[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6216273,"mediaKeyId","3653149-040a33e8c29791db7c4d6abf366a8d8e","parentId",3653149,"title","South Country reports $21.1 million 2024 loss, urges state changes and watches KARMA bill","audioSeconds",2023,"startMs",456000,"endMs",2479000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3653149-040a33e8c29791db7c4d6abf366a8d8e&start=456&end=2479","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3653149-040a33e8c29791db7c4d6abf366a8d8e/thumbnail_456000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6216273/Wabasha-County/Minnesota/South-Country-reports-211-million-2024-loss-urges-state-changes-and-watches-KARMA-bill","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216273-d77b242cf3ae0f060f734c8f140da5b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773598039&Signature=Pcjlni44dltCAUS0SkovAvPw-A1xN3OOvOe~ClARDMxCuobmyT0BtXd0p5N6jvUv~asWEKLOD5rWSY2FjjpB9XxKfoSPA~0P0VhGUESoW8AR2-fVFJ6t6ok-UB-K2s9BL9AUloowCq6q-GnnOG1NkQ~zfgfBWfjmNguVRq4rntv9PkMCzB46ATNDEl89Z0ZC9UeOhnzFj5nv1CGRfrddjL9A2YmBOuPyrNKBWinq4VbnVx2C3RdqpZIS5QbUfoPuubIz90GwvSVr3rLoayhA9liz2viQPddpLuOnTnOjflTIezvgS7apH5SKaKkp27C8KzX89EIBfpSZrNweG-ZHJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Wabasha County, MN","date","2025-05-30T17:50:39Z","article","South Country Health Alliance officials updated the Wabasha County Board on the plan's 2024 finances, telling the board the insurer posted a $21.1 million net loss, booked an $11,422,000 premium deficiency reserve and is monitoring several state policy changes that drove higher costs.

Scott Sheffman, chief financial officer for South Country Health Alliance, told commissioners the plan recorded a net operating loss of $9.7 million in 2024 and established an $11.4 million premium deficiency reserve for contract year 2025. \"Our loss ratio last year was 96.9 percent,\" Sheffman said, meaning about $0.97 of every premium dollar went to pay claims.

The reserve, Sheffman said, is an accounting step: if contracted premiums are inadequate to cover expected 2025 claims, a plan must book that shortfall in the prior year. \"We will release one‑twelfth of that reserve each month in 2025 to offset expected losses,\" he said.

Why it matters: South Country administers county‑based Medicaid purchasing and other public programs that directly affect county budgets and local providers. Leota, a South Country representative who introduced the presentation and coordinated slides, briefed the board on the plan's financial drivers and policy work at the state level. She said South Country and counties are pressing the Department of Human Services (DHS) for midyear rate adjustments if utilization continues to outpace current rates.

Officials identified several causes for the swing to a large loss in 2024: enrollment churn after the end of the federal public health emergency, retroactive inpatient claim repricing by DHS, and rapid uptake of newly approved benefits. Sheffman highlighted two policy-driven cost increases: expanded adult dental benefits (including crowns and bridges) and strong, accelerating utilization of GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs; he said use of those drugs doubled each quarter in 2024 and that the state’s preferred drug list and rebate mechanics affect plan net cost.

Sheffman summarized key figures the board heard: a $21.1 million net loss for 2024 (compared with a $27.3 million gain in 2023), a premium deficiency reserve of $11,422,000, investment income of about $4.5 million in 2024 that partially offset losses, and a year‑end risk‑based capital ratio of 555 percent (well above the 200 percent regulatory minimum).

Leota also briefed the board on legislative work to create a County Administered Rural Medical Assistance program, called KARMA (County Administered Rural Medical Assistance). She said the bill (House File 2955 / Senate File 3149) had bipartisan sponsorship and had been included in the conference omnibus at the time of the meeting; she described the inclusion as the furthest the proposal has advanced and said counties were \"cautiously optimistic\" about final passage and signature. \"At this point, we are aware that it has been included in the final omnibus,\" she said, noting the bill’s language would create a separate procurement pathway for counties that choose the KARMA model.

Commissioners asked staff clarifying questions about operating versus capital costs and licensing; Commissioner Cheryl asked whether the operating loss reflected claims payments, and Sheffman confirmed it did.

No formal board action was taken on South Country items at the meeting. Commissioners were told South Country will continue to share utilization and cost data with DHS as it seeks midyear rate relief and that counties remain engaged in KARMA implementation discussions.

Looking ahead: South Country officials said they will monitor 2025 utilization — especially GLP‑1 drugs and dental services — and the organization will report back if data support midyear rate changes. The board will receive further updates as the state process develops and as South Country reports 2025 results.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Wabasha County Board of Commissioners June 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","South Country Health Alliance officials told the Wabasha County Board on June 3 that the plan posted a $21.1 million net loss for 2024, booked an $11.4 million premium deficiency reserve for 2025 and is monitoring state policies and utilization trends that drove higher costs.","taxTitle","Wabasha County, Minnesota","taxId",60707,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6216253,"Board approves Scotch Prairie Farms expansion to 4,129 animal units and requires dust‑control on township road",610,6175000,6785000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3653149-040a33e8c29791db7c4d6abf366a8d8e&start=6175&end=6785","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3653149-040a33e8c29791db7c4d6abf366a8d8e/thumbnail_6175000.jpg","/articles/6216253/Wabasha-County/Minnesota/Board-approves-Scotch-Prairie-Farms-expansion-to-4129-animal-units-and-requires-dustcontrol-on-township-road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216253-7eeb52abb673d985ae8529b62259c38d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773598039&Signature=S4BJukEBrw23GZEM0PZtWDYCNgGvNATvODCB-LiqVjKPRJv2tZqw5j914ccczvYjS-Q7hLlEmNQ9iddDEVMSwROGtCzNydkgDz8TGcLUAIXfoLFnUV91p8PnActIa136xMngEvvemqTZObsN50sEKeihhVnxuEDj6IZLx3mMraWw2d4fW0dh7VVGEKDZhqHM5kaLdWU7lxLv9-aWyPE-dUnH3iLMqmJBJwmmlTdV46NixH6nDUUhWJTSWyaaMJWaQ6ivJm8ci7~PT~UN3AbvhzCzYj~dyzRXr9VDQulnl~M-aRgoK0brlX6ovdiSjH-SNi9xr38C8VG4xlAZdh8d5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Wabasha County commissioners on June 3 approved an amendment to the conditional‑use permit for Scotch Prairie Farms LLC, allowing expansion of the feedlot to a maximum of 4,129 animal units and imposing conditions intended to limit environmental and neighborhood impacts, including a new dust‑control requirement on the township road leading to the operation.

Planning staff summarized the planning commission’s recommendation (5‑0) and the board discussed concerns raised by two nearby residents about dust from additional truck traffic. The planning commission’s conditions (as presented) limited the animal units to 4,129.2 AU, required compliance with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) rules, and required submittal of any MPCA/NPDES permits and feedlot registration updates.

During the meeting, staff and commissioners discussed dust‑control options and cost. County staff noted an application to chloride a gravel road is roughly $2,400 for a single application covering a lane width; heavier traffic or road condition may require a second application later in the season. The board amended the CUP to add a condition requiring the applicant to apply chloride (or equivalent dust control) on the township portion of 661 First Street from County Road 4 to 500 feet beyond the second residence’s driveway (the stretch identified by concerned neighbors) to mitigate dust from increased truck traffic.

Commissioner Powers moved to approve the amendment with that added condition; Commissioner Waki (second) supported the motion. The motion carried on a voice vote.

Other conditions require adherence to MPCA rules, furnishing copies of any required NPDES stormwater permit and feedlot registration to Wabasha County, and that any further intensification (additional animal units or manure storage) would require an amendment to the CUP.

What to watch: The applicant must provide MPCA/NPDES permits to the county and comply with state feedlot standards. The board’s chloride condition assigns dust control responsibility to the applicant and identifies a specific stretch of township road for mitigation; the township had not reported formal opposition but did not appear to chlorinate the whole road at present.

","The county board approved Brian Yoder's feedlot expansion application, limiting the operation to 4,129 animal units and adding a condition that the applicant must control dust by applying chloride to the township road from County Road 4 to 500 feet beyond the second residence’s driveway.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6216257,"Board approves transfer of one dwelling density with deed restrictions in Greenfield Township",287,6067000,6354000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3653149-040a33e8c29791db7c4d6abf366a8d8e&start=6067&end=6354","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3653149-040a33e8c29791db7c4d6abf366a8d8e/thumbnail_6067000.jpg","/articles/6216257/Wabasha-County/Minnesota/Board-approves-transfer-of-one-dwelling-density-with-deed-restrictions-in-Greenfield-Township","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216257-224fdeef6267d5837fef95bd43c1f9b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773598039&Signature=KpvcW-D7RnmJ6qJwC0pYRafJK6oyVbdO3Xss1r~Z0kdfCHBNIBwT1v6ea6lOli6D9hL2Ec7UQADzsNZbvwknzdFjG4RftR8MfdunWv6m-QM51Vsb6ZyAcIGf~sQXMlkBqVpQGKwI4miVnc~e3QJPYetv2VamkhuzRE7kHVVgpq70936xFeQr40ZoalTdDYFHaAL5vBGonHL-H~uhveSSmYAcY0wM7AzrQ6wADFPIqu4yw~NkWBLZ2h5xT8Azqp0614LZLiNnlBlubUk7T2bk-hsSvH3Ytsf0bCse1zN54bBXMQFydlAYgwfftS3EZ7a2jgCaFmSIDDBQiUc6YqztOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wabasha County Board on June 3 approved a conditional‑use permit to transfer one dwelling density from a parcel in Section 19 to a receiving parcel in Section 30, Greenfield Township. The planning commission had recommended approval with three conditions: record a deed restriction prohibiting construction on the origin parcel, record seven acres of deed restriction on the receiving parcel prior to building, and limit the approved density transfer to one dwelling unit.

Planning staff summarized the request and recommended the board follow the planning commission’s 5‑0 recommendation. Commissioner Wabi moved to approve the CUP and Commissioner Waukes seconded; the motion passed on a voice vote.

The county will require the deed restriction documents to be recorded before building permits may be issued for the receiving parcel.

","Wabasha County approved a conditional‑use permit to transfer one dwelling unit density between two parcels in Greenfield Township, with deed restrictions to prevent construction on the originating parcel and a seven‑acre restriction on the receiving parcel.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6216262,"Wabasha County grants conditional-use permit to Jamie Ratz for adult foster care and lodging, with state licensing condition",1021,5027000,6048000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3653149-040a33e8c29791db7c4d6abf366a8d8e&start=5027&end=6048","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3653149-040a33e8c29791db7c4d6abf366a8d8e/thumbnail_5027000.jpg","/articles/6216262/Wabasha-County/Minnesota/Wabasha-County-grants-conditional-use-permit-to-Jamie-Ratz-for-adult-foster-care-and-lodging-with-state-licensing-condition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216262-cb296a576da040f95e9f395712d1da73/orig.mp4?Expires=1773598039&Signature=OdjptjOzJy9FWTwLVw-O-d9DpVI4-evIz2GQjK5rBMVvel1TZlGbCBiuWqVguveTIGfirw5FCMEvmRUTsmS3GzA27908EB8cssiTVFwsKr6yGCgJRHnL0ay1cNpc6sf7Bt5vLbGlj3a3eWdn6uJG7LESbgbwf5cuBWTopqlTKmmB9nP7Nl3xsBrowH7ceavcYtKNEX2IcbiN8EBtzYRQC6XOPApVYYBqN8G4i7-4GFtFXIDFRsUQxc~JqaVnKev~nly7Pl849w~3BkJPi5QO3d3JrRnv1~rTTfSxS8-CsF27Dp61xePZdTNt4IlaGhgVwJ-ixAdlr4xg0DMcCxQdNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wabasha County Board on June 3 approved a conditional‑use permit (CUP) for an adult foster care home and accompanying lodging operation proposed by applicant Jamie Ratz, but the board added a condition that the adult foster care portion cannot be used until the state issues any required license.

Planning staff reported that the planning commission held a public hearing May 27 and recommended approval, subject to ten conditions set out in the commission’s report. Conditions included submittal of the Minnesota Department of Human Services license for the adult foster care operation, separate inspections for building/code/fire/ADA compliance, no parking along County Road 4, a required E911 address and septic approval prior to permits.

During discussion, county zoning enforcement raised concerns that the applicant did not yet hold an adult foster‑care license and that state bed availability may prevent near‑term licensure. \"If it was just for VRBO, I would be fine with it. But the way it's presented, I don't think it would be wise to proceed,\" a county zoning enforcement staff member said during discussion.

Board members debated whether to approve a CUP that includes two distinct commercial uses (lodging and licensed adult foster care) when the state license for the foster‑care beds was not currently available. The board added an explicit condition: no part of the property shall operate as an adult foster care facility until the required license is obtained from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The board retained other planning‑commission recommended conditions (addresses, inspections, septic, e911, etc.).

The motion to approve the CUP with the amended condition passed on a voice vote.

What to watch: County staff will require submission of the DHS license before an adult foster‑care use may commence. If licensing is delayed or denied, the lodging portion may proceed but the licensed portion may not be operated until state approval is provided and county conditions are met.

","The county board approved a conditional‑use permit for an adult foster care home and lodging establishment for applicant Jamie Ratz, adding a condition that the adult foster care portion not be operated until the license is issued by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6216266,"Wabasha County approves Cornerstone Ridge preliminary plat amid runoff and bluff concerns",2458,2504000,4962000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3653149-040a33e8c29791db7c4d6abf366a8d8e&start=2504&end=4962","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3653149-040a33e8c29791db7c4d6abf366a8d8e/thumbnail_2504000.jpg","/articles/6216266/Wabasha-County/Minnesota/Wabasha-County-approves-Cornerstone-Ridge-preliminary-plat-amid-runoff-and-bluff-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216266-7fd84162a0fe50a6a0d10699c965182c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773598039&Signature=Gf7nPCg7IKREuh6lJbT5msXX4697Ta-o4nHc99t9XZ-kqhVuEXUFCIFEEL6llqRcduPzsrHq6pqoDLvkqU6EVhZKBnz8RabrDp2ZkFpQmG9D15F4U-lzXs~CV2~b1g2C6PYzwLzFjwNvj-u7dZJnIo64lv0uncieIX0~vEL0w46ux5F~WVEhnfrbZTPPHgUkUepryQesijizzNQtAxf~1jDWcTk8SmCY71CY~OuqPYt3VmmxsK~g0SdW2wEwa-XsolY46cbNQ0mI9ZbpYTK97De5Nf0vQYNYZINLtKlo18h1Dajtr7ivWGClOVS7UAShPWINf6kJ6CDhrCm0e2c36w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wabasha County Board on June 3 approved a preliminary plat for \"Cornerstone Ridge,\" a roughly 109‑acre subdivision proposed by Brent Beck of Cornerstone Real Estate in Mazeppa Township. The planning commission had recommended approval by a 5‑0 vote.

Joel Larson, the county zoning staff member who introduced the item, said the planning commission held a public hearing March 24 and recommended forwarding the preliminary plat for the board’s consideration. Multiple residents from County Road 21 spoke at the board meeting to contest the proposal, raising runoff, bluff setback and safety concerns.

Sarah Erickson read a letter on behalf of her family that criticized the application for missing details. \"The initial preliminary plat did not include a water runoff plan nor several details on the roads,\" Erickson read. She and other residents asked the board why the preliminary plat did not show the top and toe of a bluff along a portion of the proposed 400 And Tenth Avenue and questioned whether a road through bluff setback area could be built to county subdivision standards.

Neighbor Joe Rodriguez told the board, \"We are your constituents. We don't want this,\" and pressed engineers to show how basin sizing, filtration locations and sight distance would protect adjacent farms and structures. Mary Larson described her family’s century farm and warned of traffic and quality‑of‑life impacts from additional houses.

Kyle Scove, a project engineer with WHKS, said the applicant had prepared additional construction plans and a stormwater report after the April 1 meeting. Scove said the team revised an originally proposed infiltration basin to a filtration basin to comply with the Minnesota stormwater manual and that basin sizing is documented in a multi‑page stormwater report. \"For all of those events, the runoff from this site is slightly less after development than it is today,\" Scove said, summarizing the modeling for the two‑, 10‑ and 100‑year storms.

Developer Brent Beck told the board the homeowners association would maintain local roads and said he planned to retain roughly 35–40 acres for enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). He said planning, zoning and the county highway engineer had reviewed the submittal and that the Mazeppa Township‑level A3 zoning permitted the proposal.

During discussion, commissioners noted the township and county zoning process that placed the parcels in the A3 agricultural/urban fringe district; one commissioner said township boards had considered public comment when designating areas and that the county must apply zoning ordinances consistently. Commissioner Springer moved to approve the preliminary plat; Commissioner Powers seconded. The motion carried on an affirmative voice vote.

What remains: final plat approval, any required road or drainage easements and final construction plans will return to planning commission and the board for review and recording as part of the final‑plat process.

","The county board approved a 109‑acre preliminary plat in Mazeppa Township despite multiple public objections over water runoff, bluff setbacks and road maintenance. Planning commission had recommended approval 5‑0.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

South Country reports $21.1 million 2024 loss, urges state changes and watches KARMA bill

Board approves Scotch Prairie Farms expansion to 4,129 animal units and requires dust‑control on township road

Board approves transfer of one dwelling density with deed restrictions in Greenfield Township

Wabasha County grants conditional-use permit to Jamie Ratz for adult foster care and lodging, with state licensing condition

Wabasha County approves Cornerstone Ridge preliminary plat amid runoff and bluff concerns