Stevens County will see several road projects this summer. The list of projects was presented to the Stevens County Commissioners by County Engineer Todd Larson at their meeting on May 5. Larson gave an update on work currently underway, projects that are planned for the summer, and presented the 2025 Annual Report for approval.
County employees have been doing spring crack filling on County State Highways 5, 20, and 64. Crews are also shoulder disking, digging out soft spots, and doing miscellaneous repairs on roads. Larson presented bids for two larger projects to be done this summer.
One of these is an aggregate base or graveling project on CSAH 20 between US Hwy 59 and CSAH 20. The low bidder was Wagner Company of Herman for $117,640. The second project was an aggregate shoulder of CSAH 4 from US 59 to CSAH 1 and on CSAH 8 from CSAH 9 to US 59. The CSAH 4 project is the priority, and 8 will be the second priority, depending on how much of the budgeted amount is remaining. The bid approved was from Joe Riley Construction for $88,000.
The commissioners approved the disposal of a 1980 Water Tanker Truck that the county is no longer using. It will go on the State of Minnesota’s auction service, Minnbid.mn.gov. The county has a new water truck that is currently being used.
Larson and Kaylee Ascheman presented the 2025 Annual Report for the commissioners to look at. Larson stated that these are numbers compiled during the year to complete the report. Ascheman then puts them all together for a year-end review.
The commissioners had a few questions about items within the report, which were answered by Larson and Ascheman.
Commissioner Jeanne Ennen stated, “You did a very good job, Kaylee.”
Larson added, “This is part of what she does every day. She does a very good job.”
The commissioners approved the report.
A public hearing was held for some changes to the T21 ordinance, which is the tobacco ordinance. The only changes were to remove the dollar amount from the written ordinance and add a reference to state statute. This allows flexibility to match law changes without having to reopen the entire ordinance.
Human Resources Director Jan Gomer presented a staffing update. CP Social Worker Liz Pederson accepted the CP/AP Lead Social Worker position. She will join Nicole Frank in this role.
Deputy Sheriff interviews were held last week for two candidates. The position was offered to Steven Henriksen, who once served as the Chief of Police in Hancock.
The Director of Planning/Zoning and Environment Services job application process will close on May 8, and she will soon be advertising for case aides and social workers.
County Administrator Rebecca Young presented the commissioners with a timeline for budget review. The process will begin on July 1, when budget packets will be presented to department heads and agencies that receive appropriations. On that day, wage projections will also be distributed. The Board of Commissioners will hold its first work session for budget review on July 27 and another on August 11. The final work session is set for September 1.
