Meeker County Board Meeting

The Meeker County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing to consider a local option sales tax. After the hearing, and a time of discussion, the Board decided to table the matter until the February 17th meeting.

During the hearing, Public Works Director Phil Schmalz said that the implementation of a 0.5% local option sales tax in Meeker County is estimated to annually generate an additional $1.3-million in local transportation revenue. He says the Local Option Sales Tax revenue is restricted to transportation use only and specifically the projects outlined in a project list adopted by the Board. Schmalz says Meeker County would be one of the last counties in Minnesota to adopt either a local option sales tax or a wheelage tax. He says all of the surrounding counties have a local option sales tax. Board Chair Beth Oberg was concerned about the public having enough notice about the issue and recommended tabling the matter for two weeks.

The Meeker County Commissioners approved of the purchase of a new Schulte XH1000 Series 5 Mower with Flex Arm from Trueman Welters of Buffalo at a cost of $73,067.20; approved of the purchase of a new Diamond 72” Drum Mulcher OD ProX2 from Farm-Rite Equipment of Dassel at a cost of $39,500.

The Board also approved of the purchase of one 2026 Chevrolet 1500 Regular Cab Long Box from Davis Motors of Litchfield at a cost of $37,080 plus license and fees, and approved of the purchase of one 2026 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Short Box from Litchfield Automotive Sales at a cost of $37,455. In addition, the Commissioners approved of the purchase of two 2026 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Short Box pickup trucks from Litchfield Automotive Sales at a cost of $37,455 each, in the event the Chevrolet vehicle is no longer available at the time of purchase.