The Murray County Board adopted a joint powers agreement enabling issuance of $8,071,000 in general-obligation bonds to fund part of Red Rock Rural Water System’s $16 million project to connect about 350 residences near Lake Shetek and Lake Sarah; board members approved the JPA July 15 and the attorney required all nine counties’ approval before bond issuance.

The board voted Sept. 2 to approve a joint powers agreement enabling Lincoln‑Pipestone Rural Water to use county-issued general obligation bonds for a $43.27 million system upgrade; Minnesota statute makes the 10 participating counties pro rata backstops if LPRW defaults.