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Chippewa County, MN

Chippewa County public meetings in 2025

29 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 29, 2025

County Commissioners

Chippewa County Commissioners to approve 2026 budget and levy

The Board of Commissioners will meet to conduct year-end business, including the approval of the 2026 budget and levy. The board will also consider wages and contracts for the Sheriff, County Attorney, and Commissioners.

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✓ Decided: Board approved 2026 net levy of $17.17 M, an 8.25% increase

The Chippewa County Board unanimously approved a final net levy of $17,172,017 for 2026, an 8.25% increase over 2025. It also approved cost‑of‑living adjustments for non‑union employees, commissioners, and the sheriff, as well as the county attorney contract and the legal newspaper bid. The budget for 2026 was adopted and a pedestrian crossing contract was awarded to Ti‑Zack Concrete.

Tue Dec 16, 2025

County Commissioners

Family Services Contract with Countryside Public Health

The Chippewa County Board will approve the minutes from the Dec. 2 meeting and consider several consent agenda items, including a contract for family services, a depository resolution, an EFT authorization, and accounts payable. Public hearings will be held on the 2026 fee schedule and 2026 drainage assessments. Additional updates and requests, such as a property tax penalty abatement request and a highway update, will be discussed.

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✓ Decided: Board adopts 2026 fee schedule and approves drainage assessments

The Chippewa County Board unanimously adopted the 2026 fee schedule after a public hearing and approved the 2026 drainage assessment rates. The Board also approved a $5,000 wellness budget for 2026, a $4,700 contract with Meier Electric for emergency power equipment, a $282.21 penalty abatement, and authorized hiring for a vacant social‑worker position. Donations for the Adopt‑A‑Family program were accepted and the Emergency Management Performance Grant was added to the consent agenda.

Tue Dec 2, 2025

County Commissioners

County Commissioners will consider 2026 tobacco license approvals

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will meet on December 2, 2025. The agenda includes approving the minutes from the November 18 meeting, reviewing 2026 tobacco license applications, and discussing the County IV-D cooperative agreement for 2026. Additional items are an accounts payable review and updates from the highway department, sheriff’s office, and Heritage Haven program.

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✓ Decided: Board decides not to limit shotgun hunting for 2026 season

The commissioners approved the meeting agenda and a series of consent items. They voted not to enact an ordinance limiting shotgun use for the 2026 hunting season. The board also approved a personnel policy amendment on FMLA leave, fuel supply contracts, and the purchase of a rebuilt transmission for the County Ford Edge, and directed solicitation of quotes for a full downtown building roof replacement.

Tue Nov 18, 2025

County Commissioners

Commissioners to consider sale of tax-forfeited property to Clara City EDA

The Board of Commissioners will review several service contracts and a property sale to the Clara City EDA. The meeting includes updates on drainage, human resources, and a property acquisition request from U.S. Fish & Wildlife.

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✓ Decided: Board approved wildlife habitat easement certification for parcel 15-027-2100

The commissioners unanimously approved the agenda and a wildlife habitat easement certification for parcel 15-027-2100. They also approved a series of consent‑agenda items, including the sale of tax‑forfeited property to Clara City EDA and several service contracts. The board adopted personnel‑policy revisions to implement Minnesota paid‑leave starting Jan 1 2026.

Tue Nov 4, 2025

County Commissioners

Board will approve minutes and several service contracts on Nov 4

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will consider a consent agenda that includes approving the minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting and four service contracts: MFIP, Woodland Centers, ISD 129 Election, and the 2026 First Stop Health contract. Additional scheduled items are updates on the courthouse water heater, Woodland Centers, highway projects, the sheriff’s office, Heritage Haven, and drainage repairs. A closed‑session will be held to evaluate the License Bureau Director.

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✓ Decided: Board approved passing $193,088.49 federal grant to City of Granite Falls

The commissioners unanimously approved the agenda and a series of consent‑agenda items, including contracts for water‑heater replacement ($7,390), crack‑filling work ($75,550), and a $32,829 purchase of crack‑fill material. They also approved the resolution supporting Clara City’s 2026 Street and Utility Improvement Project and authorized the transfer of $193,088.49 in federal grant funds to the City of Granite Falls. Additional approvals included repair work for County Ditch #52 up to $14,690 and advertising for two Lead Communication/Correction Sergeant positions.

Tue Oct 21, 2025

County Commissioners

Chippewa County Board to discuss finances, road updates, and legal matters

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve minutes, accounts payable, and contracts, including a 2026 Parenting Time Center agreement. The agenda includes updates on finances, roads, and restorative justice, as well as closed sessions regarding litigation and employee evaluations.

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✓ Decided: Board approved bridge replacement bond and major contracts in unanimous session

The commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda and several contracts, including a grant for a pedestrian crossing and a $162,209.76 construction award. They also approved a bond agreement for the Local Bridge Replacement Program and a $56,462 professional services contract for the County Landfill permit. Additional actions included a 10% wage stipend for JoAnn Blomme and promotion of the Ag/Drainage Technician to Grade 7.

Tue Oct 7, 2025

County Commissioners

Commissioners to hold public hearing on Capital Improvement Plan

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the Capital Improvement Plan. The board will also receive updates on downtown building design, highway projects, and a market study.

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✓ Decided: Board adopts $5 M capital improvement plan and authorizes bond issuance

The County Commissioners approved a five‑year capital improvement plan to fund the downtown Family Services building renovation, authorizing future issuance of general‑obligation bonds up to $5,000,000. They also approved a cooperative construction agreement with MNDOT, a $103,559.09 purchase of a John Deere tractor, and a $19,298 water‑heater spending limit pending further quotes. Additional actions included adopting the victim‑services contract, abating $1,282.86 in personal‑property taxes, and approving a joint powers agreement for criminal‑justice data access.

Tue Sep 16, 2025

County Commissioners

Commissioners to discuss 2026 preliminary levy and insurance funding

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will meet to review the 2026 preliminary levy and insurance funding. The agenda includes updates on FEMA flood maps and family services, as well as a closed session for the Engineer's performance evaluation.

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✓ Decided: Board approved the 2026 preliminary levy and set hearing date

The Board unanimously approved the 2026 preliminary levy, setting a truth‑in‑taxation hearing for December 16, 2025. It also scheduled a public hearing on October 7, 2025 to consider a capital improvement plan and the issuance of general‑obligation bonds. Additional actions included approving a wage increase for County Engineer Jeremy Gilb, purchasing a $47,713.12 mowing machine, adopting insurance plan changes, and authorizing a tri‑party trustee agreement for the solid‑waste disposal revenue bond.

Wed Sep 3, 2025

County Commissioners

Commissioners to review FEMA project updates for Chippewa County levee

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will hold a FEMA consultation meeting to review a levee project overview, due process timeline, and issues identified in a 2024 submittal by Bolton & Menk. The discussion will cover project conclusions, revisions, and integration with the Montevideo Levee project timeline.

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✓ Decided: Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda

The commissioners approved the meeting agenda by unanimous vote. They received an update from FEMA on additional flood‑plain mapping and discussed its potential impact on residents and farmers. No further actions or votes were taken before adjourning the meeting.

Tue Sep 2, 2025

County Commissioners

County Commissioners to review 2026 budget and public hunting zone changes

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve routine minutes and discuss updates from county departments, including a 2026 budget and levy review, highway, sheriff, and IT electrical requests. A public information session will cover proposed shotgun hunting zone changes.

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✓ Decided: Board approved final $11,375.17 payment to John Riley Construction

The commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda, a final payment of $11,375.17 to John Riley Construction, and the purchase of three overhead door openers for $5,257. They also authorized the purchase of a replacement air‑conditioning unit for the server room at the lowest quoted price and approved the consent agenda items, including meeting minutes, a MFIP service agreement, and vendor payments totaling $117,696.99.

Tue Aug 26, 2025

County Commissioners

County Commissioners to review 2025 budgets for roads, ditches, and services

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss and review preliminary levy and budget processes for highways, ditches, general operations, and family services. No decisions are scheduled; the meeting is procedural.

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✓ Decided: Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda

The commissioners approved the agenda by unanimous vote. Staff presented a preliminary 2026 levy draft and budget outlines for the Highway and Trails, General Fund, Ditch Fund, and Family Services. The board discussed the draft information and asked for additional details at the next regular meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

Tue Aug 19, 2025

County Commissioners

Chippewa County Commissioners to hold tax forfeiture auction

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review financial and highway updates and conduct a tax forfeiture auction. The body will also discuss changes to the Countryside Public Health JPA.

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✓ Decided: Board approved amendment to bridge replacement priority list

The commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda and a payment of $815 for drone repairs. They also approved a two‑year transportation contract with the Montevideo School District and amended the bridge replacement priority list. Additional unanimous approvals included a contract with Widseth for engineering services, a detour agreement for Trunk Highway 212, the purchase of a $14,093 UTV, and a revised joint powers agreement for public health services.

Tue Aug 5, 2025

County Commissioners

Commissioners to review MN DOT 10-Year Capital Investment Plan

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will meet to review state transportation planning and paid family medical leave. The board will also consider contracts for Family Services and a new personnel administration system.

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✓ Decided: County approved $47,506 roof replacement for Montevideo Library

The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and several consent items, including lease contracts and the economic development payment to Montevideo. It accepted a low‑bid $47,506 contract to replace a section of the Chippewa County‑Montevideo Library roof. The board also approved using MetLife to administer paid family medical leave and authorized a $67,000 Toward Zero Deaths grant agreement. Additional actions included hiring Klein McCarthy Architects for Family Services renovations and allocating $2,000 for a trailer and $100 for a wood splitter for the Sentence to Serve program.

Tue Jul 15, 2025

County Commissioners

Commissioners to review 2026 HRA budget and levy

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve tax-forfeited property sales and accounts payable. The board will receive updates on soil and water conservation, economic development, and highways, and discuss the 2026 HRA budget and levy.

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✓ Decided: Board approved acquisition of 97.6 acres for State Wildlife Management Area

The commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to acquire 97.6 acres in Tunsberg Township for a State Wildlife Management Area. They also set a preliminary 2026 levy of $90,000 and approved the purchase of software for Family Services. An amendment to the 2025 fee schedule for childcare licenses was adopted, and a request for a $2 per‑capita economic‑development contribution was tabled for future consideration.

Tue Jul 1, 2025

County Commissioners

Chippewa County Commissioners to meet July 1

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review accounts payable and receive updates from the Auditor/Treasurer and the UMVRDC. The agenda includes a discussion regarding Sentence to Serve and a closed session for attorney-client privilege.

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✓ Decided: Board approved fee increases for marriage licenses, well certificates and amendments.

The commissioners unanimously approved the agenda and the consent agenda, which included the June 17 meeting minutes and a list of vendor payments totaling $197,323.93. They also approved legislative fee increases for marriage licenses, well certificates and marriage amendments effective July 1, 2025, and directed staff to develop a job description and wage level for a Sentence to Serve crew leader. Additional actions included directing Ms. Blomme to gather more information on property address issues and ordering ATC May and Sheriff Olson to collect information on jail roof repairs.

Tue Jun 17, 2025

County Commissioners

Chippewa County holds public hearing on Housing Trust Fund Ordinance

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a Housing Trust Fund Ordinance. The meeting also includes updates from the Sheriff, Family Services, and Woodland Centers.

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✓ Decided: Board adopted the Chippewa County Housing Trust Fund Ordinance

The board unanimously adopted the Housing Trust Fund Ordinance and approved an $8,500 match for the Permanent Supportive Housing Grant. It also approved the 2025‑2029 Highway Engineer contract, increased burial policy costs, hired a market‑study firm, and authorized various purchases and vendor payments totaling $581,661.91.

Thu Jun 5, 2025

County Commissioners

Joint meeting to review housing study findings

Chippewa County, the City of Montevideo, and the City of Clara City will hold a joint meeting with their economic development authorities. The body will receive a presentation on housing study findings, including existing conditions, analysis, and implementation recommendations.

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✓ Decided: Board heard housing study presentation; no actions taken

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners met on June 5, 2025 to hear a housing study presented by Bolton & Menk. Commissioners discussed the findings and recommendations, but no motions, approvals, or votes were recorded. The meeting was then adjourned.

Tue Jun 3, 2025

County Commissioners

Chippewa County Commissioners to review highway plans and health financial update

The Board of Commissioners will receive a financial update from CCM Health and a presentation on the Highway 5-Year Plan. The meeting includes a consent agenda for accounts payable and minutes approval, followed by two closed sessions regarding personnel.

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✓ Decided: County Board adopts 5‑year Highway Plan

The Board unanimously adopted the County Highway 5‑Year Plan. It also approved a $2,700 appropriation for Safe Avenues in 2025, final payments of $179,164.11 to R&G Construction and $103,964.70 to Knife River Corporation, and promoted Kevin Enevoldsen to Assistant Engineer. Additionally, the Board approved the performance evaluation of Angela Arndt with a step increase effective May 16, 2025.

Tue May 20, 2025

County Commissioners

Commissioners to discuss clean water loans and housing trust ordinance

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to borrow funds from the MPCA for clean water septic loans. The board will also review a final Housing Trust Fund Ordinance and discuss the budget.

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✓ Decided: Board approved $700,000 note for septic upgrades and DNR land acquisition

The commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda, which included a $700,000 General Obligation Note for septic system upgrades. They also approved a resolution authorizing the State’s acquisition of property in Grace Township. The board directed a public hearing notice for the Housing Trust Fund Ordinance and authorized a half‑tax refund for parcel 14‑012‑3100.

Tue May 6, 2025

County Commissioners

Commissioners to review road safety plan and landfill planning contract

The Board of Commissioners will receive updates on the Hawk Creek Watershed, the Sheriff's office, and the County Road Safety Plan. The consent agenda includes a contract for landfill planning and a resolution for the Septic System Upgrade III Program.

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✓ Decided: Board adopts Septic System Upgrade III resolution and approves multiple items

The commissioners adopted a resolution to implement Chippewa County Septic System Upgrade III. They also approved a property‑tax abatement for Dan Grube, authorized hiring a child‑protection social worker, and purchased a new disc mower for $17,495. All motions were passed by unanimous vote.

Tue Apr 15, 2025

County Commissioners

Public hearing on reroute of County Ditch 11 Improvement 8

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will consider consent agenda items including appointing a county engineer and accepting a donation to the Sheriff's Office. They will hold a public hearing on rerouting Improvement 8 of County Ditch 11. The board will also receive updates on solid waste planning, MCIT, and a market study, and will enter closed session for labor negotiations.

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✓ Decided: Board approved reroute of Improvement Branch 8 of County Ditch 11

The board unanimously approved the Findings & Order authorizing the reroute of Improvement Branch 8 of County Ditch 11. It also adopted the 2024 Solid Waste Management Plan, approved a grant to study the county landfill, and authorized purchase of an 18‑foot utility trailer. Additionally, the consent agenda items—including appointment of the county engineer, law‑enforcement contract, and several grant agreements—were approved unanimously.

Mon Apr 14, 2025

County Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approved agenda and entered closed session; no substantive decisions made

The commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda, entered a closed session to discuss current litigation, and then opened the public meeting. The meeting was subsequently adjourned. No substantive policy or budget decisions were made.

Tue Apr 1, 2025

County Commissioners

Commissioners hear updates from sheriff, highway, drainage, library, auditor

The board will approve the consent agenda including minutes, committee appointments, seasonal hiring, and accounts payable, then hear scheduled updates from department heads on sheriff, highway, drainage, library, and auditor/treasurer matters.

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✓ Decided: Board approved $227,863.20 culvert replacement contract

The commissioners unanimously approved the low bid from John Riley Construction to replace two box culverts (project SAP 012-599-119 and 012-599-120) for $227,863.20. They also approved purchase of inmate health monitoring sensors for about $12,500, and allocated the remaining $76,000 of Tribal Consistency Funds to governmental services. Additional approvals included a field‑approach variance, right‑of‑way plats, and permits for a fiber‑to‑the‑premise project.

Tue Mar 18, 2025

County Commissioners

Public hearing on Riverview Dairy conduit debt; closed labor strategy session

The board will consider consent items (minutes, PERA resolution, Granite Falls per capita request, accounts payable). Scheduled appointments include a public hearing on conduit debt for Riverview Dairy, discussion of assessment contract rates, market study, family services update, and position review recommendations. Two closed sessions are planned for Veterans Service Officer evaluation and labor negotiation strategy.

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✓ Decided: County approves $12M revenue bonds for Grace Dairy solid waste facility

The Board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing up to $12 million in revenue bonds for a solid waste disposal facility at Grace Dairy, with no county liability. It also set new assessment rates for townships and cities, approved a Vulnerable Adult Services contract with Yellow Medicine County, and authorized rehiring a Case Aide position. All decisions were unanimous.

Tue Mar 4, 2025

County Commissioners

Commissioners to hear CCM Health Child Care Project, solid waste plan

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with a consent agenda including approval of minutes, accounts payable, and a conditional use permit for Sugar Beet Co-Op. Scheduled appointments include presentations on the CCM Health Child Care Project, a highway update, the solid waste plan and conditional use permit, CD 68 benefit update, construction management RFP discussion, and an HR update.

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✓ Decided: County approves $2.4M childcare center expansion

The board unanimously approved spending $2,401,716.34 from the Major Medical Equipment Depreciation Fund for the CCM Health childcare center expansion. They also approved several contracts and administrative items, including a conditional use permit for the Southern MN Sugar Beet Co-Op, seasonal pavement markings, and construction management services. The board closed the meeting for union negotiation strategy and later reopened it.

Tue Feb 18, 2025

County Commissioners

Public hearing on CD 68 Outlet Petition, closed land purchase talks

The Board will hold a public hearing on the CD 68 Outlet Petition and consider conditional use permits. Closed sessions are scheduled for land purchase discussions and assessor performance evaluation. The board will also hear updates on family services, housing trust fund, and restorative justice, and consider hiring seasonal staff and a non-union COLA adjustment.

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✓ Decided: County approves outlet benefits for Ditch 68, conditional use permits

The Board approved the outlet benefits and fee for County Ditch 68 as presented in the Viewer's Report, directing staff to draft an agreement with landowners on pump operation. It also approved a conditional use permit for Duinick Bros. Inc. to operate a mining, crushing, and hot mix plant in Granite Falls Township, and approved several road-related contracts and purchases. The Board tabled a conditional use permit for Southern MN Beet Sugar Coop's expansion pending MnDOT response.

Tue Feb 4, 2025

County Commissioners

Commissioners to consider highway union contract and IT hosting agreement

The board will vote on a consent agenda that includes multiple contracts and agreements, such as a 2025-2027 highway union contract and an IT hosting contract with Lac qui Parle County. Scheduled presentations include updates on non-union employee compensation, highway projects, sheriff's office, Heritage Haven, and auditor/treasurer. A closed session is planned for a building maintenance supervisor evaluation.

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✓ Decided: County awards $4.93M paving contract, $865K bridge contract

The board approved the 2025 paving contract with Central Specialties for $4,931,066.90 and awarded the CSAH 3 Bridge Replacement to Towne & Country Excavating for $865,923.50. They also approved a $30,000 pledge to Heritage Haven for transitional housing, approved 2024 budget amendments, and denied a citizen request to reinstate the Coyote Bounty. All votes were unanimous.

Tue Jan 21, 2025

County Commissioners

County board to hold closed session for union negotiations

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will meet on January 21, 2025, to handle a consent agenda and several scheduled presentations. The most notable action is a closed session for union negotiations, followed by updates from the Montevideo EDA, family services, and a drainage report.

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✓ Decided: Board approves consent agenda, construction manager search, and ditch petitions

The Chippewa County Board approved the consent agenda, including vendor payments totaling $796,392.48, and accepted a $100 donation for the holiday gift program. They also approved moving forward with hiring a construction manager for the Family Services remodeling, approved HR/Payroll office remodeling up to $5,000, and accepted a petition to reroute County Ditch 11. The board set a public hearing for February 18, 2025, on the County Ditch 68 outlet petition.

Tue Jan 7, 2025

County Commissioners

Board reorganization, union negotiations, and daycare project updates on agenda

The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners will reorganize for 2025, approve a consent agenda including the SWCD lease contract and yearly highway authorization resolution, and hear updates from several departments. Notable discussions include a CCM Health Joint Powers Agreement, Countryside Public Health, and Prairie Five Child Care Aware daycare project updates. The board will also hold a closed session for union negotiations.

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✓ Decided: Hospital Board joint powers amendment fails; new officers elected

The Board elected Bill Pauling as Chair and David Nordaune as Vice-Chair, and approved the agenda. A proposed amendment to the Hospital Board joint powers agreement failed due to lack of a second. The Board approved the consent agenda, including vendor payments totaling $145,527.31, and several other items.