Meeker County Board Meeting
The Meeker County Board of Commissioners has set the preliminary levy for 2027. The annual budget includes $49,601,475 in total expenditures, of which $20,501,832 is currently planned to be funded through the property tax levy, which will be finalized in December.
The levy represents a 7.84% increase over 2026. This increase is largely attributed to increasing operating expenses including planned wage adjustments, as well as legislative changes at the state and federal level that are resulting in increased costs and revenue cuts in various areas.
Meeker County Public Works recently lost the department’s Parks Manager. This vacancy caused the department to review current structure and consider enhancements. The department intends to combine some functions of the County’s public drainage systems and the County parks. The Commissioners moved to approve Public Works reorganization creating the new position of Parks & Drainage Manager and a new position of Parks & Drainage Technician.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch has announced a grant program for security improvements at courthouses. The remodel project of the Justice Center that was completed in 2025 largely left the courts section of the Courthouse untouched. The Board moved to approve of a resolution supporting a courthouse security grant and committing the required local match. The total cost for the court area remodeling work is estimated to be $84,796, with 50% of the cost covered by the grant. The County is committing $41,102 in local funds for items including: panic button replacement/expansion of $10,000; replacement of chairs with benches for $67,000; door replacements of $1,932; and jury deliberation sound dampening for $5,864.
The Commissioners also moved to approve of a 2-year law enforcement contract with the City of Watkins for 2027 and 2028; and moved to approve of an agreement with Govstack for services related to the County’s website. Facilities Manager Joel Ramthun presented an annual report to the Meeker County Board; and at the beginning of Tuesday’s meeting, Board Chair Beth Oberg read a proclamation recognizing WIC Coordinator Elaina Larson as a recipient of the MN WIC Everyday Hero Award.
