Douglas County Board Meeting June 17 2025

Once a year in June, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners has a 1 p.m. meeting so it can also hold a separate meeting afterward for people wanting to attend what’s called the Board of Appeal and Equalization Meeting which is held with the county assessor.

Sheriff’s Office

The board meeting began with a $5000 donation to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for its K-9 Unit. That donation was made anonymously although Sheriff Wolbersen says he’s aware of the donor’s name. Board Chair Jerry Rapp said he appreciated such a great donation.   

Public Works

Public Works Director and County Engineer Tim Erickson asked for and received from the board permission to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to construct a roundabout at County State Aid Highway 46 and Pioneer Road in Alexandria. This location is near the Alexandria Area High School and the new ALP Utilities Building. That roundabout would be constructed in 2027.

Commissioners also approved the 2025 Bridge Safety Inspection plan. That plan calls for inspecting 28 bridges across the county and the replacement of one. 

Land and Resource Management

Commissioners approved the subdivision of 131 acres in LaGrand Township south of Garfield. The plan is for nine residential lots which would each have a septic system.

They approved a two lot plat in Ida Township where the homes would connect to ALASD sewer. Commissioner Rapp made a motion that these homes have a salt free type water softener discharge system to prevent excessive salt going to ALASD and ultimately into the lakes. That motion was passed unanimously.   

Commissioners also approved a local business request to add a 60 x 80-foot storage building in Carlos Township.

The Planning Advisory Commission hears information on the request for conditional use permits and makes recommendations to the board. Up to eight members view the impacted land in all requests, traveling in a Ford Expedition that was difficult to enter and exit, especially from the third-row seat. Rush asked for and was given permission to purchase a transit passenger van for use by the Planning Advisory Commission and other departments upon request.

The next board meeting will be Tuesday, July 1 at 9 a.m. in the Administration Building 821 Cedar Street Alexandria.