March 24, 2026

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to order at 9:00a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund, Ed Arnesen and Buck Nordlof. Also present was Deputy Auditor-Treasurer Anna Sanchez. 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add: CVSO Office.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes of March 10, 2026.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $78,352.64; Commissioners Warrants $1,744.20; Commissioners Warrants $5,046.48.

Auditor/Treasurer

Claims

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $19,927.90; Road & Bridge $17,312.20; County Development $200.00; Solid Waste $1,172.45; EDA $1,302.17.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION 

Warrants Approved On 3/24/2026 For Payment 3/27/2026 

Vendor Name Amount 

Avenu Insights & Analytics 8,212.07 

Counties Providing Technology 4,583.00 

Integris LLC 2,240.07 

Rainy Lake Oil, Inc 2,399.70 

39 Payments less than 2000 22,479.88 

Final Total: 39,914.72 

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: March 11, 2026 for $5,794.95; March 13, 2026 for $488,208.09; March 18, 2026 for $52,531.09.

Letter of Support-City of Baudette Affordable Housing

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the request for a letter of support to Representative Duran, and Senator Steve Green regarding funding for Westwood Housing and for Chair Joe Grund to sign the same.

Affidavit of Lost Warrant

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the affidavit of lost warrant number 104551.

Public Works

Permission to Advertise, Interview, & Hire Summer Help-Highway

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the request to advertise, interview, and hire summer help for the highway department.

City of Baudette-Services & Supply Contract Renewal

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the renewal of contract between the City of Baudette and Lake of the Woods County for road maintenance services effective 1/1/2026-12/31/2027.

Sheriff

Salary Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the salary for County Sheriff Gary Fish in the amount of $125,000.00 retroactive to January 1, 2026 with the removal of Stonegarden for the Sheriff.

County Veterans Services Officer Office Space

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to rent office space at 212 Main Ave N. for the County Veteran’s Services Officer Rick Rone.

Mike Hirst-2025 County Feedlot Officer Annual Report

Mike Hirst reviewed the 2025 Feedlot Annual Report and gave a brief update.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the 2025 LOTW County Feedlot Report and for Chair Joe Grund to sign the same.

DNR Fisheries-Matt Skoog

DNR Fisheries Supervisor Matt Skoog gave an update about the sturgeon and walleye population and discussed the various fish trends and the process for repopulation.

DNR Wildlife-Charlie Tucker

DNR Wildlife Supervisor Charlie Tucker gave an update on various wildlife management projects and answered questions from board members regarding wildlife population.

Adjourn

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:25 a.m.

Attest: April 14, 2026

________________________________             _________________________________

Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Anna Sanchez Chair Joe Grund