County Commissioners Board Meeting Observer Notes April 21, 2026
Started : 9:00 AM
Ended: 9:58 AM
All Commissioners were present.
Disclosure of Interest: NONE
Review of Agenda: Request by County Administrator requested to remove Item # 4. This item was not available on the agenda to view.
Request approved and the remaining agenda items were approved.
Consent Agenda Items: All items approved.
REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICIALS:
Request to proclaim April 2026 sexual assault and child abuse prevention month.
Managing Attorney Erin K. and Melissa, Outreach Manager from HOPE Coalition presented very compelling information and reason to go forward with this request, citing an increase in reporting abuse, the communities increased awareness and how they now have an expedited way of getting help for those abused to have medical exams and get support for counseling.
All of the Commissioners thanked them for their work as well as the information presented with the exception of Jason Majerus of District 4.
ADMINISTRATION:
Sheriff’s department request for travel out of state for a conference- Approved.
BOAT DIVISION:
Sheriff’s department requested to hire two non licensed temporary workers for the summer to allow for one officer and one temporary staff to be in a boat together rather than one officer alone. Approved
LAND USE MANAGEMENT:
Megan Smith, Land Use Management Director presented an update on the steps Goodhue County will be taking to rectify the unpermitted construction and land alterations on County land that is part of Byllesby Park, along with the Kullman property at 4659 Ridge Way, Cannon Falls.
County staff observed unpermitted work in August 2022 and issued a stop work order without obtaining compliance.
There was a lengthy discussion about the property which is leased from the County and work permits not being obtained before the current property inhabitants started work. There is a plan in place to rectify this starting in the Fall of this year.
Brad Anderson suggested sending a letter to the township outlining all of the details of the plan.
FINANCE AND TAXPAYER SERVICES:
Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) System Conversion Quote
Finance Director Lucas Dahling presented information on background on previous selection of Tyler Technologies in May 2021. Since converting in December 2023, they have received a significant amount of feedback from both internal and external stakeholders related to the CAMA portion of the system including not being user friendly, necessary data not being available, users having difficulty finding information, and too many clicks required to access information.
They have received a quote from Tyler Technologies to reconvert from the fully integrated solution to “CAMA Lite” for tax assessment system and administration only solution.
The cost for the project is $178,200, and $190,000 is in the 2026 budget.While the cost of the conversion is significant, it will lead to a decrease in ongoing operational costs. The cost will decrease by $25,000 per year.
This proposal was approved after hearing from several board members noting they have gotten complaints about the current system from constituents.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Staffing Report- an increase in exit interviews was reported by the County Administrator.
NEW and Old Business:
workshop follow up related to concerns about the upcoming Levy.
Apparently, numerous meetings about a possible 20% increase in taxes.
Jason Majerus stated he feels any further meetings are not a good use of time and “I won’t take my time for a meeting”.
Susan Betcher reported that she was the one asking for another meeting due to concerns about the ability of her constituents being able to afford this increase.
All the other commissioners agreed a meeting would be helpful for further discussion.Jason Majarus looked down at his hands during this discussion.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Linda Flanders, district 1 reported on a recent County Association meeting where there was discussion about smaller counties in the state possibly merging and working cooperatively with services(sharing equipment) to help offset a decrease in Federal funding and consequently State funding which awards funding to Counties.
also that Federal funding to Emergency Preparedness are being cut which is very concerning due to the increase in weather related emergencies, and that emergency workers should be considered essential.
Housing study coming from Olmsted County? The discussion was difficult to hear or understand the very brief discussion.