BROWN COUNTY — Brown County Commissioners unanimously tabled a request authorizing the application for Hazard Mitigation Funds and a resolution to acquire a home along the Minnesota River Tuesday.

Tabling the request for another property appraisal came on a motion by Commissioner Scott Windschitl, seconded by Commissioner Dean Simonsen.

The cost to purchase the home located at 10914 Shag Road was appraised at $245,000 by Novotny Real Estate of Sleepy Eye. In addition, preliminary work, inspections, demolition, site restoration estimated at $32,225 for a total of $277,225.

“I have some real concerns on this issue,” Commissioner Windschitl said. “I was told by a realtor that the home sold for $124,000 in 2011. I feel like I’m being gouged here.”

Homeowner Candy Kral said the property was very rundown, bat-infested when it was purchased in 2011.

“We put a lot of money into concrete and updating it,” Kral said.

The residence is located within the 100-year Flood Elevation of the Minnesota River. The flood elevation has increased over the years due to a number of things including increased precipitation, impervious surfaces, drainage and improved flood modeling.

The Hazard Mitigation Grant will pay 75% of the $276,000 project limit or about $207,000. The homeowner will be responsible for the remaining 25% and any overage from the $276,000 limit. Their portion would be based on the appraisal, closing, etc. not covered by the grant.

If approved, Brown County Emergency Management will seek quotes on home demolition, well/septic abandonment and associated costs.

Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) grants are used to lessen the risk of death to people and/or damage to property from a multitude of hazards. The Brown County Hazard Mitigation Plan lists the acquisition of homes located in the floodplain as a usually less expensive option than mitigation projects that fix the problem by other means.

Commissioners unanimously approved:

• A $31,250 low quote from Zinniel Electric Co., Sleepy Eye for labor and materials to complete the Brown County Jail Camera Conduit installation, motion by Commissioner Windschitl, seconded by Commissioner Simonsen.

There were 49 cameras installed in the jail that require conduit. Additional quotes were received from Full Service Electric Inc., New Ulm, $47,620; and Paul’s Electric Inc., New Ulm, $72,293.

• Authorizing election services with School District 85 (Springfield Public School) to conduct a bond referendum election on May 12, 2020, motion by Commissioner Jeff Veerkamp, seconded by Commissioner Simonsen.

• A Brown County Human Services 2019 Performance Management Statistics for Child Support report from Director Barb Dietz and Child Support Supervisor Denise Kuehn, motion by Commissioner Windschitl, seconded by Commissioner Tony Berg.

Brown County was one of only three Minnesota counties that maximized all five measurements. Brown County was the only county in the region that made the current child support paid measure and has been above the 80% threshold for the past six years.

“This speaks incredibly highly of our child support unit,” Dietz said. “Obviously, this is due to their great work and the county attorney’s office. They continue to be diligent in working for the children in our county by establishing paternity, developing court orders and enforcing child support payments.”

Commissioner Windschitl called the report “fantastic.” “Kudos for being one of three Minnesota counties,” said Commissioner Berg.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.