Rock County Commissioners meet Sept. 16
Rock County Board of Commissioners Sept. 16, 2025
Herreid Board Meeting Room 9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse
Chair Overgaard called the meeting to order with all Commissioners present. Also in attendance were Administrator Kyle Oldre, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum, County Attorney Jeff Haubrich, Star-Herald Reporter Mavis Fodness, and resident Carol Morgan.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Reisch, to approve the September 16, 2025, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Williamson to approve the September 02, 2025, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the consent agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
1. Diligent Annual Subscription Renewal - $5,200; Diligent is the software
utilized for drafting agendas and meeting materials.
Rachel Jacobs, Land Records Office Director and Richard Scholten, City of Steen resident stated that there is a discrepancy with the number acres on the legal description of parcel 19-0007-700 and Scholten requested a property tax refund of overpayment of taxes dating back to year 2001. Jacobs stated that the discrepancy is due to the lack of deed transferring acres to the City of Steen for a road; Jacobs recommended that Scholten have a deed drafted, signed and recorded to correct the legal description. The County Board and County Attorney agreed that the solution was Scholten’s responsibility and no action was taken regarding a refund.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims; upon review, motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson, 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 92,957.54
Public Works Fund 104,303.25
Library Fund 4,496.23
Capital Projects Fund 146,610.00
Land Management Fund 8,274.14
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report; Kurtz stated that the Landfill Water Plan fund has a minus balance due to pending receipt of grant funds. Motion by Williamson, seconded by Burger to approve the Fund Balance report, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator and Auditor/Treasurer led a discussion regarding the 2026 preliminary levy and that the budget summary does not include COLA’s, cafeteria contributions and any decisions to bond for building expenses; Oldre reported that the Budget Committee recommends setting the 2026 Preliminary Levy at five percent. After discussion, motion by Reisch, seconded by Burger, to set the 2026 Preliminary at Levy at five percent, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Reisch, acknowledging receipt of auditor warrants of 09/12/2025, declared carried on a voice vote.
Mark Sehr, Engineer, requested authorization to install air conditioning in the shop area of the highway building; total cost is $15,216.12 and will be paid from the Highway operating budget. Motion by Burger, seconded by Reisch, to approve the price quotes from Viking Electric ($3,651.12) and Busse Plumbing and Heating (11,565.00), declared carried on a voice vote.
Stacy Kim, Southwest Health & Human Services Director introduced herself and stated that she has 20 years of government experience and looks forward to serving the eight-county organization. The County Board welcomed Kim and stated that they look forward in working together.
Ryan Holtz, Rural Water Systems Manager, presented an update regarding West 2 water tower funding, stating that he has been authorized to shift EPA grant funds identified in from the North water tower project that will not be utilized due to BABA and Davis Bacon. The end result of the West 2 water tower with the grant shift is $236,945.20 instead of $558,804 to be paid by Rural Water.
Sheriff Evan Verbrugge along with Deputy Dallas Hamm and Derek Werner were requested to attend the County Board meeting to receive a thank you from the Commissioners and on behalf of the Jasper Fire and Rescue for their efforts in response to (two) accidents resulting in fatalities in the Jasper area.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Reisch, to approve Resolution No. 14-25, to Set a Public Hearing Date of October 07, 2025, for the adoption of the 2025-2029 CIP and Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board revisited the Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water Joint Powers Agreement that was tabled from the September 02, 2025, pending review from the County Attorney Jeff Haubrich; upon his review, he recommended approval the Joint Powers Agreement. Motion by Reisch, seconded by Overgaard, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator presented a brief building project update: Kahler Terrace has been completed; Armory building is still under construction; however, the Land Management Office has moved to their new location.
The Administrator requested to install updated playground equipment at the county park located in the village of Kanaranzi as the current equipment presents liability and safety issues; an estimate of new equipment is $25,000 and the Administrator request authorization to pursue grant funds for the cost. Motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson, to approve a Proclamation Honoring Nina Willner for the publication of her compelling book, "The Boys in the Light."
WHEREAS, the Rock County Board of Commissioners wishes to formally recognize and extend its appreciation to Nina Willner for her outstanding work in writing and publishing the book, which indeed brings to light the story of Bronze and Silver Star hometown hero Lt. Elmer Hovland, thus amplifying the service of all Rock County veterans and their families; and
WHEREAS, this book honors the legacy and sacrifice of Elmer Hovland during World War II, ensuring that his courage and contributions to the war effort will not be forgotten by future generations in Rock County, nor the lives of millions devastated in the Holocaust; and
WHEREAS, Nina Willner’s meticulous and painstaking research serves as an invaluable act of local historical preservation, capturing the experiences and bravery of one of our own and his Company D of the Third Armored Division which he self-effacingly and wisely led, reinforcing the importance of our community’s role in a pivotal moment in work history; and
WHEREAS, through the telling of this heroic story, Nina Willner has enriched the historical understanding of our community and further inspired current and future citizens with a powerful narrative of patriotism, service, and sacrifice; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Rock County Board of Commissioners does hereby commend Nina Willner for her work, also her own military service, and declare this proclamation as a recognition in her honor during and after her visit to the North Star State where she always will be welcome, as will the memory of her brave father, Eddie Willner.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson to schedule a listening session on December 2nd for public comments regarding shotgun versus rifle during hunting season of 2026, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator conveyed a thank you to Rock County Opportunities in filling a transportation void in getting preschoolers to school; the void was due to Community Transit’s of job vacancies, and onboarding and training.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Southwest Minnesota Opportunity Council, City/County Liaison.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Rural Water
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings/events: none
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings/events: Southwest Regional Development Commission.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Sioux Valley Energy Forum, Mound Township, City/County Liaison.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Williamson to go into closed session at 10:40 a.m. for Union Negotiations, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Reisch, to rise from closed session at 11:29 a.m., declared carried on a voice vote.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting was declared adjourned by Order of the Chair.
(10-16)
