Rod Peterson served as the Board Chair for 2023 for the Dodge County Board of Commissioners. In his board chair ‘review of the year’ address given during the December 26 meeting, he talked about how professional the group is and how well the members work together.

He said, “We come from different backgrounds with differing opinions. Although we disagree on issues, we have been able to accept the decision of the majority and move on without resentment or bitterness. We all seem to strive to make the best of what we have and not concern ourselves with esoteric issues. We don’t accept defeat but work with each other and staff to find a solution that we all can accept. We are the true definition of leadership – looking forward, working together and not accepting less. In my opinion we have the best county board in the state, and I am proud and honored to sit at the table with you all.”

Rod has represented District 3 in the County since he was first elected to the position in 2013. He plans to retire from the board at the end of 2026, so this was his last time acting as board chair.

He also talked about the tremendous team behind the Board.

He said, “Additionally, what makes this county great is the excellent staff and personnel we have in carrying out the mandates of the county. They work within the framework they are given but seek out ways to improve. Although we as the board have not been able to always accommodate the requests of the staff, they have accepted the answer and carried on the best they could. I am proud of having such a great county staff. We are not so big to be impersonal, yet not so small as to not try to correct issues.”

He talked about the tasks that were accomplished during the past year.

1. The completion of the remodel to the Dodge County Highway Department facility at 16 Airport Dr. S., Dodge Center. The original facility was built in 1980 and the renovation was sorely needed.
2. Construction has begun on the four-season building at the county fairgrounds in Kasson.
3. Capital bonding funds have been received from the state for stabilization of the Wasioja Seminary walls and for the renovation of the transfer station.
4. The detachment of the park land from the city of Kasson. A grant from the Department of Natural Resources is also helping fund the restoration and enhancement of these acres for a county park east of the county Transfer Station/Recycling Center. The land for the park is a designated buffer zone adjacent to the Transfer Station facility and therefore cannot be developed.
5. The opening of the ReUse building. Rod said he particularly wanted to thank personnel from Environmental Services for their forward thinking and diligence in accomplishing this major goal.
6. Authorizing funds for the improvement of water lines and for the rerouting of power lines on fairground property.
7. Establishing a new funding formula for Mn Prairie Alliance and allowing Jane Hardwick to work with the State Office of Management and Budget services to begin the process of establishing the new Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
8. Beginning the process of turning back county roads to townships where appropriate and receiving the turnback of Old Highway 14 from the state.
9. Establishing the new ordinance on cannabis consumption in the wake of the new law from the state.

The County commissioners also worked on solar farms, wind farms, developments in One Watershed/One Plan, and changes in Corrections, Extension, Union contract Memos of Understanding and numerous other items.