The Faribault County Board of Commissioners set the 2013 levy and budget at the Dec. 18 meeting.

The levy increase was set at 2 percent with a budget of $9,581,250.

Much of the increase will be seen going into the public works fund which was set at $1,050,000 in 2012.

At a previous county board meeting, public works requested a budget of $1,200,000 for 2013 an increase of $150,000.

The increase was approved and factored into the 2013 budget.

Commissioner Greg Young questioned what the levy increase would be without the large hike in public works funding.

Auditor John Thompson informed the board that the increase would be less than 1 percent with out the change in public works.

“Well the roads do need to be fixed,” Young says.

John McDonald, county engineer, stated at the September meeting that there are 280 miles of county roads so the funds are needed to maintain them over the next few years.

There were not any members of the public in attendance for the Truth in Taxation hearing. The board approved the budget and levy.

The board of commissioners also set the salary and per diem of the commissioners.

The salary was approved at $17,960 and the per diem at $80.

In other business;

Michele Stindtman, Planning and Zoning director, presented to the board amendments to select ordinances.

The ordinances needed to be reviewed and updated after legislative changes.

County Attorney Troy Timmerman reviewed the changes that were made.

“It seems to conform to the changes in the statute,”?he says.

The board questioned if these changes would affect the way conditional use permits (CUP) are issued.

“There really will not be anything new when it comes to CUPs,”?Stindtman says. “There will just be differences in formatting and language of the ordinances.”

McDonald reminded the commissioners that with the winter weather on the way drivers should remember to be aware of county employees.

“It’s illegal to plow snow across the road,”?he says. “And remember to slow down and let the guys do their jobs on the plows.”

Dave Hanson of the veteran service offices introduced a program to the board called Minnesota Military Funeral Honor Program.

The program ensures that veterans will receive the honors they deserve at their funeral, including; 21-gun salute, flag holders and taps.

The program is fully funded.