Call to Order – The Mitchell County Commissioners met in formal session on Monday, October 26, 2026. Chairman Mike Riemann and members Cole Eberle and Tom Claussen along with Heather Weston, County Clerk, were in attendance. The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Public Forum – Nancy Rush was present for the Data Center discussion.
Consent Agenda – The consent agenda was approved on motion by Tom Claussen. The motion was seconded by Cole Eberle and carried 3-0. The consent agenda consisted of the meeting agenda and the meeting minutes for October 19, 2026.
Mark Noah, County Attorney, was present to discuss a data center moratorium. The commissioners would like to put a moratorium in place that would allow both the commission and the planning commission to do their research. Noah wants to make sure the moratorium does not hinder an industry that is already present. The commission would like Noah to start as soon as possible on an 180-day moratorium with extensions possible. The commission will take it on a case-by-case basis and also look at resolutions for solar and wind. Noah will have a somethin ready for next meeting.
Tony Perez, Sheriff, was present for approval of Resolution 26-30 Department of Corrections Housing Rate. Cole Eberle moved to approve the resolution raising the per diem rate to $119.41. The motion was seconded by Tom Claussen and carried 3-0.
Employee wage discussions for the sheriff’s department jail staff were revisited. Perez requested to raise the new jail administrator to $22/hour and increase his other jail staff by $2/hour. This would move the starting pay for the sheriff’s department to $18/hour. All commissioners expressed that they did not want to do this at this time, there is a reason for the evaluation process that has been put into place. The commissioners informed Perez not to expect a raise for these employees at the end of the year. After a long discussion, Mike Riemann moved to increase Forest to $22/hr., Charles to $21.81, Lorenz to $21.08, Tice to $20/hr., and Redmond to $18/hr. The motion was seconded by Cole Eberle and carried 3-0. This decision was made to keep the Mitchell County jail open.
Marty Hernandez, Public Works, presented Resolution 26-29 Landfill Fees & Charges. Tom Claussen moved to approve Resolution 26-92. The motion was seconded by Cole Eberle and carried 3-0.
Missy McGinnis, EMS, is still working on balancing the books.
McGinnis updated the commission on the work being done on the building. The company found asbestos tile under the carpet, it will have to be removed along with cleaning the air ducts. Mold was found in expected spots. Currently they know they will have to replace a shower and some cabinets. The actual cleaning process starts this week. The commissioners asked for an estimate cost of the extra work and a record of all work done. McGinnis is getting quotes from the local flooring places.
Cole Eberle moved to approve a letter of support for Solomon Valley Transportation. The motion was seconded by Tom Claussen and carried 3-0.
Brian Eilert sent a letter requesting reappointment to the Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems Endowment Committee. Tom Claussen moved to reappoint Eilert. The motion was seconded by Mike Riemann and carried 3-0.
Greg Lane, Blue Cross Blue Shield, was present with the renewal for the county health insurance. The price has increased due to law changes dealing with prescription drugs. This affects the self-funded model. There is a 5.15% increase in the health and drug plan. The increase for the dental plan is 9.24%. Cole Eberle moved to approve the current county plan as is with the difference of the way the plan is funded. The motion was seconded by Tom Claussen and carried 3-0. Lane is available for a quarterly update and the commissioners agreed they would like this.
Lance Bergmann was present to discuss his vacation pay. Mike Riemann moved to approve the vacation payout of; 537.98 hours at his road rate and 54 hours at his jail rate. The motion was seconded by Tom Claussen and carried 3-0.
Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 11:16 a.m. on motion by Cole Eberle. The motion was seconded by Mike Riemann and carried 3-0.
