COUNTY APPROVES FIRST READING OF UPDATED WHEEL TAX

    The Marshall County Commission met Tuesday morning, addressing a range of topics from highway updates to zoning matters.
    The first reading of Ordinance 73, which increases the wheel tax, was approved. The new rate will be $5 per wheel, up from $4, for vehicles with up to 12 wheels. Funds collected will go to the county Highway Fund. Once fully passed, the increase will take effect Jan. 1 and will be assessed at the time of vehicle registration.
    The commission also received a highway update, noting that the construction window for the bridge at the state line has been extended by 10 days.
    In land matters, the commission approved a plat vacation for land north of Cottonwood Lake, requested by Tim and Sheila Steiner.
    Liquor license renewals were granted for Todd’s Tavern and Chinatown, and the Emergency Management quarterly report was accepted.
    Regarding county facilities, parts of the Courthouse Project are nearing completion. The construction firms\ are currently conducting walkthroughs of the punch list, with hopes to move in by Nov. 10 for first- and second-floor offices. Additionally, the old courthouse generator was declared surplus. Sealed bids will be accepted, with a minimum bid of $4,000 to be published in upcoming public notices.
    Veterans Service Officer Dave Daberkow also presented his quarterly update, and the commission held a brief executive session on personnel matters.
    In zoning and building matters, several building permits were approved across the county. These included permits for Bob Skjonsberg in Dumarce Township, Douglas Chapin in White Township, Alan and Pam Benda in Pleasant Valley Township, Brett Buchheim in Buffalo (temporary permit), Cory Schmieg in Pleasant Valley Township, Todd’s Tavern in Weston Township, Chelsie Anderson in White Township, and Gerry Person in Waverly Township. A variance request by Dan and Tania Henning in Lake Township was partially approved, with their property line variance denied but their high-water mark variance approved.
    Other zoning updates included a shed that had been granted a temporary permit and was removed ahead of the Oct. 28 deadline, as well as a fence currently in violation of the county zoning ordinance. Updates on these matters will be provided as developments occur. The commission also discussed building permit late fees, fee schedules, and fines, with more details expected in the coming weeks. Plans for the county’s Comprehensive Plan are set to begin once a meeting date is scheduled between the county and NECOG.