Posted: 9/20/05
New county engineer begins duty
By David Heiller
Argus News Editor
Tracey Von Bargem started his job as the new Houston County engineer on September 12.
He replaces Allen Henke, who resigned earlier this summer.
Von Bargem introduced himself to county commissioners at their September 13 meeting.
He worked as a project engineer in Alexandria, Minnesota, before taking the Houston County job. He designed four projects for Houston County. ìIíve had a lot of experience, I guess, in this county,î he told commissioners.
The county creates challenges with its wetlands, trout streams, and geology, he said. Just keeping the roads plowed can be tough, he added with a laugh.
He later told The Argus that he took the job because he likes serving people and thought it would give him personal satisfaction. He added that he is originally from Red Wing. ìSo weíre moving closer to home.î
He and his wife, Kimberly, have three children, Benjamin, 11, Midori, eight, and Hakyma, one.
Interim engineer Kermit McRae finished his duties on September 16.
Personnel items
In other business, the board approved the hiring of two deputies, Matt Sietz of West Union, Iowa, and Duane Brownlee Jr. of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Brownlee has been working for the White Earth Police Department. Sietz has been working for the Fayette County Sheriffs Office. They will be hired at step II of the wage range for deputies, which is $18.28 per hour. Starting dates will be negotiated. They are filling positions made vacant by the resignations of Bob Schuldt and Mike Ernster.
The board also approved adding Duane Welke to the payroll as dropsite supervisor to be used as needed.
County recorder Bev Bauer asked for permission to hire a student worker from Caledonia High School, and that they be paid minimum wage rather than training wage so that they are getting paid the same as other students. She said she has had three students in the past and it has worked out well. The board approved her request.
Preliminary levy, budget set
The board approved a preliminary levy of $6,352,000 for 2006. Last yearís certified levy was $5,841,000
It also approved a preliminary budget of $18,876,205, up from last yearís budget of $18,533,541.
Several commissioners noted that the levy and budgets could be lowered.
Commissioner Dave Corcoran said he would not be in favor of hiring a person for courtroom security, which is included in the budget.
ï The board also approved a wetland exemption of 400 square feet for Andre Moen, who is building a shed on his property in section 27 of Crooked Creek Township.
Caledonia Argus
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