Watonwan County Commissioners met in regular session and the first item on their agenda was to establish the preliminary 2010 county tax levy. The preliminary levy was set at 5.9 percent and prompted Watonwan County Board of Commissioner Chairman Scott Sanders to say, “We still have plenty of work to do [with the budget].” The preliminary figure is set for the purpose of the “Truth-In Taxation” hearing later on in the fall “In dollars and cents that amounts to a budget of $7,209,912.00,” said Auditor Don Kuhlman. “With loss in aid and increase in insurane premiums, like Scott said ‘we have a ways to go.’”
Facilities Manager, Mike Tatro, is anxious to get 2nd Floor Courthouse Heating, Ventalation and Air Conditioning renovations going. Tatro asked commissioners to approve a low bid from Vee Plumbing and Heating Inc., for $78,922.00 to begin the work. “It’s time to get it done,” said Commissioner Mark Rentz. Commissioners gave Tatro the go ahead and work could begin by the end of this week. Funds were made available for the project by making adjustments in the current budget and didn’t result in any additional spending.
Watonwan County Auditor, Don Kuhlman, asked the commissioners to set a date and low bids for the tax sale of five pieces of property and/or buildings currently held by the county. October 22nd at 10:00am is when bids will be accepted on the holdings with minimum bids ranging from $100 to $7,000 on the individual pieces of property or property and buildings. Locations of the property and buildings are in Madelia, Lewisville and St. James. “Some of these we need to get rid of as soon as possible,” said Commissioner Rentz.
Public Works Director, Roger Risser, reported that the State Engineer recently made an appearance in Watonwan County and all state aid, including anticipated receipts by December 31, 2009 is currently up to date. “Total state aid to Public Works projects amounts to $3,935,529.43,” said Risser.
Sheriff Gary Menssen, Emergency Management Director Julie Peterson and Human Service Director Rich Collins appeared before the Board of Commissioners to discuss some personnel changes. The changes would primarily involve Peterson being utilized in different places in the County Government structure. After some discussion Menssesn asked to meet with Board Personnel members with a proposal that may affect the outcome of any changes. Details of Menssen’s plan will be worked out with everyone involved and a final proposal will be made to the entire Board of Commissioners for approval.
st. james plaindealer —
