Benton County, MN
Recent Benton County public meeting topics include contracts & procurement, budget & taxes, roads & infrastructure, planning & zoning, resolutions & ordinances, permits & licensing.
Topics found in recent meetings
- Contracts & procurement
- Budget & taxes
- Roads & infrastructure
- Planning & zoning
- Resolutions & ordinances
- Permits & licensing
- Technology
- Annexation
Recent Benton County meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes
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Official website pages
Benton CountyMN averageUS Census ACS
👤 Members & officials (18)
Members seen in recent official meeting records — names and roles as published.
Who’s on the Board of Adjustments
- Chad Erdmann
- Kevin Renslow
- Roy Schneider
- Stephen Ertl
Who’s on the Committee of the Whole
- Scott Johnson — Commissioner
- Steve Heinen — Commissioner
- Ed Popp — Commissioner
- Jared Gapinski — Commissioner
- Pam Benoit — Commissioner
Who’s on the Planning Commission
- Carol Anderson
- Chris Vannurden
- Jerry Lang
- Warren Peschl
- Kevin Renslow
- Mary Jo Holewa
- Scott Johnson
- Bruce Bonebright
- Scott Johnon
Upcoming
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Tue Nov 3, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
Benton County Board to review contracts and government center furniture plan
The Board of Commissioners will consider several service contracts and a furniture plan for the Government Center. The meeting includes updates on federal legislation, public waters, and the REACH team.
- City of Rice Amendment to ARPA Agreement
- 2027 Employment Services contract with Avivo for MFIP
- Contract with Saphire Canine, LLC for animal boarding services
- Amendment #1 to contract with Northland Business Systems
- Discussion on Mayhew Lake Battery Storage letter to MN Public Utilities Commission
contractsgovernment-facilitieshuman-servicespublic-safetyland-services
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 9:00 AM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
Benton County Board of Commissioners/Benton County Ditch Authority
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/834170141
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 834-170-141
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
9:00 - Commissioner Steve Heinen, Board Chair
- Call to Order
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Roll Call
- Approve or Amend the Agenda
9:01 - Announcement by the Board Chair
County Board meetings are broadcast live and video recorded on YouTube. Please refrain
from speaking from the audience area and come to the podium so that viewers can hear you.
The County Board observes Roberts Rules of Order for its meetings, so please obtain the
Board Chair’s consent before addressing the County Board. Public comments are generally
reserved for the Open Forum segment or Public Hearings. However, public comment on other
agenda items may be allowed at the discretion of the Board Chair. As we begin today, p …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Tue Nov 3, 2026 · 09:00
Community Health Board
Benton County Ditch Authority to review ditch maintenance contracts
The Benton County Ditch Authority will meet to discuss maintenance for specific county ditches. The board will review quotes for County Ditch 11 and consider approving a contract for County Ditch 3 maintenance.
- Quotes for County Ditch 11 maintenance
- Contract approval for County Ditch 3 maintenance
infrastructureditch-maintenancepublic-works
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit
BENTON COUNTY DITCH AUTHORITY
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 9:00 AM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
Benton County Board of Commissioners/Benton County Ditch Authority
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/834170141
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 834-170-141
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
1.
Commissioner Scott Johnson, Benton County Ditch Authority Chair
- Call to Order
- Roll Call
- Approve or Amend the Agenda
2.
Open Forum Announcement by the Ditch Authority Chair
- Public Input and/or Informational Matters Not Requiring Action by the Ditch Authority
3.
Consent Agenda
1. Approve or Amend the Ditch Authority Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2026
2. Approve or Amend the Special Ditch Authority Meeting Minutes of August 17, 2026
4.
Regular Agenda
- County Ditch 11 Quotes for Maintenance
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Pop …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Tue Nov 3, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 3, 2026 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 3, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 3, 2026 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Thu Nov 12, 2026 · 19:00
Planning Commission
Planning Commission to review two business permits in Agricultural Districts
The Benton County Planning Commission will hold public hearings for two permit requests. Both applicants are seeking to operate businesses on properties located within Agricultural Districts.
- File #26-401: Ralph Katka request for an interim use permit for a home extended business in Gilmanton Township
- File #26-405: Matthew Fountain request for a conditional use permit for a contractor shop in West Langola Township
zoningpermitsagricultureland-use
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5066 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-5351 TDD
BENTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Thursday, November 12, 2026 7:00 PM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
1.
Call meeting to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
2.
Approve/Amend agenda.
3.
Approve/Amend minutes and findings from the October 28, 2026, meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
4.
File #26-401, Ralph Katka requesting an interim use permit to operate a home extended
business in the Agricultural District. Pursuant to Sections 7.2.5(B), 9.14 and 11.7. The
affected property is described as follows: part of the SE1/4 SE1/4, Section 7, Gilmanton
Township.
5.
File #26-405, Matthew Fountain requesting a conditional use permit to operate a
contractor shop in the Agricultural District. Pursuant to Sections 7.2.4(N), 9.9 and
11.7. The affected property is described as follows: part of the SW1/4, Section 11, West
Langola Township.
OTHER BUSINESS
ADJOURN
NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING: December 10th, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
Tue Nov 17, 2026 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 17, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 17, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Nov 17, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Thu Nov 19, 2026 · 18:00
Board of Adjustments
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Tue Dec 1, 2026 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Dec 1, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Dec 1, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Dec 1, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Dec 1, 2026 · 09:00
Community Health Board
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Tue Dec 1, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Thu Dec 10, 2026 · 18:00
Planning Commission
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Tue Dec 15, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Dec 15, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Dec 15, 2026 · 09:00
Community Health Board
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Tue Dec 15, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Thu Dec 17, 2026 · 18:00
Board of Adjustments
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Tue Jan 5, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jan 5, 2027 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jan 5, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jan 5, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jan 5, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jan 5, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Thu Jan 14, 2027 · 18:00
Planning Commission
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Tue Jan 19, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jan 19, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jan 19, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
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Tue Jan 19, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Thu Jan 21, 2027 · 18:00
Board of Adjustments
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Tue Feb 2, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Feb 2, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Feb 2, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Feb 2, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
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Tue Feb 2, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Feb 2, 2027 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
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Thu Feb 11, 2027 · 18:00
Planning Commission
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Tue Feb 16, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
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Tue Feb 16, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Feb 16, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Feb 16, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Thu Feb 18, 2027 · 18:00
Board of Adjustments
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Tue Mar 2, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Mar 2, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Mar 2, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Mar 2, 2027 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Mar 2, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Mar 2, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Thu Mar 11, 2027 · 18:00
Planning Commission
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Mar 16, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Mar 16, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Mar 16, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Mar 16, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Thu Mar 18, 2027 · 18:00
Board of Adjustments
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Tue Apr 6, 2027 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Apr 6, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Apr 6, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Apr 6, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Apr 6, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Apr 6, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Apr 20, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Apr 20, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Apr 20, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Apr 20, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue May 4, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
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Tue May 4, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue May 4, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue May 4, 2027 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue May 4, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue May 4, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue May 18, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue May 18, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue May 18, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue May 18, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
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Tue Jun 1, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
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Tue Jun 1, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jun 1, 2027 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jun 1, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jun 1, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jun 1, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jun 15, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jun 15, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jun 15, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
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Tue Jun 15, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jul 6, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jul 6, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
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Tue Jul 6, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jul 6, 2027 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jul 6, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jul 20, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Jul 20, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Jul 20, 2027 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
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Tue Aug 3, 2027 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Aug 3, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Aug 17, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
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Tue Sep 7, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
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Tue Sep 21, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
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Tue Oct 5, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
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Tue Oct 19, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
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Tue Nov 2, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Nov 16, 2027 · 09:00
Community Health Board
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Recent meetings
Wed Oct 28, 2026 · 18:00
Board of Adjustments
Board to consider variance for house placement near water mark
The Benton County Board of Adjustments will hold a public hearing regarding a variance request for a property in Watab Township. The board will review a request to place a house closer to the ordinary high water mark than currently required.
- Public hearing for File #25-396: variance request for 10180 West Lake Rd NW, Rice, to place a house 80ft from the ordinary high water mark
zoningvariancepublic-hearingwatab-township
✓ Decided: Benton County Board of Adjustments met on October 28, 2026
The Benton County Board of Adjustments held a regular meeting on October 28, 2026. The agenda included approving the agenda and prior minutes from August 20, 2026, and holding a public hearing for File #25-396 regarding a variance request for Dean and Toni Oseby. The supplied minutes record no substantive decisions, votes, or outcomes for the agenda items.
- Considered File #25-396 variance request for Dean and Toni Oseby to place a house 80 feet from the ordinary high water mark at 10180 West Lake Rd NW, Rice (no outcome recorded)
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5066 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-5351 TDD
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 6:00 PM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
1.
Call meeting to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
2.
Approve/Amend agenda.
3.
Approve/Amend minutes and findings from the August 20th, 2026, meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
4.
File #25-396, Dean and Toni Oseby requesting a variance to place a house 80ft from the
ordinary high water mark (100ft required) in the R-2 Residential District. Pursuant to
Sections 7.14.5(C)(1) and 11.5 of the Development Code. The affected property is
described as follows: Lots 58, 59 & 60, Rose Anna Beach, Section 10, Watab
Township. The on-site inspection of this property, 10180 West Lake Rd NW, Rice, will be
made at approximately 1:25 p.m. October 28th, 2026
OTHER BUSINESS
ADJOURN
NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING: November 19, 2026
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 28, 2026
AGENDA
1.
Call meeting to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
2.
Approve/Amend agenda.
3.
Approve/Amend minutes and findings from the August 20th, 2026, meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
4.
File #25-396, Dean and Toni Oseby requesting a variance to place a house
80ft from the ordinary high water mark (100ft required) in the R-2 Residential
District. Pursuant to Sections 7.14.5(C)(1) and 11.5 of the Development Code.
The affected property is described as follows: Lots 58, 59 & 60, Rose Anna
Beach, Section 10, Watab Township. The on-site inspection of this property,
10180 West Lake Rd NW, Rice, will be made at approximately 1:25 p.m.
October 28th, 2026
OTHER BUSINESS
ADJOURN
Wed Oct 28, 2026 · 18:30
Planning Commission
Planning Commission to review residential flood proofing request
The Benton County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a home in Watab Township. The request involves using fill and alternative flood proofing methods in the R-2 Residential District.
- Public hearing for File #26-397: Dean and Toni Oseby request for conditional use permit at Lots 58, 59 & 60, Rose Anna Beach, Section 10, Watab Township
zoningflood-plainresidentialwatab-township
✓ Decided: Planning Commission approves mining hours expansion and new dog kennel
The commission approved an expansion of operating hours for Roering Companies, LLC and granted a conditional use permit for a dog boarding and training facility. A permit transfer for a sand and gravel operation and a project extension for US Solar were also approved.
- Approved IUP#17-468 transfer from Dubbin to Roering Companies, LLC
- Approved File #26-340 to expand Roering Companies, LLC mining hours to 7am-7pm weekdays and 7am-12pm Saturdays
- Approved File #26-344 for Syverson dog kennel with requirement for a 6ft privacy fence by July 1, 2027
- Approved one-year extension for US Solar IUP#26-007 to February 12, 2028
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5066 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-5351 TDD
BENTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 6:30 PM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
1.
Call meeting to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
2.
Approve/Amend agenda.
3.
Approve/Amend minutes and findings from the October 1, 2026, meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
4.
File #26-397, Dean and Toni Oseby requesting a conditional use permit to use a
combination of fill and alternative flood proofing method to place a house in the R-2
Residential District. Pursuant to: Section 5.3 and 5.4 of the Flood Plain Management
Ordinance and Section 11.6 of the Benton County Development Code. The affected
property is described as follows: Lots 58, 59 & 60, Rose Anna Beach, Section 10, Watab
Township.
OTHER BUSINESS
ADJOURN
NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING: November 12, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
BENTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 28, 2026
AGENDA
1.
Call meeting to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
2.
Approve/Amend agenda.
3.
Approve/Amend minutes and findings from the October 1, 2026, meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
4.
File #26-397, Dean and Toni Oseby requesting a conditional use permit to use
a combination of fill and alternative flood proofing method to place a house in
the R-2 Residential District. Pursuant to: Section 5.3 and 5.4 of the Flood
Plain Management Ordinance and Section 11.6 of the Benton County
Development Code. The affected property is described as follows: Lots 58, 59
& 60, Rose Anna Beach, Section 10, Watab Township.
OTHER BUSINESS
ADJOURN
Respectfully submitted,
Karen E Loehrer
Administrative Assistant
Planning Commission
1 | P a g e
MINUTES – October 1st, 2026
Planning Commission
MINUTES
October 1st, 2026
PRESENT: Chris Vannurden, Carol Anderson, Mary Jo Holewa, Scott Johnson, Kevin
Renslow, Jerry Lang, Warren Peschl
Staff: Roxanne Achman, Karen Loehrer
1) Scott called the meeting to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
2) Roxanne added a request for an extension by US Solar and a special meeting
discussion to the agenda. Warren moved to approve the agenda as amended. Jerry
seconded and the motion carried.
3) Kevin moved to approve the minutes of the September 10th, 2026 meeting. Chris
seconded. Scott abstained. The …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Tue Oct 20, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Oct 20, 2026 · 09:00
Economic Development Authority
✓ Decided: Benton County EDA approves $140,000 loan for new office and shop facility
The Economic Development Authority approved a $140,000 revolving loan for Pallansch Prestige Properties, LLC. The funds will support the construction of a new corporate headquarters in Rice, MN, for MN Signature Care. The project is expected to create nine new full-time jobs.
- Approved $140,000 revolving loan for Pallansch Prestige Properties, LLC (unanimous)
- Approved June 16, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
251 4th Ave N, Foley
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
BENTON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)
MEETING MINUTES
JULY 7, 2026
Open the Meeting/Roll Call
EDA Chair Steve Heinen called the meeting to order at 9:43 AM. Members Pam Benoit, Ed Popp,
Scott Johnson, Steve Heinen and Jared Gapinski were present. Also present was Amanda
Othoudt, Executive Director of the Benton Economic Partnership; Montgomery Headley, Benton
County Administrator; and Beth Stay, Executive Assistant.
Approve/Amend the Minutes of June 16, 2026
Motion by Johnson and seconded by Benoit to approve the meeting minutes of June 16, 2026 as
written. Motion carried unanimously.
Consider the Pallansch Prestige Properties, LLC, Revolving Loan Request:
Next, Othoudt asked the EDA Board to consider a $140,000 Revolving Loan Fund request from
Pallansch Prestige Properties, LLC, to assist with construction of a new 6,768-square-foot office
and shop facility located at 150 9th Ave SE, Rice, MN. The building will serve as the corporate
headquarters for MN Signature Care, a long-term care operations management company
serving assisted living facilities throughout Greater Minnesota. The project represents a total
investment of approximately $1.28 million and is expected to create 9 new full-time jobs at an
average hourly wage of $33 per hour while establishing a long-term corporate presence in
Benton County. Mitch Pallansch of Pallansch Prestige Properties provided a brief description of
the services Pallansch Prestige Properties, LLC provi …
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Tue Oct 20, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Oct 20, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
Board considers outside counsel for CSAH 29 property acquisition
The Benton County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the appointment of outside counsel for a potential eminent domain action to extend CSAH 29. The board will also review several consent items including 2027 non-union health insurance and a financial audit contract.
- Appointment of outside counsel for potential eminent domain action to extend CSAH 29
- Statement of Work with CliftonLarsonAllen for 2026 Financial Statement compilation and audit
- Non-Union Health Insurance for 2027
- Request for letter of support to Elk River Landfill for a Certificate of Need
- Request to change payroll pay date from Thursday to Friday
roadslegalbudgethealth-insuranceland-services
✓ Decided: Board approves 2027 non-union wage adjustment and reallocates ARPA funds
The Benton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 10-item consent agenda, which included a 2027 general wage adjustment for non-union employees and the reallocation of ARPA funds for virtual meeting technology at the new Government Center. Commissioners also approved labor agreements on health insurance and state paid leave for LELS supervisory and clerical employees, alongside a BNSF railroad crossing agreement for County Road 79. Additionally, the board set dates for upcoming Committee of the Whole meetings and received informational briefings on the 2025 financial audit and facility projects.
- Approved 2027 general wage adjustment for non-union employees (5-0)
- Reallocated ARPA funds to virtual meeting technology for the new Government Center (5-0)
- Approved health insurance and MN Paid Leave agreements with LELS supervisory and clerical staff (5-0)
- Approved County Road 79 railroad crossing agreement with BNSF (5-0)
- Approved 2026–2027 Avivo contract for SNAP Employment Services (5-0)
- Approved 2027 Natural Resources Block Grant Agreement and SSTS funds payment (5-0)
- Approved Special Road Use Permit for the Hello Fall Festival (5-0)
- Approved schedule and locations for upcoming Committee of the Whole meetings (5-0)
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 9:00 AM
Regular Board Meeting
Foley City Hall
251 4th Ave N, Foley, MN
AGENDA
9:00 - Commissioner Steve Heinen, Board Chair
- Call to Order
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Roll Call
- Approve or Amend the Agenda
9:01 - Announcement by the Board Chair
County Board meetings are broadcast live and video recorded on YouTube. Please refrain
from speaking from the audience area and come to the podium so that viewers can hear you.
The County Board observes Roberts Rules of Order for its meetings, so please obtain the
Board Chair’s consent before addressing the County Board. Public comments are generally
reserved for the Open Forum segment or Public Hearings. However, public comment on other
agenda items may be allowed at the discretion of the Board Chair. As we begin today, please
turn off all cellphones or turn your cellphone to vibrate. Thank you.
9:02 - Open Forum Announcement by the Board Chair
- Public Input and/or Informational Matters Not Requiring Action by the Board
9:03 - Consent Agenda
1. Approve or Amend the Regular Board Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2026 (Administrator)
2. Approve or Amen …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 6, 2026
The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on October 6, 2026, in the Benton
County Board Room in Foley, MN. Call to order by Chair Heinen was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge
of Allegiance to the flag. A roll call showed Commissioners Pam Benoit, Ed Popp, Steve Heinen, Scott
Johnson, and Jared Gapinski present.
County Administrator Montgomery Headley requested to amend the agenda to add an update on a
Passport Office by the Auditor-Treasurer after the Consent Agenda at 9:03 AM. Headley also requested
to re-order the items under County Administrator at 9:05 AM to have the 2025 Audit Exit Meeting first,
and to consider the change order for a Government Center parking lot and 5th Avenue repaving second,
and to add a discussion on furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE) for the new Government Center.
Motion by Johnson and seconded by Gapinski to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried
unanimously.
No one was present to speak during Open Forum.
Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Benoit to approve Consent Agenda items 1 - 10: 1) approve the
Regular Board Meeting Minutes of September 15, 2026 as written and authorize the Chair to sign; 2)
approve the Memorandum of Agreement with LELS Non-Licensed Supervisors health insurance and MN
Paid Leave and authorize the Chair to sign; 3) approve the Memorandum of Agreement with LELS
Clerical Employees health insurance …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Tue Oct 6, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
Benton County Ditch Authority to discuss CD 9 erosion and CD 12 repairs
The Benton County Ditch Authority, made up of the county commissioners, meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the Benton County Board Room in Foley. The agenda includes approving minutes from September 1, 2026, an update on CD 14 and CD 9 maintenance, a discussion about CD 9 erosion, and a discussion about CD 12 repairs. All five commissioners may participate remotely under MN Statutes §13D.02.
- Consent agenda: approve or amend the Ditch Authority meeting minutes of September 1, 2026
- Update on CD 14 and CD 9 maintenance
- Discussion about CD 9 erosion
- Discussion about CD 12 repairs
- All five commissioners listed as eligible to participate remotely under MN Statutes §13D.02
ditch-authoritydrainageerosionmaintenanceinfrastructurebenton-county
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit
BENTON COUNTY DITCH AUTHORITY
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 9:00 AM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
Benton County Board of Commissioners/Benton County Ditch Authority
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/834170141
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 834-170-141
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
1.
Commissioner Scott Johnson, Benton County Ditch Authority Chair
- Call to Order
- Roll Call
- Approve or Amend the Agenda
2.
Open Forum Announcement by the Ditch Authority Chair
- Public Input and/or Informational Matters Not Requiring Action by the Ditch Authority
3.
Consent Agenda
1. Approve or Amend the Ditch Authority Meeting Mintues of September 1, 2026
4.
Regular Agenda
- Update to CD 14 & CD 9 Maintenance
- Discussion about CD 9 Erosion
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapins …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Tue Oct 6, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
Health board to weigh food-access contract and Medica donation
The Benton County Community Health Board meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the Benton County Board Room in Foley. The board will consider a contract to increase food access and a resolution to accept a donation from Medica. It will also approve or amend its August 18, 2026 meeting minutes. All five commissioners are listed as possibly participating remotely.
- Consider a contract to increase food access
- Consider a resolution to accept a donation from Medica to the Community Health Board
- Approve or amend Community Health Board minutes of August 18, 2026
- Commissioner Steve Heinen chairs as Community Health Board Chair
- All five commissioners listed as eligible to attend remotely under MN Statutes §13D.02
public-healthfood-accessdonationscounty-boardminutes
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit
BENTON COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH BOARD
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 9:00 AM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
Benton County Board of Commissioners/Benton County Ditch Authority
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/834170141
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 834-170-141
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
1.
Commissioner Steve Heinen, Community Health Board Chair
- Call to Order
- Roll Call
- Approve or Amend the Agenda
2.
Consent Agenda
1. Approve or Amend the Community Health Board Meeting Minutes of August 18, 2026
3.
Jaclyn Litfin, Community Health Administrator and Public Health Director
- Consider a Contract to Increase Food Access.
- Consider a Resolution to Accept a Donation from Medica to Benton County Community
Health Board
4.
Adjourn
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapi …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Tue Oct 6, 2026 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Oct 6, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Oct 6, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
Benton County Board to review 2025 audit, wage adjustment, and parking lot change order
The Benton County Board of Commissioners meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the Benton County Board Room in Foley. The board will take up a consent agenda covering union agreements, a 2027 wage adjustment for non-union employees, ARPA fund reallocation, and several contracts and permits. County Administrator Montgomery Headley will present a change order for Government Center parking lot and 5th Avenue re-paving, plus the 2025 audit exit meeting. Human Services Director Sandi Shoberg will present a child foster care recruitment video.
- Consent agenda includes a 2027 General Wage Adjustment for non-union employees
- Re-allocation of ARPA funding to Government Center virtual meeting technology
- Change order for Government Center parking lot and 5th Avenue re-paving
- 2025 Audit Exit Meeting presented by County Administrator
- Memorandums of Agreement with LELS for non-licensed supervisors and clerical employees on health insurance and MN Paid Leave
budgetauditlaborroadshuman-servicesarpafacilities
✓ Decided: Benton County Board approves multiple contracts and 2027 wage adjustments
The Board unanimously approved a consent agenda covering employee wage adjustments, health insurance agreements, and several service contracts. The Board also scheduled several upcoming Committee of the Whole meetings.
- Approved 2027 general wage adjustment for Non-Union employees (unanimous)
- Approved Memorandum of Agreement with LELS Non-Licensed Supervisors health insurance and MN Paid Leave (unanimous)
- Approved Memorandum of Agreement with LELS Clerical Employees health insurance and MN Paid Leave (unanimous)
- Approved re-allocation of ARPA Funding for Government Center virtual meeting technology (unanimous)
- Approved Special Road Use Permit for Hello Fall Festival (unanimous)
- Approved County Road 79 Railroad Crossing – BNSF Agreement (unanimous)
- Approved 2026-2027 Avivo Contract for SNAP Employment Services (unanimous)
- Approved 2027 Natural Resources Block Grant Agreement and SSTS Funds payment (unanimous)
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 9:00 AM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
Benton County Board of Commissioners/Benton County Ditch Authority
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/834170141
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 834-170-141
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
9:00 - Commissioner Steve Heinen, Board Chair
- Call to Order
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Roll Call
- Approve or Amend the Agenda
9:01 - Announcement by the Board Chair
County Board meetings are broadcast live and video recorded on YouTube. Please refrain
from speaking from the audience area and come to the podium so that viewers can hear you.
The County Board observes Roberts Rules of Order for its meetings, so please obtain the
Board Chair’s consent before addressing the County Board. Public comments are generally
reserved for the Open Forum segment or Public Hearings. However, public comment on other
agenda items may be allowed at the discretion of the Board Chair. As we begin today, pl …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 6, 2026
The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on October 6, 2026, in the Benton
County Board Room in Foley, MN. Call to order by Chair Heinen was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge
of Allegiance to the flag. A roll call showed Commissioners Pam Benoit, Ed Popp, Steve Heinen, Scott
Johnson, and Jared Gapinski present.
County Administrator Montgomery Headley requested to amend the agenda to add an update on a
Passport Office by the Auditor-Treasurer after the Consent Agenda at 9:03 AM. Headley also requested
to re-order the items under County Administrator at 9:05 AM to have the 2025 Audit Exit Meeting first,
and to consider the change order for a Government Center parking lot and 5th Avenue repaving second,
and to add a discussion on furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE) for the new Government Center.
Motion by Johnson and seconded by Gapinski to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried
unanimously.
No one was present to speak during Open Forum.
Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Benoit to approve Consent Agenda items 1 - 10: 1) approve the
Regular Board Meeting Minutes of September 15, 2026 as written and authorize the Chair to sign; 2)
approve the Memorandum of Agreement with LELS Non-Licensed Supervisors health insurance and MN
Paid Leave and authorize the Chair to sign; 3) approve the Memorandum of Agreement with LELS
Clerical Employees health insurance …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Mon Oct 5, 2026 · 08:30
Committee of the Whole
✓ Decided: Board reaches consensus to pursue outside case management for complex client case
The Committee of the Whole discussed a draft health program collection policy and staffing adjustments. The board reached a consensus to pursue a no-cost agreement with Thomas Allen Inc. for specific case management services. No formal votes were taken as the meeting was a Committee of the Whole session.
- Consensus to pursue case management agreement with Thomas Allen Inc. at no cost to the County
- Consensus to further explore exchanging an Eligibility Specialist Lead position for a Social Worker position at a future budget meeting
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Committee of the Whole/October 5, 2026
1
HUMAN SERVICES/PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026
BENTON COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES 3RD FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM, FOLEY, MN
Present: Commissioners Scott Johnson, Steve Heinen, and Pam Benoit. Commissioners Jared Gapinski
and Ed Popp were absent. Heinen noted both Commissioner’s absence excused. Also present: Deb
Rieland, Ashley Moscho, Rachel Klemz, Lindsey Knosalla, Will Chew, Courtney Ferreira, Ken Pawlenty,
Nikki Knowles, Jaclyn Litfin, Monty Headley, Janel Sczublewski, Sandi Shoberg, Nina Wegman, Bethany
Erickson Oberg, and Beth Stay. The following were present at 9:30 AM: Tessa Willhelm, Emma Hanson,
Charles Uzochukwu, and Central Minnesota Alliance (CMA) Regional Coordinators Madelyn Backes and
Caleb Frauendienst.
Chair Heinen called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM.
Discussion of Draft Health Program Collection Policy:
Fiscal Services Supervisors Janel Sczublewski and Lindsey Knosalla, along with Eligibility Specialist Lead
Nina Wegman shared information regarding a draft Health Program Collection Policy. The draft policy
would establish guidelines for recovering Medical Assistance overpayments following the expiration of
COVID-related waivers. The proposed policy could pursue all fraud-related overpayments and non-fraud
overpayments of $5,000 or more. Investigating and calculating overpayments can require approximately
2 -4 hours per case, making recovery of smaller amounts resour …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Thu Oct 1, 2026 · 00:00
Planning Commission
Benton County Planning Commission meets Oct 1 with no agenda items listed
The Benton County, MN Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a regular meeting at 7:00 PM on October 1, 2026. The supplied agenda text contains only the meeting time and a link to an agenda packet PDF; no specific items, decisions, or discussions are described in the text provided. Because the packet contents were not included in the source text, this summary cannot report what the Commission will consider.
planning-commissionbenton-countyagendalocal-government
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
7:00 P.M. Planning Commission Regular Meeting - 7:00 PM
Documents:
OCT 1 PC AGENDA PACKET LINKED.PDF
Tue Sep 15, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
County board to adopt 2027 property tax levy and budget
The Benton County Board of Commissioners will consider adopting the proposed 2027 property tax levy and county budget, and set a Truth in Taxation public meeting. The board will also review several contracts, including a joint powers agreement with Stearns County for a law enforcement records system, and hear updates on the Government Center project and health insurance funding.
- Adopt proposed 2027 property tax levy and county budget
- Approve Joint Powers Agreement with Stearns County for Cooperative Law Enforcement Records Management System
- Approve contract with Correctional Dentistry LLC (Sheriff's Office)
- Consider authorization of consultant services for in-service bridge inspections
- Consider and authorize CSAH 2 utility relocation costs
budgetproperty-taxlaw-enforcementcontractsroadshealth-insurance
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 9:00 AM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
Benton County Board of Commissioners/Benton County Ditch Authority
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/834170141
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 834-170-141
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
9:00 - Commissioner Steve Heinen, Board Chair
- Call to Order
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Roll Call
- Approve or Amend the Agenda
9:01 - Announcement by the Board Chair
County Board meetings are broadcast live and video recorded on YouTube. Please refrain
from speaking from the audience area and come to the podium so that viewers can hear you.
The County Board observes Roberts Rules of Order for its meetings, so please obtain the
Board Chair’s consent before addressing the County Board. Public comments are generally
reserved for the Open Forum segment or Public Hearings. However, public comment on other
agenda items may be allowed at the discretion of the Board Chair. As we begin today, …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Tue Sep 15, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
Benton County Ditch Authority to review county ditch updates
The Benton County Board of Commissioners, acting as the Ditch Authority, will hold a routine meeting to approve the previous meeting's minutes and receive updates on county ditches. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.
- Approve or amend the Ditch Authority meeting minutes of August 18, 2026
- County Ditch Updates
drainagecounty-boardpublic-meeting
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit
BENTON COUNTY DITCH AUTHORITY
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 9:00 AM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
Benton County Board of Commissioners/Benton County Ditch Authority
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/834170141
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 834-170-141
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
1.
Commissioner Scott Johnson, Benton County Ditch Authority Chair
- Call to Order
- Roll Call
- Approve or Amend the Agenda
2.
Open Forum Announcement by the Ditch Authority Chair
- Public Input and/or Informational Matters Not Requiring Action by the Ditch Authority
3.
Consent Agenda
1. Approve or Amend the Ditch Authority Meeting Minutes of August 18, 2026
4.
Regular Agenda
- County Ditch Updates
5.
Adjourn
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Tue Sep 15, 2026 · 00:00
Ditch Authority
Benton County Ditch Authority meets Sept. 15, 2026; agenda packet only
The Benton County, MN Ditch Authority is scheduled to meet on September 15, 2026. The supplied record consists only of the agenda and a packet document titled "DITCH AUTHORITY PACKET SEPTEMBER 15, 2026.PDF"; the agenda text itself lists no items beyond the meeting title. No decisions, contracts, dollar amounts, or public hearings are established by the text provided.
ditch-authoritybenton-countyminnesotadrainageagenda
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
1. Benton County Ditch Authority Meeting Agenda And Packet September 15, 2026
Documents:
DITCH AUTHORITY PACKET SEPTEMBER 15, 2026.PDF
Tue Sep 15, 2026 · 00:00
Board of Commissioners
Benton County Board agenda for Sept 15, 2026 lists only document links, no items
The supplied agenda text for the Benton County, MN Board of Commissioners meeting on September 15, 2026 contains only document titles and links to the agenda and packet PDFs, plus a 9:00 AM entry with no description. No specific decisions, contracts, ordinances, or public hearings are stated in the text provided. The actual business of the meeting would be in the linked PDFs, which were not included in the source text.
county-boardbenton-countyagendaminnesota
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
County Board Regular Meeting Agenda September 15, 2026
COUNTY BOARD AGENDA SEPTEMBER 15, 2026.PDF
County Board Regular Meeting Agenda And Packet September 15, 2026
COUNTY BOARD PACKET SEPTEMBER 15, 2026.PDF
1.
Documents:
1.I.
9:00 AM
Documents:
Tue Sep 15, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Mon Sep 14, 2026 · 00:00
Board of Commissioners
Benton County Board's Sept. 14, 2026 special meeting was cancelled
The agenda text for the Benton County, MN Board of Commissioners special meeting scheduled for September 14, 2026 is marked cancelled. The only content shown is a list of cancelled documents: the special meeting agenda and packet PDFs. No items, decisions, or discussion topics are listed in the supplied text.
benton-countyboard-of-commissionerscancelled-meetingagenda
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Cancelled - County Board Special Meeting Agenda September 14, 2026
COUNTY BOARD AGENDA SEPTEMBER 14, 2026, SPECIAL MEETING.PDF
Cancelled - County Board Special Meeting Agenda And Packet September 14, 2026
COUNTY BOARD PACKET SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 SPECIAL MEETING.PDF
1.
Documents:
1.I.
Documents:
Thu Sep 10, 2026 · 08:00
Committee of the Whole
✓ Decided: Benton County Board reviews 2027 budget proposals and levy targets
The County Board reached consensus on several budget reductions and funding levels for outside agencies. Members discussed potential cuts to library funding and intermittent employee positions, though no final decisions were made on those items. The proposed budget will be considered at the September 15, 2026, Regular Board Meeting.
- Maintained funding reductions of $5,000 from RSVP, $1,700 from Smart Moves, and elimination of $3,000 for United Way
- Consensus to keep Great River Regional Library funding unchanged pending further MDE clarification
- Supported funding for SWAT Team equipment and a Public Health Supervisor position (contingent on eliminating a vacant position)
- Maintained decisions not to fund security screening, the DMV Lead position, and an additional part-time Detention Officer
- Supported establishing a County-wide process for intermittent employees to document work performed on timecards
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Committee of the Whole/September 10, 2026
1
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
BENTON COUNTY BOARDROOM, FOLEY, MN
Present: Commissioners Scott Johnson, Steve Heinen, Pam Benoit, Ed Popp, and Jared Gapinski (8:15
AM). Also present: Montgomery Headley, Susan Block, Beth Stay, and Kathy Reuter (9:15 AM).
Chair Heinen called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM.
Budget Changes Since the August 31st Budget COW:
County Administrator Montgomery Headley provided an update on changes to the proposed 2027
budget since the August 31st Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting. Headley reported that the
County’s health insurance funding projection has increased from the 10.7 % assumption used in the
base budget to 14.8%, primarily due to several large claims that are expected to have a significant
impact on reinsurance. The State’s Minnesota Paid Leave premium was finalized at 0.88%, rather than
the 1.1% statutory maximum previously budgeted, resulting in approximately $27,000 in savings and
bringing the overall budget starting point to an 11.8% levy increase. Headley also presented a proposal
to redirect approximately $130,000 previously designated for road and ditch maintenance under the
Wheelage Tax to the County’s major equipment fund. The change would eliminate the separate road
and ditch maintenance allocation and allow those needs to be funded through the Highway
Department’s existing maintenance budget, while providing additional funding for …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Thu Sep 10, 2026 · 00:00
Planning Commission
Benton County Planning Commission holds regular meeting Sept. 10, 2026
The Benton County, MN Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a regular meeting at 7:00 PM on September 10, 2026. The only item in the supplied agenda text is a link to the meeting packet PDF; no specific decisions, hearings, or action items are listed in the text provided. Because the packet contents were not included, this summary cannot describe what the Commission will actually decide or discuss.
planning-commissionbenton-countyagendalocal-government
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
7:00 P.M. Planning Commission Regular Meeting - 7:00 PM
Documents:
SEPT 10 PC AGENDA PACKET LINKED.PDF
Tue Sep 1, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Sep 1, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
Board discusses Mayhew Lake battery storage project and various grant approvals
The Benton County Board of Commissioners will consider a position on the proposed 100MW Mayhew Lake Battery Energy Storage Project. The agenda also includes several items for the consent agenda regarding grants and agreements. A closed session for attorney-client discussion is scheduled.
- Proposed 100MW Mayhew Lake Battery Energy Storage Project in Sauk Rapids Township
- Safe and Secure Courthouse Grant
- U.S. Alliance of Election Excellence grant funding
- Community Support Program (CSP) Amended Grant Contract
- 2026 SCORE Grant Applications Round III
energygrantsgovernment-agreementsland-servicespublic-utilities
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
531 Dewey Street P.O. Box 129 Foley, MN 56329 | bentoncountymn.gov
320-968-5000 Main | 320-968-5329 Fax | 320-968-8842 TDD
Commissioners: District 1: Scott Johnson ǀ District 2: Ed Popp ǀ District 3: Steve Heinen
District 4: Jared Gapinski ǀ District 5: Pam Benoit
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 9:00 AM
Benton County Board Room
531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN
AGENDA
Benton County Board of Commissioners/Benton County Ditch Authority
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9:00 - Commissioner Steve Heinen, Board Chair
- Call to Order
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Roll Call
- Approve or Amend the Agenda
9:01 - Announcement by the Board Chair
County Board meetings are broadcast live and video recorded on YouTube. Please refrain
from speaking from the audience area and come to the podium so that viewers can hear you.
The County Board observes Roberts Rules of Order for its meetings, so please obtain the
Board Chair’s consent before addressing the County Board. Public comments are generally
reserved for the Open Forum segment or Public Hearings. However, public comment on other
agenda items may be allowed at the discretion of the Board Chair. As we begin today, …
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Tue Sep 1, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Sep 1, 2026 · 00:00
Board of Commissioners
Benton County Board agenda for Sept. 1, 2026 lists only document links, no items
The supplied agenda text for the Benton County, MN Board of Commissioners regular meeting on September 1, 2026 contains only a title, two PDF document links (an agenda and a packet), and a numbered placeholder with no description. No decisions, contracts, ordinances, or public hearings are stated in the text provided. The actual business of the meeting, if any, would be in the linked PDFs, which were not included in the source text.
benton-countyboard-of-commissionersagendaprocedural
✓ Decided: Benton County defers position on 100MW battery storage project near Sauk Rapids
The Benton County Board of Commissioners deferred taking a formal position on NextEra Energy Resources' proposed 100MW battery energy storage system in Sauk Rapids, allowing the City and NextEra more time to negotiate before the September 14, 2026 PUC comment deadline. The Board approved a seven-item consent agenda, including a Safe and Secure Courthouse Grant, an election grant resolution, a Community Support Program contract amendment, SCORE Grant Round III applications, a 2027 solid waste fee certification, and a joint powers agreement with the BCA and State Court Administrator. Two residents raised property boundary and deed measurement concerns during Open Forum; the Board took no action but agreed to follow up. The Board also set future Committee of the Whole meetings and held a closed session on a potential conflict of interest involving a pedestrian crossing project in Rice.
- Approved consent agenda items 1-7, including August 18, 2026 minutes, Safe and Secure Courthouse Grant, election grant resolution, CSP contract amendment, SCORE Grant Round III, 2027 solid waste fee certification, and BCA/State Court Administrator joint powers agreement (unanimous)
- Deferred formal position on NextEra's 100MW battery storage project in Sauk Rapids by consensus; may hold special meeting before September 14 PUC comment deadline
- Set Committee of the Whole meetings: September 10, 2026 budget work session at 8:00 AM and October 20, 2026 road topics discussion at approximately 10:30 AM (unanimous)
- Closed session under MN Statutes §13D.05, Subd. 3(b) to discuss potential conflict of interest involving pedestrian crossing project in Rice (unanimous)
- Came out of closed session at 10:32 AM and ended closed session at 10:33 AM
- No action taken on two Open Forum property boundary concerns; Board agreed to follow up with residents
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
County Board Regular Meeting Agenda September 1, 2026
COUNTY BOARD AGENDA SEPTEMBER 1, 2026.PDF
County Board Regular Meeting Agenda And Packet September 1, 2026
COUNTY BOARD PACKET SEPTEMBER 1, 2026.PDF
1.
Documents:
1.I.
Documents:
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on September 1, 2026, in the Benton
County Board Room in Foley, MN. Call to order by Vice-Chair Scott Johnson was at 9:00 AM followed by
the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. A roll call showed Commissioners Pam Benoit, Ed Popp, Steve
Heinen (virtual), Scott Johnson, and Jared Gapinski present. Commissioner Chair Heinen turned the
meeting over to Vice-Chair Johnson, who presided over the meeting due to the Chair’s virtual
attendence.
Motion by Popp and seconded by Benoit to approve the agenda as written. Motion carried unanimously
per roll-call vote.
First to speak under Open Forum was Nicole Brekke of 5618 HWY 25 NE Foley, who raised a concern
regarding a historical property measurement issue that she stated has resulted in an adjacent parcel
being improperly assigned due to apparent errors in deed measurements from the centerline of the
highway. Brekke explained that the disputed parcel overlaps portions of her and her neighbor's
properties, including structures and a pool, and that the property records and historical documentation
support their ownership claims. Brekke stated that both she and her neighbor have contacted their title
insurance companies and legal counsel but have been unable to resolve the matter through those
avenues. Brekke requested guidance from the County regarding possible next steps to corr …
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Tue Sep 1, 2026 · 13:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Tue Sep 1, 2026 · 09:00
Board of Commissioners
531 Dewey Street, Foley
Mon Aug 31, 2026 · 08:00
Committee of the Whole
✓ Decided: Benton County Board reviews proposed 2027 budget reductions
The County Board reviewed approximately $1.269 million in proposed budget reductions and 2027 policy issue requests. No final budget was adopted; the board reached consensus on various reductions and scheduled a follow-up work session for September 1, 2026.
- Reached consensus on various budget reductions and funding levels during the review
- Scheduled additional budget and levy work session for September 1, 2026
531 Dewey Street, Foley
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Committee of the Whole/August 31, 2026
1
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026
BENTON COUNTY BOARDROOM, FOLEY, MN
Present: Commissioners Scott Johnson, Steve Heinen (virtual), Pam Benoit, Ed Popp, and Jared Gapinski.
Also present: Montgomery Headley, Beth Stay, Christine Scherbing, George Fiedler, Jackie Traut, Troy
Heck, Susan Block, Jeff Dingmann, Jaclyn Litfin, Sandi Shoberg, Willie Swanson, Wesley Davis, Roxanne
Achman, Brian Folden, and Kristen Tschida.
Chair Heinen called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM.
Base Budget Since Completion of the Budget Book:
County Administrator Montgomery Headley reviewed the changes to the base budget since the
completion of the budget book, which included an update on MCIT insurance costs, noting that workers’
compensation premiums are expected to increase while property and casualty costs are expected to
decrease slightly. Final health insurance rates are still pending. The current estimate reflects a 10.7%
increase, with the final increase potentially ranging from 10.7% to 14.8%. If the final increase falls near
the midpoint, the estimated additional cost would be approximately $50,000.
Discussion and Consensus on Proposed Budget Reduction Options from Departments:
The County Board reviewed a total of approximately $1.269 million in proposed budget reductions, with
$600,000 proposed to be funded through reserves, leaving approximately $669,000 in reductions. The
purpose of the discussion was to …
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Thu Aug 20, 2026 · 00:00
Board of Adjustments
Benton County Board of Adjustment meets Aug 20; agenda lists only a packet, no items
The Benton County, MN Board of Adjustment is scheduled to hold a regular meeting at 7:00 P.M. on August 20, 2026. The agenda text provided lists only the meeting title and a reference to an "AUG 20 BOA PACKET.PDF" document. No specific agenda items, applications, or decisions are described in the supplied text, so what the board will actually take up is not established here.
benton-countyboard-of-adjustmentlocal-governmentmeeting-agenda
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
7:00 P.M. Board Of Adjustment Regular Meeting
Documents:
AUG 20 BOA PACKET.PDF
Showing the 30 most recent meetings of 77 on record.
🌐 County-level context (Benton County)
County-level context — from BLS, IRS, FEMA, HUD, Census. These figures cover the whole county this city sits in, not just the city itself.
Net migration-122 people (-$7.8M net AGI · 2023)
Federal disasters (10 yr)2 ({"Flood": 6, "Severe Storm": 3, "Biological": 2, "Drought": · last Tue Apr 7, 2020)
Traffic fatalities7 (1 pedestrian · 2024)
Business establishments975 (16,944 employees · 2023)
Fair Market Rent (2BR)$1,151/mo (522 assisted households · 2025)
Adults with low literacy14.1% (low numeracy 23% · 2017)
Sources: BLS LAUS, IRS SOI, FEMA, NHTSA FARS, Census CBP, HUD, NCES PIAAC
City profile
Everything below is drawn from this city’s own public record and primary-source government data. AI-written summaries are a finding aid, not a citable quote.
139
Permitted housing units
Outcomes — economic mobility
source: Opportunity Atlas (Harvard) · research useFor kids who grew up here in low-income households, their adult household-income rank (0–1). The average hides a gap by race:
Research-only layer, shown here for context — not included in the CC BY 4.0 bulk download.
Where it’s happening
geocoded land-use decisions🗺 Interactive map
Every rezoning, development approval, and permit — explore the geocoded records in the research explorer.