County approves grants, right‑of‑way permits and hears insurance update

At the July 15 meeting, commissioners handled several routine but consequential administrative items.

NEMA subrecipient agreement: Brandon Myers, director of Region 51 Emergency Management, asked the board to authorize the chair to sign the 2025 NEMA subrecipient agreement so longstanding federal-state arrangements can resume and funds (including 50% of his salary/benefits) can flow to the county’s emergency management office. The board authorized the chair by roll call; Myers said NEMA indicated paperwork release would resume once signed.

Right‑of‑way permits: Jason Schulz, Highway Superintendent, presented two right‑of‑way items. The board authorized signature on a permit for Rotor Plumbing for an electrical crossing on Sand Road (dug crossing) and later approved an amendment/right‑of‑way authorization for Dawson Public Power District in the Birdwood Road corridor (moving some overhead line to underground where conflicts required changes). Motion and roll call votes were recorded for each permit.

Insurance renewal: Tanner Patera of HUB International reviewed the county’s renewal, noting rising replacement‑cost property values and adjustments to vehicle schedules. A notable positive was a drop in the county’s workers’ compensation mod factor to 0.97, which reduced the county’s work‑comp exposure and helped offset other premium increases; the board reviewed the quotes and the cyber‑policy renewal paperwork and authorized necessary signatures to complete renewal documents.

The board recorded votes and asked staff to follow up on signature logistics and ensure public notice where necessary.