Koochiching County commissioners adopt updated transportation sales-tax project list, approve landfill closure plan and routine personnel actions

The Koochiching County Board of Commissioners voted on May 26, 2026 to adopt a revised project list for the county’s Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) for transportation, continuing a one-half percent (0.5%) countywide sales tax and directing the county administrator to certify the tax to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

The action came as part of a broader consent and business agenda in which the board also adopted amendments to the Northeast Minnesota Regional Solid Waste Management Plan and approved moving forward with closure procedures for the Big Falls Demolition Landfill (SW-450). The board authorized a $10,000 engineering consulting change order to assist with final bid documents and authorized seeking bids for final cover closure work.

Why this matters: The LOST resolution continues a revenue mechanism earmarked for specified transportation projects and instructs county officials and the Department of Revenue to continue collection; the landfill decisions advance a closure path tied to state administrative rules and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency rulemaking process.

What the board approved

• Local Option Sales Tax (transportation): The board adopted a resolution updating the county’s transportation project list and continuing a 0.5% countywide sales tax under Minnesota Statute 297A.993. The resolution states that collections will terminate when revenues sufficient to finance identified projects have been collected and that the project list does not establish a prioritization order.

• Solid waste plan: The board approved and adopted amendments to the Northeast Minnesota Regional Solid Waste Management Plan (May 2023, amended March 2026), finding the regional plan meets statutory requirements under Minnesota Statute Chapter 115A and Minnesota Rules Chapter 9215 and directing submission to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

• Big Falls Demolition Landfill (SW-450): The board approved proceeding with closure procedures for the Big Falls Demo Landfill consistent with Minnesota administrative rules, citing cost considerations tied to proposed MPCA demolition and construction debris landfill rulemaking. The board also approved a $10,000 engineering consulting services contract change order for final bid document assistance and authorized soliciting bids for final cover work.

• Routine business and personnel: The board approved claims (Courthouse $138,413.65; Highway $19,321.94), accepted several hires and promotions (including Daniel Hanson to Treasury/Assessor Clerk effective May 26 and Shane Thramer to full-time sheriff deputy effective June 5), approved the appointment of Callie Murphy to the County Extension Committee, approved an office lease for Veterans Service Office at 1322 3rd St., International Falls at $1,250 per month, approved an exempt raffle permit for Rainy River Community College Foundation, and carried other consent items.

Votes at a glance (selected)

• Agenda approval (with one deletion to set public hearing on ambulance service district subsidy): Motion by Commissioner Sjoblom; seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Voting yes: Sjoblom, Roche, Hell and Erickson. Motion carried. (SEG 007)

• Minutes approval (May 12, 2026): Motion by Sjoblom; seconded by Erickson. Voting yes: Sjoblom, Roche, Hell, McIntyre and Erickson. Motion carried. (SEG 008)

• Claims approval: Motion by McIntyre; seconded by Hell. Voting yes: Sjoblom, Roche, Hell, McIntyre and Erickson. Motion carried. (SEG 009)

• LOST project list resolution (transportation tax continuation, 0.5%): Motion by Erickson; seconded by McIntyre. Voting yes: Sjoblom, Roche, Hell, McIntyre and Erickson. Motion carried. The resolution references Minnesota Statute 297A.993 and directs certification to the Department of Revenue. (SEG 024)

• Adopt amended Northeast Minnesota Regional Solid Waste Management Plan: Motion by Sjoblom; seconded by McIntyre. Voting yes: Sjoblom, Roche, Hell, McIntyre and Erickson. Motion carried. (SEG 046)

• Big Falls Demolition Landfill closure procedures and change order ($10,000): Motion by Sjoblom; seconded by McIntyre. Voting yes: Sjoblom, Roche, Hell, McIntyre and Erickson. Motion carried. (SEG 054)

What was reported without action

Land Commissioner Nathan Heibel reported May 6, 2026 timber auction results: 27,538 cords sold for $798,917.55 and 363,300 pieces of Christmas tree tips sold for $206,148, yielding a total auction sale value of $1,005,065.55. Average Aspen price was $32.57; average for all species $29.01. (SEG 022)

Next steps and context

The LOST resolution continues the county’s transportation funding mechanism and requires administrative certification to the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The landfill closure approvals move the county toward procurement and final-cover work; subsequent bid results and contract awards will determine final costs and schedule. The board adjourned at 10:17 a.m. after calling for public comment; none was heard. (SEG 055–SEG 056)

Sources: Koochiching County Board of Commissioners meeting agenda and minutes, May 26, 2026.