Auditor/treasurer has served for 42 years in county government

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

The five-person Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners, on Tuesday morning, March 25, honored retiring County Auditor-Treasurer Wayne Stein for his 42 years of service to county government. He ran for county auditor in 1990 and was reelected to seven more four-year terms until it became an appointed position in 2022, under the title of auditor-treasurer.

“Wayne was an excellent county employee during his years of work for the residents of Otter Tail County,” said County Board Chairman Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids. “He ensured the integrity of elections and won the respect of election workers all across the county.”

Stein, over the years, was also responsible for submitting to the county board the details of a county budget and levy which today totals
approximately $145 million. Close to 39 percent of the county budget is funded with local property tax dollars. The additional needed funding comes from the state and federal governments.

A retirement party was heled for Stein Tuesday afternoon, March 25. He will officially retire on March 31.

“My hope is that I have helped a lot of people over the years,” Stein said to attendees at his retirement party. “The best part of my job was working alongside many good people in county government. I also enjoyed working with county residents in the communities and townships throughout Otter Tail County.”

County Commissioners and County Administrator Nicole Hansen also praised Stein for having an outstanding reputation while working with state officials in St. Paul, on behalf of county government. A resolution from the Minnesota State Senate, honoring Stein, was read during his retirement party.

Commissioners, at their morning gathering, appointed Kris Vipond to serve as interim deputy administrator and perform the duties of auditor-treasurer, starting April 1. 

County bus service

changes being made

Otter Express bus service, operated for many years in Otter Tail County by Fergus Falls-based Productive Alternatives, is shifting to a proposed Joint Powers Board consisting of county government and the communities of Fergus Falls, Pelican Rapids and Perham.

“Hopefully more communities such as Parkers Prairie, which has an interest in bus service, will become part of the Joint Powers Board,” said County Deputy Administrator Nick Leonard to county board members on March 25.

“Public transportation, and bus service in particular, is very important here in Otter Tail County,” said County Commissioner Kurt Mortenson of rural Underwood.

Leonard said action is needed now, even though the changeover from Productive Alternatives to a Joint Powers Board would likely not take place until June 30, 2026. Grant applications need to be completed through the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) in the near future.

“After grants are obtained, we will have ample time to set priorities for bus service in Otter Tail County,” Leonard added.

OT county’s

long-range plan

Otter Tail County’s long-range strategic plan update was provided to county commissioners by Community Development Director Amy Baldwin on Tuesday morning, March 25. 

“Our county values the existing character and quality of life of its communities, while thoughtfully planning for a resilient tomorrow,” Baldwin said. “Year-round and seasonal residents are all members of the Otter Tail County fabric. Efforts will continue to support both groups and visitors, alike.”

On the county website, it is written that the agricultural and community resources of the county provide access to a high quality of life throughout all areas. Efforts through the long-range plan will be continued to preserve and enhance these amenities. 

Housing options, employment variety, arts and culture, clean lakes, active and passive recreation and a welcoming community are major contributors to the quality of life that are reviewed and managed on a regular basis. 

“Efforts will be made to encourage improvements in the county long-range plan,” Baldwin said. “Otter Tail County provides a welcoming environment with options for everyone to live their best life here.”

County works on

energy savings

Otter Tail County government seeks the advice of Otter Tail Power Company to save energy and lower costs for county residents. Their expertise, as examples, are in lighting and providing rebates for energy-efficient motors.

The county also works with other organizations to help keep energy costs as low as possible.

Twin Cities-based McKinstry has many clients across the state of Minnesota. They help clients such as city and county governments maintain high-performing buildings. And while they do projects just by themselves they do, when possible, work jointly with entities such as Otter Tail Power Company. 

McKinstry working with Otter Tail Power to help county government operate more efficiently is to the liking of county commissioners. “This joint effort would also meet with approval from county residents,” said Commissioner Bob Lahman of Parkers Prairie.

Otter Tail County desires to enter into an agreement to have McKinstry perform a study to determine the feasibility of entering into an energy savings project as well as other professional services. Commissioners said they will encourage joint projects, with McKinstry working alongside Otter Tail Power Company in order to better maintain county buildings.