Commissioners asked to weigh liability for two calves killed during Fourteenth Street work; state's attorney asked to advise

A landowner has asked Dunn County to consider restitution after two calves died during spring construction on the Fourteenth Street project, commissioners heard during the meeting.

Commissioner Olson raised the issue in the agenda-additions portion of the meeting: “We add, the 2 calves out on the Fourteenth St project. We need to address that. The 2 dead calves on Fourteenth Street project.” Commissioners discussed possible responsibility and the need for legal advice. Commissioner Heizer noted the county had received a letter and “it was sent to the state's attorney to advise us and I haven't heard yet.”

Commissioner Olson said the board is not yet prepared to determine liability and suggested waiting for the state's attorney’s guidance: “That’s where it's at, so I think we gotta be... you know who's responsible and I don't know that we're prepared to make that kind of decision.” Commissioner Dolso asked whether insurance should handle it or whether the county or contractor would be responsible; Olson confirmed it was with the state's attorney’s office.

No motion or formal county action was taken at the meeting. Commissioners directed staff to await a formal opinion from the state's attorney before deciding next steps, and individual commissioners said they will refrain from taking unilateral action until legal counsel provides direction.