Murray County approves $4.2M road grant, awards bridge contract and signs off on EDA loan updates

The Murray County Board of Commissioners on April 1 adopted a $4.2 million Local Road Improvement Program grant for the CSAH 13 project and approved a series of infrastructure and economic development actions that county leaders said will support local roads and business repairs.

Commissioner Mark Carlson presented and the board adopted Resolution No. 2025‑04‑01‑01 to accept the LRIP grant for project SAP 051‑613‑009; the resolution cites Minnesota Statutes, section 174.52 and authorizes county officers to execute the grant agreement. The board then approved and signed the grant agreement required to accept the funds.

Why it matters: The grant covers the CSAH 13 project and reduces the local capital burden on the county, but the resolution notes the county must pay any cost overruns beyond the grant amount.

In separate infrastructure action, the board considered seven bids for the Iown Township bridge replacement (engineer estimate $318,270.30). Commissioner Mark Carlson moved to award project SAP 051‑599‑112 to R and G Construction Co. for $353,198.00; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Roger Zins and passed. The award followed staff presentation of the low responsible bidder and the bid table.

Economic development: The Murray County Economic Development Authority (EDA) recommended updates to two loan programs. The board approved guideline revisions to the Commercial Development Program—raising the maximum loan from $20,000 to $30,000, changing the borrower match to 75/25 (borrower provides 25%), a 2% interest rate, five‑year maturity and a six‑month deferral—and approved similar terms for a Rental/Redevelopment Program to help repair or redevelop rental housing. Funding for both programs comes from the county’s Special Project Fund; repayments return to that fund.

Housing action: After a brief public hearing the board approved a Murray County Home Initiative tax abatement for Darren and Lisa Saner, owners of a proposed primary residence at 1768 101st Street, Slayton. The new home’s value was reported at approximately $499,268.87.

Land use and permits: The board approved Conditional Use Permit #1425 to expand an existing feedlot to 990 animal units for Les and Adam Miller in Lowville Township, including a one‑year extension to April 1, 2027, and approved Conditional Use Permit #1426 for Eric Carlson to operate an agricultural service business in Cameron Township. The board also enacted amendments to the county’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan—updating census numbers, allowing accessory dwelling units and adding cannabis regulations—and changed the classification of Sunrise Terrace so it is not listed as assisted living.

Hospital update: County hospital leadership reported that Dr. Klingler intends to retire May 17 after more than seven years of service. The hospital continues to recruit a physical therapist (with a sign‑on bonus up to $30,000) and a speech therapist; short‑term locum staffing is being considered. Sanford reported 102 community responses to a Community Health Needs Assessment. Financial reporting to the board showed total cash available of $9,876,788 and a net patient receivable balance of $3,537,350 (54.2% expected collection). For the month, the hospital reported a net loss of $71,989.

Personnel and local resolutions: The board approved an across‑the‑board seasonal wage scale increase of $0.50 per hour for 2025 and approved rehiring two seasonal parks maintenance workers—Howard Konkol (effective April 14, 2025) and Michael Carlson (effective April 21, 2025)—contingent on satisfactory background checks and drug tests. Commissioners also adopted a resolution proclaiming April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Murray County.

What’s next: The board recorded committee reports for late March, recessed for a tour of county properties and adjourned at 11:15 a.m. The adopted LRIP grant will proceed to final grant‑agreement execution and project scheduling; the bridge award will proceed to contract administration. The board did not identify further immediate hearings on the items at this meeting.