Several routine but consequential items were decided at the Steele County special meeting Dec. 23.

Liquor licenses: Speaker 4 reported returned liquor license paperwork (Lakeview Catering and others). Speaker 3 moved to approve the applications; Speaker 2 seconded and commissioners approved by voice vote.

GDP/vendor support: The board discussed continuing to pay a contracted vendor (referred to as GDP) for help-desk support during the county’s conversion to Tyler software. Speaker 4 described the proposed fee (discussed as roughly $16,000 for part of a year or larger sums for extended service) and several commissioners questioned the vendor’s responsiveness. After debate, Speaker 2 moved not to pay the GDP bill for continued service; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Gold Lake materials invoice: Speaker 4 said Finley Lumber submitted an invoice of about $17,000 for Gold Lake materials; commissioners agreed to pay the invoice out of 2024 books (if appropriate) and approved a motion to authorize payment for materials up to $20,000.

Bills and adjournment: Commissioners voted to approve bills through the end of the year and then adjourned the meeting following successful motions and voice votes.

What’s next: Staff will process the approved invoices and MOUs and schedule follow-up items (including an upcoming January meeting to review a completed Regional Livestock Planning Grant study).