Health and Human Services makes financial progress

Southwest Health and Human Services has been struggling financially in the past couple of years. But Tuesday the Lyon County Commissioners received a much more up-beat story from the agency.

Director Beth Wilms and Fiscal Manager Sarah Kirchner of Southwest Health and Human Services appeared before the board and Wilms said, “Eighteen months ago we were concerned about our financial well-being.”

“We’re still concerned, but we’ve made a lot of progress,” she added. Kirchner outlined several areas where they were able to cut the budget last year, including data processing, staff development and training, and payroll cuts.

“We really put the brakes on training,” she said, adding that every opportunity was vetted for value and necessity. Wilms noted changes in organizational structure and an effort for transparency with staff. She pointed out that SWHHS had been operating in a deficit for several years.

The commissioners listened attentively and expressed appreciation. Chairman Gary Crowley responded, “I’m very impressed with your numbers. Yet, you’re still providing all the services.”

Wilms took the compliment in stride, “We’re not very popular,” she quipped, suggesting the pain and stress caused by the financial cuts.

Wilms continued, “We have a great staff. It’s not been an easy two years.”

Feedlot report

Commissioners also received an annual report about county feedlots presented by Conservation Technician Devin Ryan. The report noted 282 current permits, with a slight reduction expected this year.

Commissioner Charlie Sanow inquired how many feedlots were not active. Ryan wasn’t sure but guessed around 50 lots were not active, but still had permits. The Soil and Water Department was not able to reach their inspection goal last year of 35 sites because the weather didn’t cooperate last fall.

But they were able to inspect 21 sites, above the minimum requirement. Only one feedlot was not in compliance. Chairman Crowley expressed appreciation for the Soil and Water workers.

“They’re doing an excellent job for us,” he said. “We can be proud of that.”

IN OTHER business, the commissioners:

•Approved a petition from Dave Hoff regarding penalty and interest abatement for property taxes due to unusual circumstances, which included Hoff not learning until this year that property taxes were past due. Commissioner Sanow observed, “In a normal circumstance, the board would not forgive the penalty and interest, but this is not a normal circumstance.”

• Agreed to continue the Sentence to Serve program for the next two years.

•Awarded a contract for bituminous paving to Central Specialties, Inc., for their bid of about $7,500,000. Commissioner Steve Ritter pointed out that with the completion of this project, Lyon County will be able to end the sales tax option, which is helping to raise $5.1 million for the project. Informal discussion suggested it might be possible next year if the revenue comes in as needed. Ritter also observed that the 2019 paving plan does not include County Road 3 northwest of Minneota because of problems caused by the high water table this year. •Hired several workers for seasonal help.

•Agreed to receive quotes for a commercial/industrial polystyrene (Styrofoam) densifier.