In a pivotal meeting held on December 3, 2024, the Goodhue County Board made significant strides in local governance, notably with the appointment of Jeff Ekblad as the new county surveyor. The decision followed a thorough selection process that included interviews conducted on November 26, where a panel of both internal and external participants unanimously endorsed Ekblad for the role. His qualifications as a licensed surveyor, coupled with extensive experience in Goodhue County, positioned him as the ideal candidate.

The board discussed the pending review of the position's compensation by a consultant, which will determine whether Ekblad will start at step 10 of grade 17 or step 9 of grade 18. Following the board's approval, Ekblad was sworn in, marking a new chapter in his professional journey and for the county's land management efforts.

In addition to the surveyor appointment, the board addressed compensation for non-union employees for the upcoming year. With collective bargaining agreements already settled at a 3% general wage adjustment for 2025, the board sought to extend the same adjustment to non-union staff, which was also approved unanimously.

The meeting concluded with a sense of accomplishment as the board recognized the importance of these decisions in shaping the future of Goodhue County. As Ekblad took his oath of office, the community looked forward to the positive impact of his leadership in the county's surveying and land management initiatives.