County Board makes its point

Attorney Ron Schramel appeared before the board to request they adopt a resolution to approve three members be re-appointed to the Lincoln Pipestone Rural Water.
They are: Jerry Lonnemann of Adrian; Rodney Spronk of Edgerton and Joe Weber of Lake Benton.
The Lyon County Board previously voted not to approve the re-appointments based on the fact the local board doesn’t have a representative on this board and doesn’t have information on the financial situation.
After considerable discussion, Commissioner Charlie Sanow made a motion to approve the three appointments  to the Lincoln Pipestone Rural water board, with the stipulation the board discuss the possibility of a liaison position.
Schramel explained the appointment process to the county.
Commissioner Charlie Sanow said each county should have a person, “Even a liaison so we would have some way of access to information.” He added, “We need a person to bring back information to the counties.”
“We didn’t have anything against them (the appointments), we just wanted a conversation (with the Lincoln Pipestone Rural Water board). I can come to your meetings, but we need someone to be able to stand up and get information,” said Commissioner Sanow.
“I don’t think the board will be against that. They want more contact with the counties,” said Schramel.
“Our frustration is our residents are on the hook for 17 percent of the bonds and we have no input into it,” said Commissioner Rick Anderson.
Attorney Schramel said he said the board would be willing to discuss a liaison situation.
“I feel strongly that we need one county commissioner on the board. Not as a liaison, but on the board,” Commissioner Steve Ritter.
Two Minneota-area board members, Ken Buysse and Frank Engels were on hand for the discussion.
“We are open to come to your meetings for discussion, any time,” said Engels.