Meanwhile, discussions about jail staffing revealed a decision to raise the inmate boarding fee from approximately $50 to $80. The board also emphasized the need for monthly reports on overtime worked and compensatory time balances, stressing that these must be pre-approved. A collaborative discussion among departments led to a commitment to enhance reporting methodologies, with Brent, the data services manager, spearheading the conversion of data into more informative reports using Power BI.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, notably the CA 7 reconstruction project, which has entered the bidding phase. The board expressed optimism about completing preliminary work before winter, with contractors required to lay at least six inches of gravel by November 1. The core engineer’s permit is currently under a 14-day comment period, with approval anticipated by the bid opening date of July 26. The project is navigating a mixed bidding environment, with local contractors showing interest, potentially holding off on other work to focus on this project. Oil price fluctuations were noted as a significant cost factor for paving in the spring.

Further deliberations addressed utility conflicts in the CA 29 project, where Excel Energy’s proposed options for relocating utilities were evaluated. Both options involved wooden poles, and the board is assessing the potential for underground utility conflicts. The implications of these proposals are being carefully considered to avoid future complications, as design decisions may shift liability to the county. Chris also mentioned a promising grant opportunity from the Department of Employment and Economic Development, linked to the 2019 decommissioning of an electrical plant in St. Cloud. The grant could provide up to $1 million for infrastructure projects, with the county planning to seek a resolution of support from St. Cloud city officials, a prerequisite for the grant application.

The board also addressed the management of County Ditch N, focusing on rocks and spoil piles obstructing a 16-foot buffer zone. Options for handling these included removing the piles or spreading materials around trees, with costs ranging from $10,000 to $18,000. Suggestions included utilizing drone technology to survey the ditches before repairs. The board approved a motion to authorize additional work for rock removal at an hourly rate.

Additionally, the board revisited a revised dress code policy, granting departments more discretion in determining appropriate attire. The policy sets baseline concepts applicable across departments while allowing customization to meet specific needs. The importance of visible identification for field employees, particularly from the assessor’s office, was highlighted. Safety vests and uniforms were also discussed, with flexibility encouraged to accommodate varying departmental functions and public interactions.

In the realm of tax forfeiture, the board discussed the infrequency of properties entering tax forfeiture in Benton County, with only two houses experiencing such a fate over the years. This was viewed positively, contrasting with urban counties facing significant numbers of forfeitures. An update on tax forfeiture inventories was suggested, given the long interval since the last property auction. The discussion acknowledged successful past sales of abandoned houses, which were quickly renovated post-sale.