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County Board talks office shuffle for SWHHS, others

MARSHALL — A proposed expansion for health and human services offices at the Lyon County Government Center came back before county commissioners Tuesday. But the proposal still prompted some discussion. Commissioners had questions about how it would affect other offices that would move to make more room for Southwest Health and Human Services.

Last week, commissioners and county staff toured the government center to look at proposed office space for SWHHS. SWHHS Director Chris Sorensen said more space was needed for a growing number of health and human services staff. SWHHS has 113 people assigned to the Lyon County government center, and around 20 to 35 ancillary staff or commuters are present there daily, he said.

Lyon County Administrator Loren Stomberg gave commissioners a proposal Tuesday that would rearrange some existing offices to make extra room for SWHHS. The agency would lease space on the first floor of the government center, along with part of the former commissioners’ chambers on the second floor. In turn, the county Veterans Services Office and Southern Prairie Community Care would move into offices on the second and third floors of the government center.

Commissioner Rick Anderson said that was the part of the proposal he wasn’t sure about. He said SPCC, which is a 12-county collaborative group seeking to improve health and quality of live in southwest Minnesota, may also need some additional space for a growing number of staff at the government center.

“I’m not sure if this proposal is 100 percent there yet,” Anderson said.

“Does this need more discussion?” asked board chairman Paul Graupmann.

Stomberg said the process of moving SPCC into new offices wouldn’t happen overnight. The county could have some time to work out a plan for SPCC’s space needs.

Commissioners voted to approve leasing the proposed extra office space to SWHHS and continue working with SPCC.

• The city of Balaton will be taking over snow removal on part of a Lyon County road, and it could be a good arrangement for both the city and the county, said Lyon County Engineer Aaron VanMoer.

At Tuesday’s meeting, VanMoer asked commissioners to consider an agreement with Balaton for snow removal on a half-mile stretch of Lyon County Road 27. The road runs through the city, as 2nd Street. VanMoer said the city wanted to be able to plow the street, instead of waiting for a county snowplow.

“They’ve had a few struggles with the timing,” VanMoer said.

Under the proposed agreement, the county would reimburse the city of Balaton annually for the cost of removing snow from that portion of County Road 27. VanMoer said Lyon County has had a similar snow removal agreement with the city of Tracy for many years.

Commissioners voted to approve the agreement, with the condition that the county work with Balaton to set a term length for it.

• Commissioners also voted to award a quote for expanding the fire sprinkler system at the former ice arena building at the county fairgrounds. Lyon County Environmental Administrator Roger Schroeder said the sprinklers are part of renovations going on to allow for a mattress recycling program in part of the building.

“They’re getting done there,” Schroeder said of the project.

Schroeder said he and Stomberg have met with the Marshall city building official on the construction and sprinkler system additions.

The board approved a low quote of $13,780 from Breth-Zenzen Fire Protection, of St. Joseph.

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