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Board approves Cannabis grant billboards, bills and personnel policy updates
Summary
The Watonwan County Human Services Board approved $22,125 for Cannabis grant billboards, authorized payment of $190,250.71 in Human Services bills, ratified new background-study policy No. 49, and updated the county's Comprehensive Civil Rights Plan.
The Watonwan County Human Services Board on April 22 approved several routine but consequential administrative actions, including a $22,125 allocation from a Cannabis grant to fund eight county-wide billboards and payment of Human Services bills totaling $190,250.71.
Community Health Services Manager Barbara Salmela-Lind asked the board to allocate $22,125 for billboard placements—three in St. James and five in Madelia along Highway 60—with display periods ranging from three to six months and messaging in English and Spanish. The board approved the request unanimously. Salmela-Lind also reported the Cannabis grant has a remaining balance of $75,619.80 that must be used by June 30, 2026 or be forfeited.
On fiscal matters, the board approved payment of Human Services claims in the amount of $190,250.71 as audited and filed with the County Auditor/Treasurer. The board also ratified Policy No. 49, "Background Study Requirements for Human Services Employees," and approved updates to the 2023–2026 Comprehensive Civil Rights Plan to correct phone numbers and email addresses.
Board motions were recorded as made and seconded: approval of the billboards was moved by Commissioner Jim Pettersen and seconded by Commissioner Jim Branstad; payment of claims was moved by Commissioner Scott Westman and seconded by Commissioner Jim Pettersen. The board voted to reschedule the July meeting to July 21, 2026 at 8:00 A.M. so Director Amy Pluym may attend the MACSSA meeting.
