Rock County Commissioners meet Sept. 2
Rock County Board of Commissioners Sept. 2, 2025
Herreid Board Meeting Room 9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse
Chair Overgaard called the meeting to order with Commissioners Williamson, Burger and Thompson present; Commissioner Reisch was absent. Also in attendance were Administrator Kyle Oldre, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum, County Attorney Jeff Haubrich, Star-Herald Reporter Mavis Fodness, Sioux Valley Economic Development & Community Relations Executive Brandon Lane, and resident Carol Morgan.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Thompson, to approve the September 2, 2025 County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Thompson, to approve the August 19, 2025, county board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Ann Orren, University of MN Extension Regional Director introduced Kimberly Danielson-Huwe, an Administrative Assistant for the Rock County Extension office; September 2nd was her first day. The county board welcomed Danielson-Huwe to the Rock County Extension office.
Mark Sehr, Engineer, requested approval of Resolution No. 12-25, an agreement between Rock County and MnDOT for a Detour Agreement for Trunk Highway 75; the detour agreement is for the 2026 Highway 75 reconstruction project from Main Street to the Minnesota Veteran’s Home. Motion by Burger, seconded by Williamson, to approve Resolution No. 12-25, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Engineer presented Resolution No. 13-25, a Cooperative Agreement between MnDOT, City of Luverne and Rock County for the 2026 Highway 75 reconstruction project from Main Street to the Minnesota Veteran’s Home; motion by Williamson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented Per Diems of $3,750.00 and claims for payment; motion by Thompson, seconded by Burger, 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 33,631.97
Public Works Fund 157,382.52
Library Fund 3,645.75
Land Management Fund 1,729.71
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report; the Auditor/Treasurer stated there was nothing unusual to report. Motion by Williamson, seconded by Overgaard to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator discussed timelines and the process regarding bonding for items identified on the 2025-2029 CIP; no action was taken.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Williamson, to acknowledge receipt of Auditor warrants paid on 08/22/2025 and 08/29/2025, declared carried on a voice vote.
Evan Verbrugge, Sheriff, introduced Deputy Derek Werner, who started employment on 05/19/2025. The Sheriff conducted a Swearing In Ceremony. Also present at the ceremony was School Resource Officer (SRO) Jeff Stratton, the County Board had a brief discussion with Stratton and requested the SRO and the Sheriff to present program activities on a quarterly basis.
Jason Overby, Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water (LPRW) Systems Manager and LPRW Board Member Rod Spronk, were present via Zoom and gave a brief review of the 2024 Audit, with the following highlights: net position of the LPRW is $67,152,115, an increase of $7,578,808 compared to a net increase in 2023 of $367,400, the increase in 2024 was mainly due to an increase in the distribution area and (55) new user hookups, to include the City of Ellsworth; total debt was reduced by $1,235,000 or four percent. The audit resulted in a clean opinion.
Overby informed the County Board of a LPRW construction plan with an estimated cost of $43,273,000 to take place over a period of three-years. The construction will be paid by the issuance of general obligation bond, USDA grant, State of MN grant, City of Cottonwood (for hook up fees), new customer fees and $4-million from LPRW. Overby reviewed a Joint Power Agreement between the 10-county service area; purpose of the JPA identifies the bond payment ratio in the event LPRW defaults on the payment of the bonds. After review of the JPA, motion by Williamson, seconded by Burger, to table action on the LPRW JPA pending legal review. The County Board directed the County Attorney to follow up with LPRW’s legal rep to further define the ratio percentages in the JPA document.
The Administrator gave the following buildings a project update:
•Armory Building/Land Management Office: moving is in progress and the
new construction/expansion is moving forward; an Open House event is
pending the completion of that project.
•Courthouse: awaiting final carpet installation and price quote to complete
the 1st Floor; roof repairs are in progress.
•Veterans Memorial: close to completion.
•Law Enforcement Center: awaiting a repair bid
The County Board was in receipt of correspondence from MN DNR stating that they are working toward the acquisition of 5.47 acres along the Rock River to establish a new public water access (PWA) site. The DNR will be responsible for acquisition and improvements; after the project is completed, the county will be responsible for the maintenance. The Administrator informed the County Board that AFCME 65 has requested to begin contract negotiations on behalf of the Highway/Local Union 2558-2. The Administrator also informed the County Board that LELS will be representing Law Enforcement/Dispatch and Deputies and Teamsters will represent the Sergeants.
The Administrator led a discussion regarding leadership program entitled Rock County Future Leaders Network spearheaded by Ron Honken and the Luverne Chamber. Purpose of the network is to introduce 30-35 individuals age 18-30 on how local unites of government operate, and the impact they have on the future of Rock County and the surrounding area. The curriculum is (8) sessions of various topics with sessions #1 and #2 discussing Rock County government; more information is forthcoming.
Brandon Lane, Sioux Valley Economic Development & Community Relations Executive thanked those who attended the Revive 2030 event that was held on August 20; topics that surfaced to the top were Succession Planning and Storytelling.
The Administrator stated that he attended a Budget Committee meeting and met with the City of Luverne to discuss the 2025 Budget of the Law Enforcement contract.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Revive 2030 event, City of Jasper, One Water One Plan.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Southwest Health & Human Services, Budget Committee.
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings/events: Revive 2030 event.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Southwest Health & Human Services, CapCO2, Revive 2030 event, Regional Extension.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting was declared adjourned by Order of the Chair.
(10-16)
