Presenter reviewed proposed 2027 highway and bridge program (roughly $9.9M), recommended using construction funds for project engineering to reduce levy pressure, and highlighted specific projects and federal grant support for several bridge and paving efforts.

After a detailed staff presentation, the Waseca County Board accepted the Community Corrections Act comprehensive plan and approved minor bylaw changes for the advisory board; the plan emphasizes training, evidence-based practices and managing an expanded felony caseload.

County staff presented an operational plan to make the new judicial center and a 72‑hour jail model work together, proposing two additional deputy positions, partnering with a neighboring county to house inmates longer than 72 hours (daily housing rate discussed), and directing staff to produce usage and transport data to set an implementation date.

Local school administrators briefed the Waseca County Board on a proposed constitutional amendment to change Minnesota’s Permanent School Fund distribution formula, saying a three‑year averaging method and a 4.5% payout could stabilize and increase annual payments to districts without raising taxes.

The board voted to appoint members to the Community Corrections Advisory Board, accepted final work and authorized final payments on several road and bridge contracts, and approved starting a sale process for two landlocked parcels (staff noted the county assessor recommended 50% of assessed value); commissioners also held an extended discussion about regional library governance and budget implications for 2027.

Project representatives told Waseca County commissioners that the Power on Midwest 765‑kilovolt transmission proposal is intended to meet roughly 25% regional electricity growth, that one broad corridor "touches the bottom edge of Waseca County," and that open houses and Minnesota PUC permitting are next steps.

Mid Prairie presented a quarterly report to the Waseca County Board on May 20, outlining expansion of mobile crisis coverage across four counties, SERC admission updates, widespread Narcan distribution at community events, and a planned AI assistant to speed eligibility work. The agency also described challenges placing youth and state-driven child-welfare changes.

Waseca County commissioners asked the sheriff to return in June with operational planning for a move into new space and discussed regionalization and budgeting implications. Commissioners emphasized maintaining local control and ensuring court access and corrections continuity during any transition.

The county board authorized the chair to execute an EDA grant agreement that records a 20-year federal interest on property to protect a $2,100,000 EDA investment (roughly 70% of an estimated $3,000,000 project). Commissioners discussed implications for future county use and satisfaction of the mortgage.

The Waseca County Board hosted a public listening session where staff presented safety studies and dozens of residents weighed in on whether the county should adopt an ordinance to retain shotgun-only deer zones or allow centerfire rifles under a recent state law change.

County staff reported nearly $8 million in broadband funding secured, most from the state, and said provider Bevcom will begin connecting households March 1. Officials urged residents to apply to the Minnesota Line Extension Program (round 5) — up to $25,000 per connection under state statute.

After months of negotiation among Mid Prairie partner counties, Waseca County approved a settlement agreement formalizing Steele Countys withdrawal and authorized staff and the chair to execute the agreement; the board recorded a 4-1 roll-call vote in favor.

Representatives from Great River Energy and ITC Midwest described Power On Midwest as a multi-decade, interstate-scale transmission project planned for eventual service around 20322034; presenters emphasized early routing studies, a certificate-of-need filing in 2026, and multiple public scoping meetings to follow.

At its June 30 meeting the Waseca County Board of Commissioners appointed its 2026 chair and vice chair, adopted 2026 ditch damage rates and an amended fee schedule, designated publication outlets and approved appointments and a state emergency management grant; a bus contractor urged action on rural road maintenance during public comment.

At an evening meeting, the Waseca County Board approved a $124,000 transfer to cover potential ditch deficits, authorized purchase of an additional 9-1-1 dispatch console and took mixed votes on salary resolutions: county attorney pay was increased, a sheriff pay increase failed 3'to'2, and commissioners' salaries were later amended and approved after reconsideration.

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners approved a $39.5 million 2026 budget and a 6.12% total levy (a 3% operational increase for county programs), including absorption of the LaSueur–Waseca regional library budget of $563,634; no public comments were offered at the hearing.

Waseca County commissioners voted to provide a one-time $5,000 appropriation to the regional housing authority to cover overdrawn bank fees and keep rental assistance flowing while counties explore which agency might absorb federal vouchers before a HUD-driven timeline.