By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
Due to the state-mandated 3.9 percent levy limit, the Houston County Commissioners approved the 2009 proposed levy at $10,117,169. The action was taken during the Sept. 9 board meeting.
According to figures provided by County Auditor Char Meiners, the 2009 levy was broken down into the following departments:
•County revenue- $5,827,332;
•Road & Bridge- $2,423,805;
•Human services- $1,330,889;
•Bond fund for public project revenue bonds- $255,483;
•Bond fund- 2009 general obligation note- $279,660.
When the County Program Aid (CPA) is subtracted, the final proposed levy is $8,985,004. The 2008 levy was $7,905,125.
In other board action:
Marcus Evans resigns
County Highway Engineer Marcus Evans tendered his resignation, effective Oct. 10. Evans, who has headed the county highway department for the past two years, has taken on a similar position with Eau Claire County, Wis.
In a letter to the commissioners, Evans stated, “I have greatly enjoyed working with each of you individually and as a group. The staff at the Department of Transportation has proved themselves many times over to be truly dedicated in their assignments and, likewise a great assistance to me throughout my tenure.
“This new position provides a higher wage, and better benefits, but, more importantly, allows my spouse to be closer to her family, which she is very close to.”
Members of the county board praised Evans for the way he handled the two natural disasters that caused millions of dollars in damage to the county’s infrastructure. With reluctance, they accepted his resignation.
Personnel Director Tim Comstock asked the county board how they wanted to handle securing a replacement for Evans. “I feel we should begin a search immediately,” Comstock said.
Commissioner Tom Bjerke wondered if Houston County should contact Fillmore County and discuss sharing a county engineer.
“That would end up being a very big job,” Commissioner Dave Corcoran pointed out. “Who would this shared position report to,” he asked. “You’d have to pay an engineer handling two counties considerably more money, and then you’d still need an assistant to be in charge when the engineer is working in the other county.”
“I understand taking a look at it (Bjerke’s idea). But who would this person answer to,” Commissioner Larry Connery asked?
The board decided to enter into a conversation with Fillmore County about a shared position, but instructed Comstock to begin the advertising process.
Pennies from heaven
Comstock informed the board the county will be receiving a reimbursement of $278,473.41 from the StedFast Health Plan. In 2007, Houston, Fillmore, Mower and Winona counties came together with Olmsted County to pursue a joint powers agreement to expand the group purchasing program. But the plan was scrapped when the state decided not to help support the program, which county officials felt would save taxpayers considerable money by pooling resources, and forcing insurance carriers to be more competitive. Over the past two years, Houston County had contributed $278,843 to the program, and earned $4,431.16. When the administrative and consulting fees were taken out, the failed program only cost the county $369.59.
Bridge bids approved
The county board received some more good news when they learned two bridge replacement projects are going to cost approximately $75,000 less than the engineer’s estimate.
Minowa Construction of Harmony submitted the low combined bid for the bridge replacement project on Stateline Road and one on Quarry Road. Minowa’s bid was $252,057.30. The engineer’s estimate was $325,602.50.
The county received three other bids. They were: Brennan Construction- $299,374.20; Midwest Contracting- $308,366.50; and Van Gundy Excavating- $319,175.70.
EWPP application
Root River Soil and Water Conservation District Director Ralph Tuck informed the board funds through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP) are available to help repair damage from the 2007 and 2008 floods.
Tuck’s department has three sites under two separate contracts that will be funded 75 percent by the federal government and 25 percent by the state.
One of the projects, Oak Forest Lane, near Valley High Golf Course, is a private drive that serves six homes. Tuck explained the EWPP is available to both public and private projects. There has been some discussion to have the township take over the private drive. But currently, that is just in the talking stages.
“This would be the time (to have the township take it over) and I have spoken to several of the town board members and property owners. We’ll have to see where this goes,” Tuck said.
The board unanimously approved a motion to submit the EWPP application.
You can contact Charlie Warner at
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