The Marshall County Commission met Tuesday, Oct. 6, and approved a temporary countywide hiring freeze as commissioners continue to review the county’s financial outlook.
Beginning Oct. 6, any county position that becomes vacant for any reason will remain vacant unless the County Commission approves filling the position.
Commissioners said the temporary freeze will allow them to conduct a comprehensive review of the county’s budget and consider staffing needs during what they described as challenging economic times.
The board discussed increasing costs facing the county, including higher insurance premiums. Commissioners had already increased some department budgets in the final version of the 2027 budget, including the Sheriff’s Office, in anticipation of the higher insurance costs. After the budget was approved, the county learned that the insurance increase would not be as high as anticipated.
The board’s overall discussion centered on being responsible with county funds and carefully considering future expenses.
Despite the hiring freeze, the county will continue advertising for the previously advertised maintenance position. The commission also approved advertising for the Director of Equalization position following the resignation of Katrina Johnson, effective Oct. 30.
In other business, Highway Superintendent Dustin Hofland met with the commission to discuss highway department matters.
The commission approved the Highway Department’s five-year plan. Commissioners also approved a utility right-of-way access permit and approach permits for Mike Smith, Darrell and Lois Vig, and Cynthia and David Bowman.
Hofland reported receiving a complaint from David Lesher regarding a ditch that needs to be cleaned out. Hofland said he will look into the matter.
Work is underway on the Fort Road project, and the portion of the road being worked on is currently closed. Access to Fort Sisseton is limited to traffic from the north because the southern access from County Road 16 is closed.
The commission also accepted propane bids for the coming year. DaMar was selected to supply propane for the Britton, Eden and Langford locations, while Full Circle Ag was selected for Veblen.
Commissioners approved a special one-day liquor license for the Britton Shrine Club to serve alcohol at the Ducks Unlimited banquet scheduled for Oct. 10 at Fort Sisseton.
The commission also entered executive session to discuss contract negotiations. No action was taken following the executive session.
In zoning business, a drainage application from Kurt Zuehlke was approved.
A drainage application from Linda Reisenweber was postponed until Nov. 17, 2026, to allow for further discussion with the township regarding drainage concerns. Several members of the public attended the meeting and voiced concerns about drainage in the township.
The board also approved a conditional use permit for construction of a wastewater lagoon, contingent upon a haul road agreement being signed and filed with the Marshall County Highway Department.
Building permits were accepted for Eric Cobb in Hamilton Township, Cory Cole and Kathy Hanson in Newport Township, Dale R. Hagen in Wismer Township, Rory Lien in Dumarce Township, Bonnie Henricks in Pleasant Valley Township, and Brent and Jacalyn Wolfe in Lake Township (variance also granted).
I n old business, the board approved a drainage application from Nathan Schultz, contingent upon working with the township to replace a culvert.
