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IVANHOE -- The Lincoln County Board approved a property tax levy increase of 1.5% by a 3-2 vote at its regular meeting on Tuesday.
Dissenting were District 2 Commissioner Mic VanDeVere and District 4 Commissioner Joe Drietz. The vote occurred after a prior motion to increase the levy to three percent failed.
In other business the commissioners agreed to defer action on a motion to approve a quote from Bisbee Plumbing and Heating for upgrades to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning of the county courthouse for $102,734 per floor. The commissioners were informed that estimates of further costs for electrical and finish work were not yet available and agreed to consider the motion again when all cost estimates were in.
The commissioners voted to approve the purchase of a computer server for the sheriff's office from Computerman Inc. in Marshall for $15,792. The bid was the lower of two for the same server.
Lincoln County Sheriff Chad Meester explained the new server would be used for internal operations for the Sheriff's Department. A dedicated server for the department increases security from potential hacking.
Lisa Graphenteen, a consultant for Developmental Services Inc., briefed the commissioners on a request for proposal for an archeological survey of county park trail improvements and a sledding hill.
Archeological surveys are required by law for projects that involve moving earth to make sure no archeological data is destroyed and are usually conducted after an engineering review.
The commissioners agreed to defer action until spring after county engineers finished designing the improvements.
Lake Benton resident and member of the of the Lincoln County Historical Society Karen Lichtsinn reminded everyone 2023 is the 150th anniversary of the founding of Lincoln County and suggested some kind of commemoration might be in order.
Lichtsinn said ordinarily such events are planned for at least a year in advance and suggested on such short notice they might want to build a float for various parades held throughout the year and perhaps issue a commemorative medallion.