COMMISSION OKs BUDGET

    The Marshall County Commission met on Tuesday. Jerry Burger was present to ask some highway related questions. He asked about the progress on the 416th Avenue bridge as to whether that was going to be posted for no travel following an inspection. Highway Superintendent Dustin Hofland said the report hasn’t been completed yet but he was thinking that the bridge would not be closed. Burger asked about the work being done to County Road 7. Hofland noted that the cost of the work will be submitted to FEMA as part of flooding disaster relief.  
    The 2024 annual budget was approved. The county will begin advertising for a construction manager for the courthouse project. A Request for Proposals is being issued to invite potential contractors to submit proposals for the project. 
    In staffing matters, Deputy Josh Zweber was changed to a part-time employee under 20 hours per week with no benefits.  The board approved term life insurance for county staff. The rate is $2 per month per employee for $10,000 of coverage. 
    Auditor Megan Biel and Sheriff Sam Swanson were appointed as the point of contact for a possible court security grant through the state. If the grant is awarded, it will cover up to 75% of costs with the county being responsible for 25%. 
    The transfer of just over $950,000 in American Rescue Plan (COVID relief) funds were approved to the general fund. Biel noted that a separate fund was originally suggested for the relief money but now they are advised to transfer it to the general fund. $1 million was assigned for ‘courthouse purposes,’ which will likely go to the new courthouse project.
    Surplus vehicle bids were approved for Glen Lehr, Ryan Biel and Doug Stolsmark. 
    In zoning matters, a rezone was recommended for Rodney & Lois Westby to move a lot from Agricultural to Lakefront District. A variance was also approved for the Westbys. A plat was approved for the Heitmann Brothers Subdivision in Dumarce Township. 
    The Zoning Director reviewed the second notice for the Revised Zoning Regulations for Marshall County. Building permits were accepted for Leslie Enerson, Buffalo, and Randy Slobe of Lake Township. 
    The Zoning Director noted that the proposed Floodplain Ordinance will be forwarded to FEMA for review to begin the adoption process.