Rock County Commissioners meet Aug. 5
Rock County Board of Commissioners Aug. 5, 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 Reisch, seconded by Thompson, to approve the August 19, 2025, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Williamson to approve the July 22, 2025, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Eric Hartman, Land Management Office Director, requested approval to a conditional use permit for Northern Hills Farm for a cattle feedlot expansion located in the SW ¼ of Section 16 of Martin Township. The expansion will go from 930 animal units to 1,890 animal units and will comply with rules and regulations as set forth in MCAR Chapter 7020.2125, Animal Units. Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch to approve the conditional use permit with (8) conditions identified on the permit, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report as of 08/05/2025; the report does not reflect the final payment of $405,000 for the 2014A GO CIP Bond. Motion by Burger, seconded by Williamson, to approve the Fund Balance report, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson, to approve the claims, 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 78,951.03
Public Works Fund 179,387.51
Library Fund 1,725.96
Land Management Fund 2,195.77
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Overgaard, to authorize the re-issuance of lost warrant # 11550 for $850.00 and #109938 for $896.25, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of the Auditor’s Warrants paid on July 25, 2025, and August 1, 2025; motion by Burger, seconded by Reisch to acknowledge receipt, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of a Year-to-Date Revenue and Expenditure report; no action was taken.
The County Board was in receipt of a 2026 funding request from ACE due to a decrease in federal funding. The request is for $1,941, an increase of $.20/capita; the remaining shortfall of $141,720 will be covered from reserves. The request will be deferred to the Budget Committee.
The County Board was in receipt of correspondence from the Minnesota Department of Revenue identifying the aid for 2026 for the following: County Program Aid, Local Homeless-Prevention aid, Out-of-Home Placement reimbursement aid, Statewide Affordable Housing aid, Aquatic-Invasive Species Prevention aid, Riparian Aid. No action was taken.
The Administrator discussed options to repair the roof at the Courthouse along with the vestibule. After discussion, it was determined to repair the north and south side of the west dormer from the gutter to the peak for $59,500.00 from Patten Roofing; motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson to approve, declared carried on a voice vote. The Administrator will work with the vendor for repairs to the vestibule.
The Administrator reviewed building project updates regarding the Armory, Courthouse, Kahler Terrace and roof repair options at the Human Services building; no action was taken.
The Administrator reviewed details of the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan stating that all projects identified will use various funding streams to include bond proceeds.
The Administrator stated that he recently attended a Fire Chiefs meeting were they discussed resources that were utilized during a recent event; also attended a MACA Technical event where AI, EMS and the budgeting process were discussed. Skattum also indicated that she attended training regarding Paid Family Medical Leave and that the job announcements for Administrative Assistant at Extension and Equipment Operation at Highway were coming to a close and that the applications will be reviewed to determine the need for an interview.
The topic of weather-related announcements was briefly discussed; no action was taken.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings/events: none.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Agri-Energy event.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Supporting Hands-Nurse Family Partnership.
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings/events: ACE, Agri-Energy event.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Agri-Energy event, Rural Energy, Planning & Zoning; also commented on the success of the Rock County Fair.
The County Board and County Attorney conducted interviews of (4) candidates that applied for the County Sheriff appointment: Matthew Sorenson, Troy Wenzel, Jeff Stratton and Chad Kempema. After the completion of the interviews, the County Attorney recommended the Commissioners review their notes and rank each candidate 1 -4; the results of the ranking were reviewed. After discussion, motion by Williamson, seconded by Burger to appoint Matthew Sorenson as the County Sheriff effective October 1, 2025, and directed the Personnel Committee of the County Board to determine the salary, declared carried on a unanimous vote.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting was declared adjourned by Order of the Chair at 3:44 p.m.
(10-02)
