Brown County approves four-way stop resolution

North-south traffic will soon be required to stop at the intersection of Brown County Highway 10 and 14W.

That's the highway intersection west of DemKota Ranch Beef, which is south of Aberdeen. South Fifth Street in Aberdeen turns into Brown County Highway 10 outside the city limits. Highway 14W is also 135th Street.

Brown County Highway Superintendent Dirk Rogers presented a resolution Tuesday to the county commission, seeking to upgrade this intersection to a four-way stop. He discussed the plan with the commission in August.

More:Brown County Commission accepts $459,855 bid for road to access Elm Lake from the west

The resolution is based on changes in traffic patterns at that intersection.

Rogers said a stop sign can only be placed if one of eight criteria is met. In this case, he said, there's been a change in local traffic patterns with more east-west traffic going to the beef plant, but employees heading to work as well.

Signs will be installed within the next week, Rogers said following the meeting.

The change is being made with support from the Brown County Sheriff's Office.

Proposals to be sought for rodeo organizer

In other action, commissioners agreed to seek requests for proposals for organization of the two-day rodeo at the Brown County Fair.

Fair Manager Rachel Kippley said Sutton Rodeo was offered the third-year option on their contract, but the company declined because they lost money this year.

"What they'd hoped is to make an addendum," Kippley said.

More:Brown County commissioners tweak library funding in 2023 budget, set raises at 3%

After some discussion among the commission as to whether Sutton Rodeo's service falls under professional services or is a contract that falls under bid requirements, commissioners agreed to put out a request for proposals. A draft of the RFP will be presented to the commission next week for consideration.

In other discussion, Kippley said the Brown County Fair Foundation is raising money to purchase a Rainbow Playset for the fairgrounds.

2023 budget approved

County Commissioners also gave final approval Tuesday to the 2023 budget. No changes were made.

The 2023 budget includes a 3% salary increase for county employees and a substantial increase in the county's contingency fund.

The contingency fund, which is intended for unanticipated expenses throughout the year, is often set at $250,000. It will be $750,000 for next year. This change was made in anticipation of unbudgeted expenses if development moved forward on the new building purchased by the county for a regional jail.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Brown County approves resolution creating four-way stop near DemKota