The Marshall County Commission met Tuesday morning and approved the county’s 2027 provisional budget following a public hearing at 10 a.m. The commission also approved the provisional budgets for the Sheriff’s Office and E911 department. Sheriff Sam Swanson and E911 Director Deb Skonberg were present to discuss their respective budgets and noted that they may return to the commission with reductions before the final budgets are approved.
Highway Superintendent Dustin Hofland reported that the Highway Department is working on culverts near Eden and hopes to begin work soon on a four-mile stretch of Fort Road. The commission also approved the Highway Department budget as published.
Glacial Lakes Area Development Executive Director Lindsey Kimber provided an update on the organization’s recent activities. Kimber said the organization helped bring a dental clinic to the area and has served as an intermediary for the Pass It On Trevor’s Foundation. GLAD has also awarded more than $700,000 in revolving loan funds to local businesses during the past 18 months.
The commission approved the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 79, which establishes revised zoning regulations for Marshall County.
The commission also approved an agreement for the county’s 2027 Local Emergency Management Performance Grant with the state.
During the meeting, the commission entered executive session for approximately 40 minutes to discuss personnel matters. No action was taken following the executive session.
Several zoning matters also came before the commission. A plat for Block 10 of the Schlekewy Addition in Lake Township was approved, with the motion requiring appropriate documents prior to reconsideration by the board. Commissioners also discussed the possibility of meeting by phone to review the plat sooner if necessary.
Building permits were approved for Mark and Richard Wismer in Lake Township, Jeff Roehr in Sisseton Township, Laurel Stiegelmeier in Newport Township, Casey Wittrock in Lake Township, Don and Connie Lubbert and William Rice in Buffalo Township, Kyle Siebels in Nordland Township, Judith Schultz in Hamilton Township, Kari Dalchow in Lake Township, David Johnson in Buffalo Township and Randy Heitmann in Dumarce Township.
Marshall County State’s Attorney Victor Rapkoch also attended the meeting to provide an update on an ongoing zoning matter.
An open house is planned for Sept. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. to give the public an opportunity to tour the new law enforcement center and view renovations to the courthouse. Check back in next week’s Journal for more information about that event.
