Council approves $3.4 million regional sewer appropriation and dozens of transfers

The Marshall County Council approved a $3.4 million appropriation from the general fund on Dec. 8 to retire an anticipation note related to the regional sewer district and processed a broad slate of additional appropriations and transfers across county departments.

The chair said the appropriation is recommended by county counsel to fulfill a petitioned obligation contingent on the county’s purchase of the related bond. The Sewer District had roughly $2 million on hand and claims pending; the chair said the county’s remaining cost would be about $1.5 million but the motion presented was for $3.4 million to cover the anticipated note. The motion to approve the appropriation was seconded and carried with a recorded voice tally noted in the minutes as "6 to 1." Counsel advised the appropriation strengthens the county’s legal position in the sewer-board appeal.

Council then approved a series of additional appropriations and transfers: prosecutor law books ($550.89); statewide 9‑1‑1 health-insurance transfer ($38,000); supplemental probation wages ($13,000); transfers related to medical benefits self-insurance (totaling $250,000 for stop-loss premium, claims and weekly OxyContin-related items); transfers to support radio equipment purchases; and numerous smaller transfers across auditor, veteran services, community corrections and solid-waste budgets. Several items were considered and approved "in mass."

The council also approved a salary-ordinance amendment (2025‑33) adjusting the council stipend split and probation-officer status and passed a resolution transferring funds into the dental benefits fund. Minutes from the prior meeting and a $3,690 legal invoice were approved before adjournment.