Waseca County authorizes EDA mortgage for workforce development center; federal interest protects $2.1M investment The county board authorized the chair to execute an EDA grant agreement that records a 20-year federal interest on property to protect a $2,100,000 EDA investment (roughly 70% of an estimated $3,000,000 project). Commissioners discussed implications for future county use and satisfaction of the mortgage.

Waseca County just secured a $2.1 million investment for a new workforce development center, but what does a 20-year federal interest really mean for the future?

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#WasecaCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #FederalFunding #WorkforceInvestment #EconomicDevelopment

Waseca County holds listening session as residents debate keeping shotgun-only deer zones or allowing rifles The Waseca County Board hosted a public listening session where staff presented safety studies and dozens of residents weighed in on whether the county should adopt an ordinance to retain shotgun-only deer zones or allow centerfire rifles under a recent state law change.

Waseca County is at a crossroads: should it stick with shotgun-only deer hunting or embrace centerfire rifles under a new state law?

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#WasecaCounty #MN #WasecaCountyDeerHunting #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #WildlifeManagement #CommunityInput

Waseca County broadband program wins national recognition; household connections begin March 1 County staff reported nearly $8 million in broadband funding secured, most from the state, and said provider Bevcom will begin connecting households March 1. Officials urged residents to apply to the Minnesota Line Extension Program (round 5) — up to $25,000 per connection under state statute.

Waseca County is on the brink of a broadband breakthrough, securing nearly $8 million and set to begin household connections this March!

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#WasecaCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #DigitalInclusion #RuralBroadband #CommunityConnect

Waseca County approves settlement to accept Steele County withdrawal from Mid Prairie joint powers After months of negotiation among Mid Prairie partner counties, Waseca County approved a settlement agreement formalizing Steele Countys withdrawal and authorized staff and the chair to execute the agreement; the board recorded a 4-1 roll-call vote in favor.

Waseca County has officially approved a settlement that paves the way for Steele County’s exit from the Mid Prairie joint powers, ensuring a swift transition for the remaining partners.

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#WasecaCounty #MN #GovernanceReform #RegionalStability #CitizenPortal #ServiceContinuity

Utilities outline Power On Midwest transmission study; only southeast corner of Waseca County lies in early study area Representatives from Great River Energy and ITC Midwest described Power On Midwest as a multi-decade, interstate-scale transmission project planned for eventual service around 20322034; presenters emphasized early routing studies, a certificate-of-need filing in 2026, and multiple public scoping meetings to follow.

A groundbreaking transmission line project, likened to a new interstate highway, is set to enhance energy reliability across southern Minnesota and the Midwest—are you ready for the future of power?

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#WasecaCounty #MN #SustainableDevelopment #EnergyInfrastructure

Waseca County Board approves 2026 officer slate, drainage damage rates, fee updates and appointments At its June 30 meeting the Waseca County Board of Commissioners appointed its 2026 chair and vice chair, adopted 2026 ditch damage rates and an amended fee schedule, designated publication outlets and approved appointments and a state emergency management grant; a bus contractor urged action on rural road maintenance during public comment.

The Waseca County Board has made crucial decisions for 2026, addressing drainage damage rates and public safety concerns, but what else was on the agenda?

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#WasecaCounty #MN #EconomicDevelopment #InfrastructurePlanning #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

Waseca commissioners approve ditch funding transfer and dispatch purchase; mixed results on salary measures At an evening meeting, the Waseca County Board approved a $124,000 transfer to cover potential ditch deficits, authorized purchase of an additional 9-1-1 dispatch console and took mixed votes on salary resolutions: county attorney pay was increased, a sheriff pay increase failed 3'to'2, and commissioners' salaries were later amended and approved after reconsideration.

Waseca County Commissioners approved a crucial $124,000 transfer to address potential ditch deficits and navigated mixed votes on salary increases, sparking significant discussions on budget priorities.

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#WasecaCounty #MN #CommunityEngagement #WasecaCountyGovernment

Waseca County approves 2026 budget and 6.12% levy after absorbing regional library costs The Waseca County Board of Commissioners approved a $39.5 million 2026 budget and a 6.12% total levy (a 3% operational increase for county programs), including absorption of the LaSueur–Waseca regional library budget of $563,634; no public comments were offered at the hearing.

Waseca County just approved a $39.5 million budget for 2026, raising the levy to 6.12% while absorbing regional library costs—what does this mean for taxpayers?

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#WasecaCounty #MN #WasecaCountyLibrary #BudgetTransparency #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #CommunityServices

Waseca County approves $5,000 one-time appropriation to shore up regional HRA as officials weigh future of voucher program Waseca County commissioners voted to provide a one-time $5,000 appropriation to the regional housing authority to cover overdrawn bank fees and keep rental assistance flowing while counties explore which agency might absorb federal vouchers before a HUD-driven timeline.

Waseca County is stepping up with a $5,000 emergency fund to keep vital rental assistance programs afloat as officials scramble to secure long-term solutions.

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#WasecaCounty #MN #CommunitySupport #HousingAssistance #LocalGovernance #CitizenPortal