County Contract is Terminated with OnSolve after Data Breach

by Trinity Gruenberg

trinity@inhnews.com

The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, December 23.

Ag Society Lease

Commissioner Brian Winkels and County Attorney Kyra Ladd discussed the lease agreement between the county and the Agricultural Society for the management and use of the fairgrounds.

They reviewed changes to the contract’s language, especially sections covering liability insurance, what repairs and maintenance each party is responsible for, and what paperwork the Ag Society needs to provide the county—like proof of insurance and copies of other agreements with groups using the property, such as the local school.

There was discussion about the yearly funds the county provides for the fairgrounds. It was clarified that certain amounts are set aside for operations and others for repairs and maintenance. They agreed this budgeting is handled separately from the lease, so the contract shouldn’t lock in specific dollar amounts from year to year.

Board members debated how property taxes and city assessments (like the $12,000 assessment for water and sewer upgrades) should be handled, and whether the Ag Society or the county should pay these costs. There was concern about historical buildings on the fairgrounds, especially about what happens if they fall into disrepair or if the historical status ever changes what’s required for upkeep or demolition.

In the end, the group agreed the current version of the lease could serve as a one-year agreement, giving both parties time to gather feedback and consider any improvements for a more permanent contract in the future. The lease was approved.

Water Connection to Event Center

Commissioner Ron Noon discussed an ongoing problem with getting water connected to the Event Center, (also known as the 4-H building). Earlier in the year, the county hired a contractor to run a new water line up to the outside of the building. However, the contractor was not licensed to complete plumbing work inside the building, which is required by state regulations.

There was an expectation that a local plumber would help finish the connection into the building, but delays happened due to issues with securing the right permits and getting the plumber to complete the work. As a result, the project stalled, leaving the water line ending just outside the building and no running water inside.

Commissioners expressed frustration over the lack of progress, as the building needs water service for upcoming renovations and programming, including space for 4-H and Extension activities. They discussed whose responsibility it should be to finish the job—from both the county and the Friends Of Wadena County Youth perspective—and noted that clear direction is needed on how to move forward.

Commissioners decided to look up the details of previous agreements and bring the matter back for further review at a future meeting so they can determine who should take the next steps to finish the water connection...

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