St. Louis County approves budget adjustments, pay-equity filing and funding for new Goodwill Township

The St. Louis County Board of Commissioners met in Ely on Jan. 13 and approved multiple administrative and fiscal items, including third-quarter budget adjustments, a pay-equity compliance filing and short-term funding to support newly established Goodwill Township. The board also authorized flexible purchasing authority for 2026 fleet vehicle acquisitions under a state contract.

Under Resolution 26-26-41 the board authorized a series of third-quarter budget changes meant to use fund balances and address reimbursements. Administrator Greg highlighted specific items: a proposed $300,000 draw from the Mary Murphy trust fund for Scandia Cemetery assessment and planning and nearly $250,000 in road-and-bridge flood reimbursements. Commissioner Boyle moved the budget adjustments, supported by Commissioner Yubovich, and the board approved the resolution by voice vote.

Deputy Administrator Jim Gottschall briefed the board on the countypay equity compliance report the county will submit to the Minnesota Office of Management and Budget. Gottschall said the county passed the three statutory tests with comfortable margins in two measures (statistical analysis >115% and longevity/exceptional-service about 102%) and a salary-range test around 93%. Commissioners praised HR staff and approved the resolution to submit the report.

The board also approved a funding transaction to assist Goodwill Township with immediate cash-flow needs until property tax distributions arrive; Administrator Greg said repayments would come from 2026 property tax distributions and that the county could withhold the first 2027 distribution if needed. Supervisor John Gordon and Clerk Pam of Goodwill Township spoke briefly and thanked the board.

A motion to suspend the rules enabled the county to proceed with 2026 fleet vehicle purchases under state contract (letter 26-32). County staff said flexible purchasing and a modest dealer buffer would allow departments to act quickly when favorable vehicles become available. The board approved the motion by voice vote.

All formal motions discussed were approved by voice vote during the meeting. Next procedural steps are standard: administration will implement authorized purchases, execute the Goodwill Township agreement and submit the pay-equity report to the state.