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McLeod County approves parks tree‑trimming contract, funds fairgrounds PA system, and writes off small receivables
Summary
The county approved a parks tree‑trimming contract using ARPA funds, authorized payment toward a public address system at the fairgrounds, and voted to write off three small uncollectible receivables totaling $984.06.
The McLeod County Board on March 11 approved several facility and finance actions: a parks tree‑trimming contract using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, a payment to the McLeod County Ag Association toward a new public address system at the fairgrounds, and the write‑off of three small uncollectible receivables totaling $984.06.
Parks staff requested approval of an estimate from JGS Enterprise LLC of Stewart, Minnesota, for tree trimming at county parks at $250 per hour not to exceed $75,000, with payment from ARPA coronavirus relief funds. A second estimate from MC Tree Service of Hutchinson was $365 per hour. Parks staff said the scope required an outside contractor with equipment to trim trees across six county parks; county crews or Sent to Serve personnel will chip and remove trimmed material after the contractor drops it. Commissioner Wright moved to approve; a second was recorded and the board approved by voice vote.
The board also approved payment of $7,261.62 from the fairgrounds capital budget to the McLeod County Ag Association toward purchase and installation of a public address system that will interconnect Century Hall, the Goat/Sheep Building, the Swine Building, and the Poultry Building. The total cost is $12,111; the Ag Association will contribute $4,849.38. Commissioners noted initial use of the Century Hall system required adjustments and staff said installers would check speaker angles and zones.
County finance staff requested authority to write off three small receivable balances totaling $984.06 that county staff determined to be cost‑prohibitive to pursue through collections. The attorney’s office advised that collection via small‑claims could incur filing fees and staff time and that a judgment does not guarantee collection. The board approved the write‑offs by voice vote.
Why it matters: The ARPA‑funded tree‑trimming contract addresses park safety and maintenance needs and requires an outside contractor due to equipment needs. The fairgrounds PA system payment supports events at the new Century Hall; the write‑offs require no immediate budget outlay beyond adjusting receivable accounts but close unresolved small balances.
Votes at a glance:
- Parks tree trimming: Approve estimate from JGS Enterprise LLC, $250/hour, not to exceed $75,000, funded by ARPA (mover: Commissioner Wright; second: recorded). Outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Payment to McLeod County Ag Association: Approve $7,261.62 from fairgrounds capital budget toward public address system (mover: Commissioner Wright; second: Commissioner Krueger). Outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Write off receivables: Approve write‑offs totaling $984.06 as uncollectible (mover: Commissioner (recorded); second: Commissioner Wright). Outcome: approved (voice vote).
