WASECA COUNTY — The Waseca County Board of Commissioners took several administrative and personnel actions at its evening meeting, approving financial transfers and equipment purchases while delivering split votes on salary resolutions.

Ditch funding transfer: Staff explained six ditch funds could face negative balances at year-end because five of the ditches are in redetermination and related engineering and legal costs might be applied to the 2025 fiscal year. The board approved a motion to transfer $124,000 from the general fund to Fund 41 "to cover anticipated cost in the 6 ditch systems," according to staff remarks.

Dispatch console purchase: County staff asked the board to authorize purchasing a fourth 9-1-1 dispatch console ahead of construction of a new Justice Center, noting the vendor is changing the product's color scheme and design. The proposal included the unit price for the console and an installation/transfer cost to move three existing consoles and install the new fourth unit when the new facility is ready. Commissioners discussed life-span, parts availability and warranty implications of moving consoles; the board authorized the purchase.

Salary resolutions and votes: The personnel committee presented multiple salary recommendations.
- Resolution 2025-53 (county attorney): The personnel committee recommended a 5% increase for the county attorney to approximately $154,000 for 2026. The board moved, seconded and adopted the resolution.
- Resolution 2025-54 (sheriff): A recommended increase for the county sheriff (described in the record as roughly an 8.56% proposed increase) failed in a recorded vote cited in the transcript as 3'to'2; the chair stated the board will return to negotiations.
- Resolution 2025-55 (commissioners): Commissioners debated a 2% increase versus other adjustments. Following a motion to reconsider, the board amended the resolution to set a 2% increase to commissioner salaries, retain a $95 daily per diem and add a $2,000 stipend for the board chair; that amended motion carried.

Other actions: The board approved a slate of minutes and consent items and set a public hearing on the county fee schedule for Jan. 6, 2026.

Votes and records: Where a roll-call or tally was recorded in the transcript, that result is reported (for example, Resolution 2025-54 is recorded in the transcript as failing 3'to'2). Several other approvals were completed by voice vote or unrecorded roll call in the transcript.

"We are proposing to transfer $124,000 from the general fund to fund 41 to cover anticipated cost in the 6 ditch systems," staff said when presenting the transfer request.

Next steps: Personnel items that failed will return to negotiation; staff will arrange the Jan. 6 public hearing on fees and proceed with implementation of the approved purchases and transfers.