BLUE EARTH — Faribault County commissioners have approved a 2019 property tax levy increase of 2.9 percent for the county.

The levy is set at $11.3 million, compared to $11 million for 2018, or a net increase of $327,179.

Meeting for the final time this year, commissioners also considered several other financial matters.

Dawn Fellows, Central Services director, presented the board with a proposal for non-union employees to receive a 3 percent general wage increase (cost-of-living adjustment) effective Jan. 1. The board approved the request.

The board also passed a resolution establishing commissioners yearly pay for 2019 at $20,930, a 3 percent increase from 2018. The per diem of $80 per day remained the same as last year. It was passed 4-1, with Commissioner Tom Warmka dissenting.

A resolution setting meal reimbursement allowances for employees traveling outside the county was approved. Breakfast and lunch reimbursement rates remained the same at $11 and $13, respectively. The dinner reimbursement was raised from $20 to $25. Warmka was the only commissioner to vote against the resolution.

The board also:

o Approved a resolution that designates oversight of aquatic invasive species to the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office. Faribault County is scheduled to receive a $30,000 state grant in 2019, on condition that the county establish guidelines for use of the proceeds, which are to prevent the introduction or limit the spread of AIS at all access sites within the county.