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Benton County board appoints Steven Bakowski as interim county engineer
Summary
The board approved an employment agreement and resolution naming Steven Bakowski interim county engineer to meet MnDOT’s employee requirement; Bakowski briefly introduced his engineering background during the meeting.
Benton County commissioners on the first organizational meeting of 2026 voted to appoint Steven Bakowski as interim county engineer and approved an accompanying employment agreement. The board said the appointment satisfies Minnesota Department of Transportation guidance that the county engineer be an employee rather than a contractor.
Bakowski introduced himself to the board, describing decades of experience including 34 years as county engineer/public works director in Morrison County and earlier work with consulting firm Black & Veatch. He said he retired four years ago and is prepared to serve temporarily while the county completes recruitment.
Staff presented a sample employment agreement adapted from Jackson County that covers compensation, waiver of benefits and termination provisions. Commissioners moved and seconded approval of the employment agreement and then adopted the resolution naming Bakowski; both motions carried by voice vote.
The board did not set a specific effective date for a permanent appointment during the meeting. Staff said the interim placement is intended to bridge the gap while the county finishes recruitment for a permanent engineer.
