County allocates $500,000 in CARES money

The highlights at the Lyon County Board meeting on Tuesday were the announcement of checks being dispersed to businesses and non-profits through Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding, Minnesota’s push to “go green,” and an update on the State’s buffer enforcement.
The total dollar amount the county will be allocating to approved applicants is $500,000, and checks will go out in the mail this week. The only sector mentioned in the meeting was fire departments that applied for less than $50,000 to assist with some extractions and washing machines for COVID-19.
Those receiving grant dollars will be getting a check along with a letter saying they were approved; the board mentioned the disappointment that they couldn’t offer more.
“Unfortunately, there were more rejection letters than approval letters because of the amount of funding that was requested,” Lyon County Administrator Loren Stomberg said.
Another hot topic this week was the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s move to adopt California’s low-emission vehicle and zero-emission vehicle mandates that ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles in the state by 2035.
Commissioners agreed the law taking effect in Minnesota is controversial.
The board highlighted a resolution by Nobles County that opposed the rule, arguing that the rule-making fails to address concerns that are specific to Minnesota and each county’s demographics and climate. The MPCA’s documents estimate that electric vehicles will eliminate 674 million gallons of fuel by 2034, but lack addressing the consequences such as the loss in county transportation revenue via sales tax, negative impacts with the local ethanol industry, and the likelihood that corn and soybean prices will tank.
“There’s absolutely no way that I appreciate being governed by rules,” Commissioner Charlie Sanow said. “When we elect officials to pass the laws that need to be changed ... One person’s opinion can make that decision rather than a very clear decision made by elected officials who are responsible by taxpayers?”
The board passed a motion to create a resolution in opposition to adopt the California Car Rule.
The board also received a buffer enforcement update from Planning and Zoning Administrator John Biren.
In 2015, through a legislative process signed by then-Gov. Mark Dayton, a statute was enacted that said public waters by Nov. 1, 2017, were required to be buffered by a 50-foot average. The law also requires buffers of 16.5 feet along ditches, and the county is responsible for enforcing the ordinance.
After the buffer ordinance was adopted, 3,400 parcels were impacted. In spring 2020, a “last chance” letter was sent out to owners of 300 parcels that were out of compliance. Biren stated that Lyon County currently has 100 parcels out of compliance.
“If they comply within 11 months, it’s forgotten and they’re in compliance, there’s no penalty or criminal prosecution. In essence, they have one more chance,” Biren said.
In other news, the board:
• Appointed Ron Hagerson to the Lyon County Extension Committee.
• Approved the acceptance of a $10 donation from Tricia Behmke to be placed in the DARE account.
• Approved the applications of Minneota and Balaton for the Local Road Improvement Program.
• Approved a half day of paid time off as the grand prize for employees participating in wellness challenges, department decorating competitions, jersey day, and St. Patrick’s “green day” during “March Madness” — March 15 through March 19.
• Approved the hire of Bradin Wyffels as property appraiser. The position is a pay grade 7 with a starting wage of $20.41 per hour. The start date is on or around March 16.