A major highlight of the meeting was the decision to approve a grant application aimed at addressing low-level weather radar gaps. Emergency Management Director Ace Bonama presented the proposal, which seeks $625,000 per year for two years from the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). Bonama explained that if successful, the grant would fund the installation of additional radars to enhance weather monitoring capabilities across the county. This initiative stems from previous unsuccessful attempts to secure legislative support due to budget constraints.

Bonama emphasized the importance of improved radar data for accurate weather assessments, including rainfall, snow amounts, smoke impacts, and wind events. He reassured the board that the radar company would own the equipment, reducing the county’s financial burden post-grant period. The grant would only require administrative time from the county, a manageable commitment according to Bonama. Commissioner Berg praised Bonama’s leadership and affirmed the project’s priority for the county.

In addition to the radar project, the board unanimously approved resolution 2025-44 concerning the acquisition and restoration of an abandoned cemetery in Failen Township. The Bethesda Evangelical Cemetery, dating back to 1886, had been neglected for nearly a century. The resolution outlines that the county will take initial responsibility for maintenance before transferring ownership to Savea Lutheran Church, which will share maintenance costs and handle groundskeeping and repairs.

The board also tackled pressing budget matters, with County Administrator Kelsey Baker presenting various options to address fiscal challenges. Baker outlined four budget scenarios, ranging from a 7.1% increase to a potential 5.3% increase if reserves were utilized and the recycling contract adjusted. The recycling contract emerged as a focal point, with discussions on potential service reductions and their implications for residents. The board acknowledged the need to balance fiscal responsibility with maintaining essential services, expressing concerns about the impact of potential staff cuts.

Commissioners expressed diverse views on the proposed budget options. The discussion revealed a divide among commissioners regarding the necessity of additional work sessions to thoroughly evaluate the budget. Ultimately, the board agreed to schedule a work session for December 2 to delve deeper into the budget options before the upcoming truth and taxation meeting.

The meeting also addressed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which could affect approximately 600 residents in Kandiyohi County. New federal regulations require certain populations aged 18 to 64 to meet a work requirement of 80 hours per month, a shift from the previous age threshold of 54. The changes prompted concerns about the county’s capacity to manage increased applications and the potential strain on resources.

Additionally, the board considered revisions to county park policies and fees for 2026, proposing modest increases in camping rates to keep pace with inflation. The rationale behind the changes was to ensure sustainability without resorting to larger increases in the future. The varying occupancy rates across parks necessitated strategic planning to optimize county resources.