Rock County Commissioners meet Oct. 21
Rock County Board of Commissioners Oct. 21, 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, Sioux Valley Economic Development & Community Relations Executive Brandon Lane, and Star-Herald Reporter Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson, to approve the October 21, 2025, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Williamson, to approve the October 7, 2025, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Thompson, to approve the consent agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
1. Appoint Evan Verbrugge as Rock County’s representative to the Southwest
Regional Radio Committee (in consensus of Sheriff Sorenson)
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims; motion by Burger, 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 156,185.16
Public Works Fund 69,462.46
Library Fund 5,314.23
Land Management Fund 8,754.78
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report; the Auditor/Treasurer stated that the second half of the non-ag real estates were due October 15, and that the office is in the process of sending out 350 late letters. Motion by Williamson, seconded by Reisch, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
Ryan Holtz, Rural Water Systems Manager, along with the Auditor/Treasurer presented a project update regarding the 500,000-gallon water tower in Clinton Township. Holtz stated the contractor is ready to begin foundation work totaling $1.2 million, however funds are not available due to the federal government shutdown. Auditor/Treasurer Kurtz stated that there are special assessment funds, but not available for the project expenses, but would be eligible in the form of a loan to Rural Water to cash flow the project until USDA grant funds are dispersed and then re-paid back to the special assessment fund. After discussion, motion by Williamson, seconded Burger, to move forward with the project despite the status of the federal government shutdown, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to acknowledge receipt of the Auditor’s Warrants paid on 10/10/2025 and 10/17/2025, declared carried on a voice vote.
Mark Sehr, Engineer, requested to purchase a Midsota trailer from Prairie Wind Trailers for $20,000; the purchase would replace Unit #247 trailer unit which currently does not have adequate width and weight capacity for equipment transport. Sehr explained that the state bid does not have trailer options as the specs and that local dealers could not provide this type of trailer. Motion by Williamson, seconded by Reisch, to authorize the purchase, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Engineer informed the County Board that a ditch meeting is scheduled for November 6.
The County Board was in receipt of Johnson Controls maintenance contract renew for the annual cost of $70,400; the contract covers county buildings except for the Armory building as the project is not complete. Motion by Reisch, seconded by Burger, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board discussed the attendance of the AMC District VIII meeting scheduled for October 23 in Worthington, MN.
The Administrator gave a brief building update; no action was needed.
Deputy Administrator Skattum informed the County Board of the health insurance renewal with the Minnesota Health Consortium (MCH); Rock County’s renewal for 2026 reflected a 19.9% increase. As an option from MHC, the county may consider moving from a $0-copay option to an 80/20 copay option with out of pocket maximum limit. Motion by Reisch, seconded by Burger, to approve the 2026 health insurance renewal with the identified changes, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of a resolution of support from Sherburn County to join the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance (MNEA) and support efforts of repealing the state’s moratorium on nuclear energy production to ensure safe, clean and reliable base load energy for all Minnesota, especially as the state advances its 2040 goal for carbon-free electricity. Motion by Burger, seconded by Overgaard, to approve Resolution No. 16-25, Urging Repeal of Minnesota’s Moratorium on Nuclear Energy Production, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator informed the County Board of a public meeting on October 22, regarding the Northern Con-Agg mining expansion project in Mound Township; no action needed.
The Administrator stated grant applications have been submitted for Kanaranzi Park project and for additional AED’s to be located at county building site; attended a City/County Liaison meeting; scheduled to attend an arbitration meeting regarding the BRRRA’s FEMA claim that is denied; currently in union negotiations with AFSCME/Highway Union group; met with Luverne Township regarding a mitigation project approved by FEMA, however the property owner will not sell; and was in receipt of a resignation from Deputy Austin Christensen effective 10/25/2025.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Luverne City/County Liaison, Southwest Minnesota Opportunity Council, County union negotiations.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Rural Water; requested to schedule School/County Liaison meetings with both school districts of Hills-Beaver Creek and Luverne.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings/events: County union negotiations, Southwest Health & Human Services, Opioid Distribution committee.
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings/events: none
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Luverne City/County Liaison, Southwest Health & Human Services, Rosedell Township.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting was declared adjourned by Order of the Chair.
(11-20)
