The Sherburne County Commissioners last week had a different start to their board meeting when they were introduced to the newest and youngest employee of the county.

“We have a new employee that started last week that I thought I would like to introduce to you,” Administrator Bruce Messelt told members of the board.

That new employee is Peach, a therapy dog in training. The board approved the procurement of Peach last November.

“We’ve been waiting for the right dog and researched the right breeder, so Peach flew to us from Kansas last week,” said Amanda Larson, Director of Health and Human Services.

“Peach is nine weeks old and has been on the job less than a week,” said Larson. “She’ll be going through a year-long training process to be a certified, vested therapy dog.”

Staff Contract

The board approved a Collective Bargaining Agreement and Memoranda of Understanding with the Sherburne County Highway Employees Association for the term of Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2026.

The agreement includes a 5% wage range adjustment for 2025 and 3% for 2026. It also includes a 3% general adjustment for 2025 and 2026.

The county’s health insurance premium contribution is as follows: Single ($1,021.12), Single + Children ($1,748.38), Single + Spouse ($1,821.50) and Family ($2,187.10).

Reclassification

The board approved the reclassification of two employee positions regarding four employees. The Sherburne County Personnel Rules and Policies provides for an annual process for employees to request a review of their position in the month of January if they believe there has been a significant change in the duties and responsibilities of their position.

In 2025, a total of seven positions were reviewed as part of this process. Two positions were deemed as having a significant change in duties and responsibilities, which resulted in a recommended pay grade change:

Public Works: Mechanic (3 employees) changes fro Grade 10 to Grade 11.

County Sheriff: Communications 911 - PSAP Manager (1 employee) changes from Grade 15 to Grade 16.

The total approximate 2025 cost of implementing the grade changes is $15,150.

Performance Program

The board passed a resolution authorizing county participation in the State of Minnesota’s Performance Measures Program.

The Minnesota Legislature created the Council on Local Results and Innovation in 2010. In February 2011, the Council released a standard set of 10 performance measures for counties and 10 performance measures for cities that will aid residents, taxpayers, and state and local elected officials in determining the efficacy of counties and cities in providing services and measure residents’ opinions of those services.

Participation in the standard measures program by a city or a county is voluntary. Counties and cities that choose to participate in the standard measures program must officially adopt and implement the 10 minimum performance measures and system developed by the Council.

The county received $14,309 in 2024 for its participation in the program.

Construction Agreement

The board passed a resolution for federal participation in advance construction of a pedestrian bridge.

The agreement will allow Sherburne County to build and be reimbursed for the funding to construct the pedestrian bridge over the Elk River along Co. Rd.  5 just south of Lions Park in Big Lake Twp. Eighty percent of the eligible costs will be eligible for federal funds in federal fiscal years 2026 and 2027.   

These amounts are $145,950 and $502,850, respectfully, for a total reimbursement of $648,800.

Financial Report

The board approved the submission of the county’s 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Award Application to the GFOA (Government Finance Officers Association) for recognition of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program.

This will be the 32nd year of applying for the award for Sherburne County. The application fee of $760 will be taken from the Audit Dept. budget line.

Emergency Services Grant

The board approved and accepted the grant amendment for the Emergency Services Program through the Homelessness, Housing, and Support Services Administration. Under the amendment, the county will received $175,00 for program support through June 30, 2027. Grant funds are used to fully support the Housing Outreach position.

Other Business

In other actions the board:

• Approved a Gambling Premises Permit for Ducks Unlimited Wigeon Chapter #309 for their planned event on Aug. 16 at the Getaway Bar on 184th Street in Orrock Twp.;

• Awarded the contract for the 2025 water heater boiler replacement to El-Jay Plumbing & Heating, Inc. at a proposed cost not to exceed $130,500;

• Approved an Interim Use Permit (IUP) for a Home Business in an Accessory Building on 3.58 acres on 150th Ave. NW in Blue Hill Twp. The applicant (Blue Hill Rental LLC) intends to rent compact equipment that homeowners would feel comfortable using, including mini excavators, walk-behind skid steers, trailers, stump grinder, log splitter, etc. The operation will take place from an existing 960 sq. ft. building;

• Approved an agreement with Bolton & Menk to review and update the existing Sherburne County Planning and Zoning Ordinance and Sherburne County Subdivision Ordinances at a cost of $74,886.