Wright County board amends Buffalo Lake no‑wake rule, approves downtown demolition grant application and several routine measures; hires building inspector

The Wright County Board of Commissioners on July 8 approved a set of measures including concurrence with an emergency no‑wake restriction on Buffalo Lake (amended from 600 feet to 300 feet), authorized a county application for a state redevelopment grant to demolish the downtown government center, adopted changes to county cannabis registration and licensing procedures, and voted to fill a budgeted building‑inspector position after a split vote.

The board’s action on the Buffalo Lake restriction — recorded as Resolution 25‑40 — followed a lengthy discussion about enforcement limits and the purpose of the restriction. Administrator Kreiser told commissioners the county concurrence would “remain in effect for 30 days or until the water level reaches 916.5 feet.” Commissioners and staff repeatedly described the measure as primarily educational and protective of shoreline property; the board amended the city of Buffalo’s original 600‑foot buffer to 300 feet before adopting the concurrence unanimously. Commissioners asked that publicity for the restriction include a nonemergency phone number and a clear notice not to use 911 to report wake violations.

On redevelopment, the board adopted Resolution 25‑41 authorizing staff to apply for a state redevelopment grant for demolition of the Downtown Buffalo Government Center. County redevelopment staff said the total project is expected to cost about $2,000,000 and that the county would be responsible for a 50 percent match of roughly $1,000,000, which officials intend to cover from county fund balance. The board approved submitting the grant application, with staff saying awards are expected in the fall and, if successful, demolition would likely begin in spring.

At a public hearing the board approved…