SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS OF THE DECEMBER 23, 2025 ROSEAU COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

The Board of Commissioners of Roseau County, Minnesota met in the Courthouse in the City of Roseau on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

Board Chair Kermit Jensen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Commissioners present were Kermit Jensen, Levi Novacek, Glenda Phillipe, Jack Swanson, and Daryl Wicklund. Others present were Martie Monsrud, Jeff Pelowski, Joleen Kezar, Rich Gross, Steve Gust, Ericka Halstensgard, Kristy Kjos, Karla Langaas, and Mike Trinka; while those attending via ZOOM were Kerri Byfuglien, Randi Jenson, Erica Maxwell, Brenda McMillin, Michael Rudi, Pam Shaw, and Cindy Tangen.

Auditor-Recorder-Treasurer Monsrud requested the addition of 2026 Tobacco License Applications to Department Reports. The Board approved the amended Agenda.

Coordinator Pelowski commented on the three scheduled January 2026 Board Meetings.

The Board was informed that the bills paid forthwith totaled $4,022,168.04

The Board, by adoption of its Consent Agenda, approved the November 25, 2025, Regular Board meeting proceedings; and, approved the December 2, 2025, Regular Board meeting proceedings.

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Departmental Operations

Environmental Services Director Pelowski requested Board approval to transfer the administration of the County Floodplain & Shoreland Management Programs from the County Environmental Services Department to the Roseau County Soil & Water Conservation District, (SWCD), effective January 1, 2026. As presented at the December 15, 2025, Board Work Session, the County would appropriate $10,197 to the SWCD for program administration in 2026, ($2,697 of State grant funding plus $7,500 of County funds). Following discussion, the Board approved the transfer as requested.

PROTECT Grant Application

Engineer Halstensgard requested Board approval of a Resolution authorizing submittal of a PROTECT Grant Application for the proposed CSAH 7 Flood Resilience and Overtopping Mitigation Project. Following discussion, the Board approved the following Resolution: 2025-12-10

RESOLUTION PROMOTING RESILIENT OPERATIONS FOR TRANSFORMATIVE, EFFICIENT, AND COST-SAVING TRANSPORTATION (PROTECT) GRANT APPLICATION

CSAH 7 FLOOD RESILIENCE AND OVERTOPPING MITIGATION

WHEREAS, Roseau County is seeking funding assistance for Flooding Resilience and Overtopping Mitigations on CSAH 7 to address flooding issues that impact transportation and safety of residents in Roseau County; and

WHEREAS, Roseau County is responsible for non-eligible costs, eligible items in excess of the PROTECT grant, and on-going maintenance;

and

WHEREAS, Roseau County is the local government unit for the PROTECT project identified as CSAH 7 Flood Resilience and Overtopping Mitigation.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Roseau County Board agrees with and supports Roseau County’s application for PROTECT grant funding for CSAH 7 Flood Resilience and Overtopping Mitigation.

Transportation Alternatives Grant Application

Engineer Halstensgard requested Board approval of a Resolution authorizing submittal of a Transportation Alternatives Grant Application for proposed CSAH 7 ADA Improvements. Following discussion, the Board approved the following Resolution:

2025-12-11

TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVE GRANT APPLICATION

CSAH 7 ADA IMPROVEMENTS

WHEREAS, Roseau County is seeking funding assistance for ADA Improvements along CSAH 7 in Greenbush, MN from Trunk Highway 11 to 225 feet east of CSAH 7 and Park Avenue West Intersection; and

WHEREAS, Roseau County is responsible for non-eligible costs and on-going maintenance; and

WHEREAS, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requires that states agree to operate and maintain facilities constructed with federal transportation funds for the useful life of the improvement and not change the use of right of way or property ownership acquired without prior approval from the FHWA; and

WHEREAS, Transportation Alternatives projects receive federal funding; and

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has determined that for projects implemented with alternative funds, this requirement should be applied to the project proposer; and

WHEREAS, Roseau County is the local government unit for the Transportation Alternative project identified as CSAH 7 ADA

Improvements.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Roseau County Board agrees with and supports Roseau County’s application for Transportation Alternative grant funding for CSAH 7 ADA Improvements and assumes full responsibility for the operation and maintenance from the project.

Community Work Service Program Administration

Attorney Kjos requested Board approval to move the Community Work Service Supervisor position from the County Facilities Maintenance Department to the County Attorney’s Office, effective December 21, 2025. Following discussion, the Board approved the request as presented.

Job Status Change – Community Work Service Supervisor

Attorney Kjos requested Board approval to change the job status of the Community Work Service Supervisor position from Regular Full-Time to Regular Part-Time, effective December 21, 2025. Following discussion, the Board approved the job status change as requested.

Professional Services Agreement – Youth Intervention Program Grant Administration Attorney Kjos requested Board approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Sue Grafstrom to provide client professional grant management services for the 2026-2027 Department of Children, Youth and Family’s Youth Intervention Program (YIP) Grant, effective January 1, 2026.

Following discussion, the Board approved the Agreement as presented.

Youth Intervention Program Coordinator – Contract

Attorney Kjos requested Board approval of a Youth Intervention Program Coordinator Contract with Kathy Magnusson, Wildewood Learning LLC, to provide client youth intervention coordination management, and expansion of local juvenile detention reform initiatives in Roseau County. This position is grant funded. Following discussion, the Board approved the Agreement as presented.

Professional Services Agreement – Metro State Grant Administration Attorney Kjos requested Board approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Sue Grafstrom to provide client professional grant management services for the Metro State Juvenile Diversion Alternatives Initiative Grant, effective December 31, 2025. Following discussion, the Board approved the Agreement as presented.

Pre-Trial Diversion Coordinator – Contract

Attorney Kjos requested Board approval of a Pre-Trial Diversion Coordinator Contract with Doreen Maashio to provide Pre-Trial Diversion Services in Roseau County. This position is grant funded. Following discussion, the Board approved the Agreement as presented carried by a 4 – 0 vote with Commissioners Jensen, Novacek, Phillipe, and Swanson voting yes, and Commissioner Wicklund abstaining.

2026 Detention Center Nursing Agreement

Sheriff Gust requested Board approval of a Detention Center Nursing Agreement with LifeCare Medical Center. Under the Agreement, LifeCare would continue to provide community-nursing services to inmates of the Roseau County Jail through 2026. Following discussion, the Board approved the Agreement as presented.

Tobacco Licenses

Auditor-Recorder-Treasurer Monsrud requested Board approval of a Resolution approving the 2026-2027 Tobacco Licenses. Following discussion, the Board approved the following Resolution:

2025-12-12

RESOLUTION

2026-2027 TOBACCO LICENSES

BE IT RESOLVED that the Roseau County Board of Commissioners hereby grants the following tobacco licenses:

1 Better Liquor Store, Greenbush, MN

Denny’s Outdoor Sports, Roseau, MN

DG Retail, LLC, Dollar General Store #14741, Roseau, MN

DG Retail, LLC, Dollar General Store #16371, Warroad, MN

DG Retail, LLC, Dollar General Store #19031, Greenbush, MN

Holiday StationStores, Roseau, MN

KC’s Country Market, Badger, MN

Miner’s Incorporated - DBA Super One Foods, Roseau, MN

NorthDale Oil Inc. (Lake Township) Warroad, MN

Northern Resources Cooperative, C-Store, Roseau, MN

Valley Liquors Inc. – DBA Hugo’s Pine Ridge Liquor (Lake Township) Warroad, MN

One Love of Greenbush LLC, - DBA River’s Edge Bait & Convenience, Greenbush, MN

RiverFront Store, Wannaska, MN

Roseau County Cooperative Association, Badger, MN

One Stop Station, LLC, Salol, MN

Skime Store LLC, (Reine Township) Wannaska, MN

Springsteel Resort Inc. (Lake Township) Warroad, MN

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said licenses are effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.

Treatment Court Memorandum of Understanding

Coordinator Pelowski requested Board approval of a Treatment Court Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU sets forth the terms and understanding between the State of Minnesota Ninth Judicial District; the Roseau County Treatment (DWI/Drug) Court; and, Roseau County. The MOU outlines the County’s 2026 financial commitment for this Program. Following discussion, the Board approved the MOU as presented.

Social Media Contract

Emergency Management Co-Director Grafstrom requested Board approval of a 2026 Social Media Contract with AE2S. The Contract was discussed at the November 18, 2025, Board Work Session; November 25, 2025, Regular Board Meeting; and, December 16, 2025, Board Work Session.

Following discussion, no Board action was taken regarding this request.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Program – Resolution & Work Plan Coordinator Pelowski requested Board approval of a Resolution and Work Plan for the 2025 AIS program, as required by State Statute.

Following discussion, the Board approved the following Resolution:

2025-12-04

WHEREAS, Roseau County was allocated State funding in the amount of $52,966.00 in 2025 to continue our program to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS); and,

WHEREAS, counties must specify by Board Resolution how the AIS funding was utilized; and,

WHEREAS, the Roseau County Board has approved the attached AIS Program Work Plan as prepared by the Roseau County Soil and Water

Conservation District (SWCD).

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Roseau County has utilized all the available 2025 State funding for AIS program-related activities as specified in the attached Work Plan.

2026 County Board Meeting Schedules

Coordinator Pelowski presented proposed meeting schedules for 2026; including, County Board meetings, Operations Committee/Board Work Sessions, Highway Committee meetings, and Social Services Board meetings. Following discussion, Board consensus was to change the start time for the Highway Committee meetings, and the Operations Committee/Board Work Session, from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. A schedule of the 2026 Business Hours for County Facilities was also presented for Board consideration. The Board approved the schedules as presented, including the amended start times for the Highway Committee meetings and the Operations Committee/Board Work Sessions.

(Note: The schedules are available for public review on the County website)

2026 Commissioner Salary & Per Diem Policy

Coordinator Pelowski presented a draft Resolution for Board consideration. The draft Policy contains a 2.5% wage adjustment (same as

County employees), and no change to the per diem payment schedule, for 2026. Following a lengthy discussion, the Board, carried by a three to two vote with Commissioners Jensen, Novacek, and Wicklund voting yes, and Commissioners Phillipe and Swanson voting no, approved the following Resolution contains a 0% wage adjustment and eliminates per diem payments:

2025-12-05

WHEREAS, pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 375.055, “The County Commissioners shall receive as compensation for services rendered by them for their respective Counties, salaries and reimbursement for necessary expenses in performing duties of the office as set by resolution of the

County Board.”

BE IT RESOLVED, the Board established the 2026 Commissioner’s annual salary at $30,894, (same as 2025).

2026 Elected Officials Salary(s)

The Board discussed 2026 Elected Officials Salaries. Following discussion, the Board approved the following Resolution:

2025-12-06

RESOLUTION SETTING THE ANNUAL SALARY OF THE ROSEAU COUNTY ATTORNEY

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes §387.20, Subdivision 2(a), requires that the County Board of each county with a population of less than 75,000 annually set by Resolution the salary of the County Attorney; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes §387.20, Subdivision 2(b), further requires that at the January meeting prior to the first date on which applicants may file for the office of County Attorney, the Board shall set by Resolution the minimum salary to be paid to the County Attorney for the term next following; and

WHEREAS, the Roseau County Board of Commissioners have reviewed comparable County Attorney salaries, budgetary considerations, and the duties and responsibilities of the office.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Roseau County Board of Commissioners that:

1. The annual salary of the Roseau County Attorney for calendar year 2026 shall be set at $147,400, payable biweekly.

2. The minimum annual salary to be paid to the Roseau County Attorney for the term of office beginning January 1, 2027 shall be set

 $116,700, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes §387.20, Subdivision 2(b).

3. This Resolution shall take effect January 1, 2026.

The Board then approved the following Resolution:

2025-12-07

RESOLUTION SETTING THE ANNUAL SALARY OF THE ROSEAU COUNTY SHERIFF

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes §387.20, Subdivision 2(a), requires that the County Board of each county with a population of less than 75,000 annually set by Resolution the salary of the County Sheriff; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes §387.20, Subdivision 2(b), further requires that at the January meeting prior to the first date on which applicants may file for the office of County Sheriff, the Board shall set by Resolution the minimum salary to be paid to the County Sheriff for the term next following; and

WHEREAS, the Roseau County Board of Commissioners have reviewed comparable County Sheriff salaries, budgetary considerations, and the duties and responsibilities of the office.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Roseau County Board of Commissioners that:

1. The annual salary of the Roseau County Sheriff for calendar year 2026 shall be set at $120,125, payable biweekly.

2. The minimum annual salary to be paid to the Roseau County Sheriff for the term of office beginning January 1, 2027 shall be set at $91,025, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes §387.20, Subdivision 2(b).

3. This Resolution shall take effect January 1, 2026.

2026 Appropriations

VENDOR # Dept. Organization 2026

9403 611 NW MN DAV Chapter 41 4,541

501 Memorial Day Act-various vendors-see note 2,595

5612 501 Northwest Regional Library 102,486

1844 501 Roseau County Historical Society 75,000

7666 401 Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) 1,730

1830 611 Roseau Co. Agricultural Society (Fair) 12,975

11850 611 Roseau County SWCD (Flooplain-Shoreland) 7,500

11850 611 Roseau County SWCD (Ag Inspector) 19,598

11850 611 Roseau County SWCD (Base) 90,825

2543 701 MN Red River Valley Development Comm. 778

9278 611 Greenbush Food Shelf (2023 thru 2027) 2,000

9277 611 Warroad Food Shelp (2023 thru 2027) 2,000

TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS 322,028

FIRE CONTRACTS 2026

7026 611 City of Greenbush (Blooming Valley) Fire 2,800

7026 611 City of Greenbush (Juneberry)-Fire 2,800

1829 610 City of Roseau (Elkwood)-Fire 228

1829 610 City of Roseau (Jadis)-Fire 587

1829 610 City of Roseau (Norland)-Fire 1,630

1829 610 City of Roseau (Spruce Valley)-Fire 717

1829 610 City of Roseau (Unorganized 160-37)-Fire 99.00

2313 610 City of Warroad (America)-Fire 2,000

2313 610 City of Warroad (Clear River)-Fire 2,000

2313 610 City of Warroad (Oaks)-Fire 2,000

TOTAL FIRE CONTRACTS 14,859

AMBULANCE CONTRACTS 2026

1823 610 Lifecare Ambulance (Con Con) 30,000

11431 610 Warroad Ambulance (Con Con) 50,000

TOTAL AMBULANCE CONTRACTS 80,000

TOTAL - APPROPRIATIONS & CONTRACTS 416,887

2026 Property Tax Levy

Coordinator Pelowski presented a table outlining the 2026 Preliminary Levy approved by the Board at the September 23, 2025, Board meeting, which contained a 12% levy increase for 2026. The Board must adopt the Final Levy by December 31, 2025, and can only maintain or lower the Preliminary Levy at this time. After discussion, the Board adopted the following 2026 Final Property Tax Levy, which contains a 12% increase, and to adjust the 2026 Budget to incorporate this change:

2025-12-08

BE IT RESOLVED, that the payable 2026 Property Tax Levy for Roseau County is hereby approved, as follows:

FUND LEVY

Revenue      $6,870,371

Road & Bridge $1,892,766

Social Services $2,467,041

Debt Service-Jail $ 410,100

TOTAL $11,640,278

2025 County Budget

Coordinator Pelowski presented a summary of the 2026 Preliminary Budget approved by the Board at the September 23, 2025, Board meeting, which contained the 12% Preliminary Levy increase. The Board must adopt the Final Budget by December 31, 2025. After discussion, the Board adopted the following 2026 Final County Budget, which includes a 12% Final Levy increase:

2025-12-09

BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2026 Budget - incorporating the 2026 Levy - is hereby approved, as follows:

LEVY-SUPPORTED FUNDS REVENUES EXPENDITURES NET BUDGET

Revenue (01) $ 12,169,212 $ 12,357,590 $ 188,378

Road & Bridge (02) $ 13,790,028 $ 13,900,532 $ 110,504

Social Services (11) $ 6,068,362 $ 6,068,362 $ 0

Debt Service-Jail (32) $ 410,100 $ 410,100 $ 0

Levy-Supported Funds Total $ 32,437,702 $ 32,736,584 $ 298,882

NON LEVY-SUPPORTED FUNDS

Opioid (08) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0

State Housing Grant (09) $ 47,701 $ 47,701 $ 0

Environmental (25) $ 1,588,021 $ 1,716,331 $ 128,310

LOST (38) $ 1,278,000 $ 1,278,000 $ 0

Non Levy-Supported Funds Total

$ 2,913,722 $ 3,042,032 $ 128,310

TOTAL – ALL FUNDS $ 35,351,424 $ 35,778,616 $ 427,192

Commissioner Committee Reports (December 2 - 23, 2025)

Commissioner Jensen reported on the following committee(s): 2026 Preliminary Budget & Property Tax Levy Public Hearing; Minnesota Rural Counties Committee; Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Annual Conference; Social Services Board; Operations Committee; County Board Work Session; Warroad River Watershed District Board.

Commissioner Novacek reported on the following committee(s): 2026 Preliminary Budget & Property Tax Levy Public Hearing; Social Services Board; Operations Committee; County Board Work Session.

Commissioner Phillipe reported on the following committee(s): 2026 Preliminary Budget & Property Tax Levy Public Hearing; Community Justice Coordinating Committee (CJCC); Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) General Government; Warroad City Council; Lake of the Woods One Watershed One Plan (LOW1W1P); Social Services Board; Operations Committee; County Board Work Session; Lake Township Board.

Commissioner Swanson reported on the following committee(s): Roseau City Council; 2026 Preliminary Budget & Property Tax Levy Public Hearing; Northwest Emergency Communications Board; Community Justice Coordinating Committee (CJCC); AMC Public Safety Policy; AMC Annual Conference; AMC Workforce, Economic Development & Housing Subcommittee; Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust (MCIT) Board of Directors;

AMC Public Safety Policy Committee; MCIT Annual Meeting; Northern Counties Coalition; AMC Extension Committee; University of Minnesota Extension Citizens Advisory Council; Statewide Emergency Communications Board Finance Committee; Team EPIC; University of Minnesota Extension Committee; Roseau Economic Development Authority; Northwest Minnesota Foundation Board of Directors.

Commissioner Wicklund reported on the following committee(s): 2026 Preliminary Budget & Property Tax Levy Public Hearing; Social Services Board; Operations Committee; County Board Work Session; Roseau River Watershed District Board.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE

Upon motion carried, the Board adjourned the Regular meeting at 10:50 a.m. The next Regular meeting of the Board is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

(January 21, 2026)