The most significant item on the agenda was the approval of the preliminary tax levy increase. The motion to set the preliminary levy at 9.81% was introduced after a proposal for a more modest 7% increase failed to gain support. The 9.81% figure was defended by several commissioners as necessary to cover rising costs impacting both organizational operations and community health. Despite concerns about the steep increase, the motion passed with a vote of four to one.

Commissioner Johnson expressed discomfort with the proposed increase, highlighting the challenge of reducing the levy to the traditional 5% range. The presenter suggested a more thorough discussion to gather information and consider potential cuts, an idea supported by other commissioners. The board agreed on the importance of a focused meeting to address budget cuts and refine the levy.

Following the approval of the levy, the board scheduled the Truth in Taxation hearing for December 3rd at 6 p.m., allowing for public participation and notice. This hearing will be crucial for further community input and final adjustments to the levy before it is implemented.

Time was also dedicated to discussing the hiring process for the new Director of Facilities, Brook Lard. Commissioner White raised concerns about the transparency and inclusiveness of the hiring process, emphasizing the need for the entire board to be informed and involved in significant hires. White questioned the decision-making authority concentrated within a few individuals and called for a more democratic process. Other commissioners echoed these sentiments.

The administrator provided details on the interview process, noting that five candidates were initially interviewed, followed by a second round with two finalists. The selection committee, which included various department directors and a commissioner, recommended Brook Lard based on scoring and credentials. Despite the thorough process, the broader board’s involvement was deemed insufficient by some commissioners, prompting calls for greater transparency and communication in future hiring processes.

In other matters, the board discussed a proposal to renumber Northwoods Loop, which had caused confusion due to multiple segments under the same county road name. The proposal aimed to alleviate this confusion by renumbering Northwoods Loop to County Road T89. The motion to approve the renumbering passed unanimously, with support from residents and resort owners in the area.

The board also addressed a request to authorize the sale of surplus vehicles from the highway department. The representative proposed listing the vehicles on the midb minbid website to ensure a return on investment. The motion to approve the listing passed without opposition.

Another discussion involved the repair of the salt sand shed, which had suffered damage from a windstorm. The estimated cost for repairs was noted to be just over $40,000. The engineer emphasized the urgency of completing repairs before snowfall to protect the materials stored within the shed. A motion to approve the repairs passed.

The meeting also covered updates from the human resources department regarding upcoming benefits and open enrollment for 2025. Significant changes in healthcare benefits were noted, including a 99.65% increase in premiums for staff. The HR representative explained changes to deductibles and presented comparative charts illustrating the premium impacts. Additional updates included a transition to a new provider for short-term disability benefits, with the Hartford replacing Madison National, resulting in a 7% reduction in premiums.

The board discussed the implementation of the state’s paid family medical leave program, set to commence on January 1, 2026. Two options for administering the program were presented: utilizing the state’s program or engaging a third-party administrator like Integrity Benefits. The consensus favored transitioning to the Hartford due to decreased premiums and simplified administration, despite concerns about long-term affordability.

Lastly, the board approved a roofing contract for the replacement of the roof on the Colville Town Hall. Leerer’s Roofing of Grand Marais was awarded the contract, and the motion to approve the contract passed without further discussion.