Board of Commissioners - 04 Aug 2026

The Stearns County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on August 4, 2026, which included significant discussions on the redetermination of benefits for County Ditch 28. The board reviewed changes to the benefit assessments based on property owner feedback and considered a findings and order document to set the new benefit roles and cost shares for the ditch system. The assessment is a one-time special assessment, not a property tax, with options for multi-year payments. The board approved the findings and order with a 4-1 vote, acknowledging the complexity and fairness concerns surrounding the process. Additionally, the board approved rebid contracts for the Justice Center shed project, resulting in savings of over $270,000, and authorized the purchase of a brush cutter for $13,865 to be used for ongoing maintenance. Other topics included employee recognitions, updates on the Justice Center construction progress, and discussions on election voting procedures and community events. No new capital projects or major repair assessments were planned at this time for the ditch system.