Wabasha County commissioners approve road-and-bridge plan, dedicate sales tax and pass routine measures

The Wabasha County Board of Commissioners met Feb. 7, 2023, in regular session and approved a package of infrastructure and administrative measures, including adoption of the Highway Department's 2023'2032 Road and Bridge Improvement Plan and an expansion of the county's transportation sales tax dedication to projects listed in an attached Exhibit A.

Why it matters: the actions set capital priorities for county roads and allow the county to use proceeds from the 0.5% transportation sales tax for the projects the board listed after a Jan. 17 public hearing, creating a funding pathway for identified road projects.

The board unanimously adopted Resolution 2023-021 to approve the Highway Department's 10-year Road and Bridge Improvement Plan. Separately, by Resolution 2023-020 and citing Minnesota Statute 297A.993, commissioners dedicated the proceeds of the county's transportation sales tax exclusively to payment of capital costs for projects in Exhibit A, following the public hearing held Jan. 17, 2023.

Commissioners also handled routine procurement and administrative matters by voice vote. The board accepted a unit-price quote from Metal Culverts Inc. and authorized the County Engineer to purchase culvert materials as needed for 2023 (Resolution 2023-019). The board authorized advertising for bids to furnish and deliver diesel fuel for May 2023'April 2024 (Resolution 2023-023) and authorized final payment of $1,951.82 to Fahrner Asphalt Sealers LLC for Project CP 079-225-000 (Resolution 2023-024).

On county facilities and grants, the board approved an increase in funding for AV equipment for the Conference Room EOC remodel. The record shows the original AV project cost of $16,421.42 increased by $4,453.88; the board authorized a total of $20,875.30 to be paid from Radiation Reception Center Grant funds (Resolution 2023-025). The board also approved acceptance and execution of a Minnesota DNR Federal Boating Safety Supplemental Equipment Grant and a cooperative agreement with the City of Wabasha, and authorized the Auditor to issue a warrant not to exceed $129,100 to cover the award and the City match (Resolution 2023-027).

The Sheriff's Office received board approval for two equipment-related items: authorization to sell a surplus 2017 Ford Explorer (Squad #11966, VIN recorded) through Tony Montgomery Auction and to deposit proceeds into the Squad Replacement fund (Resolution 2023-026); and approval of a one-year lease for night vision goggles with the Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center at an annual cost of $1,500 to be paid from Sheriff (201) funds (Resolution 2023-028).

Administratively, the board approved revisions to Policy 202 to require prior authorization of travel and training expenses by the County Administrator (Resolution 2023-018) and authorized the Highway Department to advertise for two part-time seasonal positions at the recommended wage of $15'$17 per hour (Resolution 2023-022). The consent agenda, including Jan. 17 minutes, claims, meal vouchers and per diems, was approved as moved by commissioners Key and Walkes.

The board also set a public hearing for a proposed zoning amendment to Chapter 13.09(6)(a); the Planning Commission will hold that hearing Feb. 27, 2023 at 7 p.m. (Resolution 2023-030).

Next steps: Most items approved were authorizations or contract acceptances that allow staff to proceed with procurement, invoicing and project implementation. Specific funding and project schedules will be handled by the relevant county departments and the Highway Department under the adopted plan.

Sources: Wabasha County Board minutes, Feb. 7, 2023.