The Wright County Board unanimously appointed Charles Webb as county surveyor during its May 20 meeting, formalizing his role after serving as interim surveyor since January.

Webb had held the interim position following Steve Job's retirement on Jan. 31. County Administrator Mark Matise told the board that Webb had proven himself during the transition period and maintained strong relationships with department staff. The appointment became effective May 20.

The board also approved three resolutions related to road construction projects. Two resolutions authorized eminent domain proceedings for the Highway 35 and County Road 8 roundabout intersection and the County Road 137 project near Interstate 94. County Engineer Chad explained both actions were procedural steps to maintain federal and state grant timelines, with negotiations continuing in good faith with property owners.

A third resolution approved a fund swap agreement with Benton County for the Highway 35 and County Road 8 project. The arrangement allows Wright County to exchange federal safety funds for state aid funds, providing additional time for right-of-way acquisition while avoiding federal prevailing wage requirements.

The board addressed several committee recommendations, including ditch maintenance work and budget discussions. Members also approved an ordinance amendment restoring solar energy security deposit requirements that were inadvertently omitted during a 2022 code rewrite. The amendment reinstates minimum security amounts based on project megawatts, with values increased by $100,000 from 2021 levels.