A primary topic of debate was a proposed contract with a data storage company, highlighting a contentious 10% increase in the contract price for services over the next three years. This prompted a commitment to renegotiate the terms with the company’s representative, Jody, to explore alternatives. Concerns were raised regarding whether the county’s data storage needs had grown and the typical requestors of additional storage. It was noted that, despite the proposed price hike, the current internal data capacity was sufficient for the foreseeable future.

Cybersecurity was another focal point in the data storage discussion. Questions emerged about the security measures safeguarding the county’s data, especially given that the vendor had undergone a rigorous cybersecurity vetting process before approval. The importance of a robust data management system was underscored by the volume of public data requests, particularly from law enforcement, which alone received 40 to 50 requests daily. The attorney’s office also managed numerous requests, especially concerning ongoing high-profile cases. The efficiency of the current system was acknowledged for streamlining requests and minimizing complaints. While the 10% increase was contested, manually addressing these requests without the system would reportedly cost over $100,000 annually for one staff member, making the current setup more financially prudent.

Ultimately, a motion was made to postpone the decision on the data storage contract until more information could be gathered. This motion was supported, and the item was deferred for further examination at the next meeting.

Another event was the presentation of an award to Winona County for the County Road 21 concrete paving project. Dave Kramer, the county highway engineer, introduced Matt Zeller from the Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota, who praised the project as the best among all state-evaluated concrete roads. Zeller highlighted its durability by comparing it to an older section of Highway 61, which has been in service for nearly a century. He clarified misconceptions about the costs of concrete versus other materials, noting that while initial costs might seem comparable, concrete’s longevity results in fewer replacements over time. Zeller also addressed ongoing maintenance challenges on I-90 due to porous limestone in the concrete, which deteriorates under freezing conditions.

The board also addressed labor agreements for county courthouse labor and detention deputies and transport officers. A proposed agreement for courthouse labor from 2025 to 2027 faced opposition from one member who advocated for a pay-for-performance structure. Despite this disagreement, the motion to approve the agreement passed with some dissent. Similar objections were raised concerning the labor agreement for detention deputies and transport officers, resulting in a divided vote but ultimately leading to the agreement’s approval.

In the public comment segment, Chelsea Wilbright, the County Auditor Treasurer, explained the challenges encountered in creating and redacting the cast vote record from the November 2022 election. She described the extensive man-hours required to remove images of write-in votes due to legal protections. Wilbright announced that a more efficient method had been developed by the attorney and IT teams, which would facilitate the creation of a cast vote record moving forward. This announcement was well-received, especially by those who had requested the functionality.

The meeting concluded with reports from recent committee meetings and acknowledgment of completed legislative sessions. Members looked forward to updates from the Association of Minnesota Counties and internal department heads. The upcoming county fair was mentioned, along with reminders to prioritize safety during local events and road construction. Members were reminded of the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting scheduled for the following Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of all members attending.