Martin County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a resolution supporting legislation to provide necessary funding to the statewide transportation system,with county officials saying it is the job of state lawmakers and Gov. Tim Walz to figure out how to pay for it.
County Engineer Kevin Peyman said a key factor for his department is to have consistent, reliable and adequate funding to maintain county roads. He estimates the county has a $2 million annual shortfall when it comes to highway dollars.
Walz has proposed a 20-cent hike in the per-gallon gas tax, while his Republican opponents, who control the Senate, have balked at that proposal. They favor shifting motor-vehicle related tax revenue to spending on transportation.
Martin County Commissioners have begun a process to repair the courthouse roof and dome.Commissioners on Tuesday agreed that the initial step will be the tuck-pointing of the dome masonry. Commissioners agreed to hire architect/engineering firm ISG of Mankato to conduct site evaluation, provide construction documents, assist with permitting and oversee bidding for the tuck-pointing project. The county will pay ISG $26,000. It is also possible that additional tuck-pointing will be needed on other areas of the courthouse, with County Coordinator Scott Higgins saying that up to 25 percent of the building may need work.
Commissioners also declared a state of emergency in the county related to the rapid snow melt and spring rains that occurred in March. The declaration allows the county to pursue state and possibly federal disaster relief, which would reimburse public entities for expenses they have incurred because of flooding.Also approved was the hiring Grant Carlson for the seasonal position of county parks caretaker, effective April 15. The position will run for eight months at a rate of $14.43 per hour and is not eligible for county benefits. The board accepted the resignation of Troy Manzey, motor grader Operator in the Dunnell shop and authorized recruitment to fill that position.