The Martin County Board of Commissioners has approved a three-percent rent increase for Human Services of Faribault and Martin Counties but tabled a proposed five-percent increase for the Fairmont Police Department’s lease at the Law Enforcement Center. Commissioners want more discussion on whether the increase should be higher as the county prepares for planned improvements to the building. The board also approved advertising for bids on parking lot improvements at the county’s North State Street building in Fairmont, where several county departments will eventually relocate. Commissioners also accepted a low bid of just over $16,000 for fiber installation at the site. In other action, the board approved a five-year tax abatement request for Cress Refrigeration’s planned 6,400-square-foot expansion, approved a conditional use permit for Duane Rosburg Construction and Linda Shaw to operate a demolition disposal facility and recycling facility in an agricultural district, made several personnel appointments, and heard updates from the county’s 4-H program, the Empower Coalition, and the highway department. The Martin County Board of Commissioners meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 9:00 AM in Room 103 on the first floor of the Martin County Courthouse.
The Sherburn City Council has approved a seven-thousand-dollar assessment of the community building to help prioritize future repairs. The study will evaluate the building’s electrical systems, infrastructure, and code compliance before providing cost estimates for needed improvements. Council members also continued discussions on the city-owned Sherburn Theatre, requesting financial information from the operators by July 15 as they consider a formal operating agreement. The council also addressed nuisance properties, approved the sale of surplus city equipment, and heard updates from the police department. The next council meeting is July 20 at Sherburn City Hall.