Rock County Commissioners meet May 19
Rock County Board of Commissioners May 19, 2026
Herreid Board Room - Rock County Courthouse 9:00 A.M.
Chair Williamson called the meeting to order with all present. Also in attendance were Administrator Kyle Oldre, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum, County Attorney Jeff Haubrich, Star-Herald Reporter Nicole Ronchetti and county resident Allen Saakyan.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the May 19, 2026, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve the May 5 County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve the consent agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
1. Lincoln-Pipestone Joint Powers Agreement – (new JPA is the result of new debt obligation)
Angela Nolz and Marie Atkins-Smeins representing Luv1Luvall presented a GAP funding update stating that in 2025, the organization has received grants from Rock County, KAHR Foundation, LACF, Women’s Giving Circle and Sioux Valley Electric totaling $40,700. Currently GAP funding covers 10-sessions per year at $100 per session with (38) active clients utilizing 0% - 90% of the sessions. There are (7) counseling facilities that have approved to accept the GAP funding payments to assist with the cost of counseling services, however the per session cost will be increasing to $110.00 per session. With the increase of utilization for eligible clients and the per session cost, Nolz requested an increase of $5,000 to their current appropriation, bringing the total appropriation to $15,000. After discussion, motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to change the 2026 annual appropriation to $15,000, declared carried on a voice vote.
Eric Hartman, Land Management Office Director, presented a departmental update identifying partners and functions of the department, funding sources of grants and associated fees. He stated that federal funding has remained stable and requested to move forward in filling a grant funded position of an Engineering Technician along with filling the half time Administrative Assistant position that will become vacant in June. Motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims; motion by the Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve, declared carried on a voice 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 68,558.95
Public Works Fund 98,531.60
Library Fund 3,795.20
Capital Projects Fund 87,248.80
Land Management Fund 2,663.02
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report which reflected the receipt of the first half of property taxes. Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve the Fund Balance report, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of Auditor’s Warrants paid on 05/08/2026 and 05/18/2026; motion by Reisch, seconded by Overgaard, to acknowledge receipt of the Auditor’s warrants, declared carried on a voice vote.
Jeff Haubrich, County Attorney, led a discussion regarding the municipal powers for Rock County Rural Water; the conversation is in reference to Rural Water’s loan application to Minnesota Rural Water and not being eligible to apply. Haubrich stated that the County Board can adopt a resolution to petition the Court to be granted municipal powers to qualify for the loan; motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to move forward with the process, declared carried on a voice vote.
Mark Sehr, Engineer, requested approval for a variance from the Minnesota State Rule 8820.9926 for project SP067-617-012, a SFDR of the existing bituminous surface and aggregate base on CSAH 17 from the Iowa County Line to I-90. The project is funded by $2,137,500 of Federal Aid On-System Funds and $1,237,500 of CSAH Funds for a total project cost of $3,375,000. Minnesota State Rule 8820.9926 requires a combined Traffic Lane and Shoulder width of 14-feet for routes with an ADT of 750 and over. The RCHD will be requesting the MCEA Variance Committee to complete the SFDR Reconditioning Project with a traffic lane and shoulder width of 13 feet. Motion by Thompson, seconded by Reisch, to adopt Resolution No. 11-26, Requesting a Variance from Minnesota State Aid Rule 8820.9926, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Engineer requested approval to purchase a 2026 GMC 1500 Crew Cab Pro ½-ton pickup for a total cost of $49,098.20. A quote from North Country GM from Hibbing, Minn., was obtained from the Minnesota State Bid Program which has already met all the bidding requirements included in the Minnesota Statutes. The purchase would replace Unit #262 which is a 2013 Ford F350 Crew Cab. Motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson, to approve the purchase, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of an out-of-state travel request for Calla Jarvie, Rock County Community Library Director, to attend the IMLS Library Convening 250: Telling America’s Story conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 22-24, 2026. Jarvie was 1 of 250 applications submitted and was nominated by the Regional Plum Creek Library system. Conference registration, lodging and travel are covered by a grant. Motion by Thompson, seconded by Reisch, to authorize the out-of-state travel for Jarvie, declared carried on a voice vote.
Oldre informed the County Board that Elis & Eastern is pursuing another CRISI grant in 2026 to rehabilitate 43.5 miles of mainline track by replacing 80 pounds rail with 115 pounds rail and installing side tracks at various locations; the improvement will change the line to a Class 2 Standard that can withstand locomotive speed of 25mi per hour. Elis and Eastern is requesting letter of support for the 2026 CRISI grant application; motion by Reisch, seconded by Overgaard, to approve a letter of support, declared carried on a voice vote.
Oldre presented a review of the 2026 legislative session:
•Creation of the Office of Inspector General to assist with grant management
•Bonding for local bridge and wetlands; there was an emphasis in water projects along with infrastructure projects
•Tab fee reduction in Motor Vechicle
•Software improvements for the Department of Human Services
•Property tax reduction in the form of homestead credits
Oldre informed the County Board that 1 of 3 FEMA claims for the BRRRA has moved forward and that anticipates receipt of those funds.
The County Board was informed of (3) employee resignations: Meegan Gyberg, Administrative Assistant in the License Center, Shayla Rock, Administrative Assistant at the Land Management Office and Allan Hartz, Shop Foreman/Mechanic at the Highway Department. Hartz was recognized for his 43 years of service to the county.
Oldre reported on the following building projects: HVAC project at the Courthouse is underway, accepted a completion document from contractor Sunkota for work at the Armory building. Oldre stated that the new Household Hazardous Waste site at the Armory building will be opening in June.
Other activities of the Administrator’s office include interviewing (17) Cardinal Academy students that are exploring public service job careers.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Community Corrections, Southwest Minnesota Opportunity Council, Luverne City/County Liaison.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Fair Board, Next Era event and Luverne City/County Liaison.
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings/events: Community Library
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Next Era event.
With no further business coming before the County Board, the meeting was adjourned by order of the Chair.
(06-11)
