Whitewater joint board recommends partner counties consider termination after Olmsted County withdraws funding

The Whitewater Joint Powers Board recommended that partner counties and soil‑and‑water districts vote to terminate the joint powers board after receiving notice that Olmsted County will not fund its share for 2026.

Sheila, the Whitewater coordinator, read an October 21 email the board received from an Olmsted County staffer saying, in part, “Whitewater is not on the list for 2026,” and that Olmsted’s participation would be removed as the state’s watershed‑based funding and “one watershed, one plan” approach replaces county‑by‑county water planning. The email noted Olmsted’s budgeted share was $8,100.

The board’s action was a recommendation, not a final termination. Staff and the board’s attorney advised that termination of the joint powers board requires county and SWCD partner boards to adopt formal resolutions; staff distributed a draft resolution recommending termination and explained the termination language in the joint powers agreement. The draft resolution uses the term “terminate” consistent with the agreement and specifies termination would be effective when at least two‑thirds of parties sign resolutions.

Why it matters: the board holds roughly six figures in reserves and administers multiyear grants and monitoring equipment. Members pressed for clarity about where remaining funds and assets would go. Staff said the 2019 update to the joint powers agreement directs the remaining funds, after final bills are paid, to be dispersed to counties according to the number of acres each county has in the Whitewater watershed; Olmsted would receive the largest share, Winona a close second, then Wabasha.

Board members flagged several follow‑up tasks the motion triggers: complete the fiscal year audit (staff obtained a quote of $3,000–$3,500 for the audit), finalize outstanding grant reports (some grants extend into 2026), and prepare resolutions for each partner board. The board agreed to keep day‑to‑day operations running to the extent necessary during the wind‑down and to coordinate with county administrations about short‑term coverage and signature authority.

At the meeting the board approved the motion to send the termination recommendation to partner boards by a unanimous voice vote. The motion was described as “to sign the letter of recommendation that we just found” and staff said the packet would be sent to partner county boards so each can decide individually.

Sheila, who told the board she plans to retire at the end of the year, said her retirement predated the funding changes and that she had notified the county board and administrator. Members thanked her for her service and discussed short‑term administrative arrangements; Dicey (a Winona County new hire) was identified as someone who could assist with bookkeeping and website content during the transition.

What happens next: staff will (1) send the recommended resolution and supporting materials to each partner county and SWCD for their individual consideration, (2) complete the audit and grant closeouts required by state rules, and (3) prepare a transition plan for records, equipment and website content. The board tentatively scheduled a follow‑up meeting in May to complete wind‑down items and monitor audit progress.

The board’s recommendation does not itself end the Whitewater Joint Powers Board; partner counties and SWCDs must act individually to effect termination.