By Sara QuamThe Rock County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to pay for half the cost of bringing the Pool and Fitness Center’s accounting to an even starting point.The Board will pay $20,000 more than budgeted due to this expense, as will the city of Luverne.The negative accounts come mostly from recording memberships as dollars received, even though people who signed up didn’t always pay in full, amounting to more than $19,000 through the years.Commissioner Richard Bakken said, "That’s like counting a dead cow in your cattle inventory."Commissioner Bob Jarchow said, "I’d like to know how this got by the auditors over the years. … I would like some assurance that this is not going to happen again."Jarchow and Commissioner Ron Boyenga voted against the contribution.City staff said it has corrected the problem and it won’t happen again.Commissioner Jane Wildung suggested the Pool Commission become more of a management body that is more powerful and has more of input on operating the facility.The city manages the finances of the Pool and Fitness Center and also hadn’t provided funds for accrued sick leave and vacation liabilities over time. Now there is a fund set up for that.The County Board also voted in favor of paying a $400 fee for the facility to become part of a state association that will allow members to use the new Blue Cross Blue Shield rebate program.The program allows insurance customers up to $20 a month in membership rebates if they go to a fitness center at least eight times a month.Selling seized vehiclesThe board approved the Sheriff’s request to sell seized vehicles from drug and alcohol arrests. A 2004 Dodge Dakota, 1999 Ford Mustang and a 1977 Subaru wagon will be available to the public. Sheriff Mike Winkels said he would probably sell them through local dealers, who will do the selling for commission. In the case of DWIs, Law Enforcement can seize vehicles as the result of gross misdemeanors or felonies.The proceeds are split among state, local attorney and special local drug and alcohol funds. The Dakota alone will bring an estimated $14,000.Road and bridge work scheduled for 2005Commissioners reviewed a road and bridge construction plan. A full five-year plan will be presented at a meeting April 5. Plans for 2005 include:oCounty State Aid Highway 37, from Highway 75 to CSAH 18, grade and surface workoHighway 75 and CSAH 37 from Veterans Drive in the city of Luverne to CSAH 37, grade and turn lanes and surface workoCSAH 4 (Luverne Main Street) from Highway 75 to CSAH 18 (Blue Mound Avenue), mill and overlay and patching. (This project includes laying utility conduit for new streetlights as well.)oCSAH 20 (west of the state park) from Highway 23 to Highway 75, mill and overlayoCSAH 11 (Steen blacktop) from Highway 270 to CSAH 4, mill and overlayoCSAH 18 (Blue Mound Avenue) from Luverne’s Main Street to northern city limits of Luverne, mill and overlayoCSAH 20, replacement of bridge L2153 3 1/2 miles west of Highway 75oSouth River Road Bridge L2258, 1 mile west of CSAH 9, replacementTotal cost for the projects is estimated at $4.2 million, with bonding and federal, state and municipal state aids offsetting the cost. Total local cost this year will be about $52,000.Land Management Office positionThe board voted to create a job description and start the hiring process for a 75 percent grant-funded position in the Land Management Office. The county will pick up the other 25 percent of the position’s cost. The position would exist as long as the grant is available.The position would help educate producers and promote conservation practices in Rock County, as the amount of work in that area has increased. The position’s duties could also expand.LMO Director Eric Hartman said in a letter to the board, "The three- to four-year time frame for this position would be a key factor in providing assistance in staffing needs during the next five years when those livestock producers with Open Lot Agreements will be making corrections to their existing lots."