Nicollet County board approves routine annual resolutions, adopts updated procurement policy and accepts sheriff’s boating grant; sets drainage public hearing

The Nicollet County Board of Commissioners approved a slate of routine annual resolutions and several departmental items during its Jan. 7, 2025 meeting, adopting updated procurement policies, delegating signing authorities, accepting a federal boating safety grant for the sheriff’s office and setting a public hearing on a drainage petition.

Major actions

- The board voted to accept a federal boating safety equipment grant of $8,999 for the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Lang said the funds will pay to replace three dive suits that “have been around since I first became sheriff over 20 years ago, and they have exceeded their expectancy.” The grant was approved by motion and voice vote.

- The board approved updated county procurement policies, including a separate federal grant/award procurement policy and a change raising the micro-purchase threshold from $10,000 to $25,000. Finance staff said the revisions also add tables to clarify procurement methods and introduce single-quote, sole-source and emergency procurement forms intended to assist department buyers. The policies were approved by motion and voice vote.

- The board approved a resolution authorizing county funds for employee recognition events under Minnesota Statute 15.46 and the Nicollet County employee handbook. The resolution lists events such as a summer picnic, retirement recognition and milestone anniversary awards. A roll-call vote on that resolution recorded affirmative votes from commissioners present and the motion passed.

- The board approved delegation of electronic funds transfer (EFT) authority under Minnesota Statute 471.38, subdivision 3(a); and approved other routine administrative items including the 2025…