested the “Freedom Truck” for the Rock County Library to display, the Freedom Truck provided interactive displays about the history of the country.
Jarvie was also recognized in the Minitex Magazine for her programs about agriculture; the County Board congratulated her on the much-deserved recognition.
Elizabeth Hoffman, Director of Plum Creek Regional Library system attended the meeting to provide an annual report of the organization. Rock County provides $21,990 toward the support of the system, of which their total budget is $1,000,000. Ms. Hoffman also discussed the system’s (4) priorities:
1) providing additional access to digital content and sharing services
2) offering continuing education to member libraries
3) provide IT services to members and
4) supporting arts and cultural heritage in the region. The board thanked her
for her presentation.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims; motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson to approve, declared carried on a unanimous vote. An itemized listing of all warrants over $2,000 and an aggregate total for warrants under $2,000 are published on the County website at the following address: www.co.rock.mn.us/department_directory/auditor_treasurer
Total Commissioner Warrants paid by Fund:
General Revenue Fund 106,399.47
Public Works Fund 83,956.11
Library Fund 8,040.98
Land Management Fund 2,346.79
Fund Balance Report was accepted on a motion by Overgaard seconded by Thompson carried voice vote.
Auditor Warrants were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Overgaard seconded by Reisch carried voice vote.
Parcel 20-0005-011 to Rock County Agricultural Society for lease was discussed, the county originally acquired this parcel in 1973 as part of the fairground expansion where the Agricultural Society also acquired a parcel of land adjoining the fairgrounds. The Agricultural Society had requested the county transfer the parcel to them as they maintain and ensure the structures on the parcel, it was determined that the county couldn’t do direct transfer per Minnesota Statues, but the county could lease the property to the Agricultural Society. The County Board requested the County Attorney develop a 99-year lease between the Agricultural Society and the county for the parcel with a rental rate of $1 per year. That action was approved by a motion of Reisch seconded by Overgaard declared carried voice vote.
Update on Demolition Materials from Lyon County MN was discussed and the board was informed a meeting following the Regional Solid Waste Task Force would occur between Rock County and Lyon County staff to determine the status of the demolition from Lyon County Regional Landfill coming to the Rock County Landfill.
Job Description & Grade Amendment for Shop Foreman/Mechanic was discussed and the new placement on the pay plan will be H-19 this change was approved on a motion by Thompson seconded by Williamson declared carried voice vote.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Southwest MN Opportunity Council.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Southwest Health and Human Services.
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings/events: Southwest Regional Development Commission, Library Board, Luverne Initiatives For Tomorrow.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Soil and Water Conservation, 1 Watershed 1 Plan, Rural Water.
With no further business coming before the County Board, the meeting was adjourned by order of the Chair.
(09-03)
