BLUE EARTH– The Faribault County Board of Commissioners had a short agenda to work though when they met for the second time of the month on Tuesday.

One of the topics on their list was receiving an update from Allen Aukes of Midwest IT regarding the contract the county has with Midwest IT and additional services which are now being offered by the company.

“We no longer require an ongoing long-term contract,” Aukes told the commissioners. “Your decision risk is reduced by having a month-to-month agreement. Most of our new clients are selecting the month-to-month option.”

Aukes explained the cost to the customer is the same whether it is a monthly or yearly contract.

Aukes also informed the commissioners that Midwest IT is a member to the Technology Assurance Group which is an association of Managed Technology Services Providers (MTSPs).

“It gives us access to co-op purchasing,” Aukes commented. “It is the best of both worlds – we have a national footprint while maintaining a local presence.”

The commissioners expressed their concern about cyber security and referenced Winona County, which has been hit with two ransomware attacks already in 2026 that has affected key services, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and property records.

“It is a real concern,” Aukes concurred. “The number of incidents is actually decreasing. However, the dollar amount of each incident is increasing.”

Aukes shared that Midwest IT is ISO 27001 compliant for cyber security.

“Only five percent of Microsoft partners obtain that Tier 1 compliance,” Aukes stated. “It means we have passed a three-part audit on our policy, procedures and processes.”

Aukes concluded his talk by sharing that the installation of the panic button system is in progress.

“The Sharepoint Storage Project is also in progress,” he said. “We have completed work at the Veterans Services Office and are working on the auditor/treasurer office next and then the assessor’s office.”

The board also:

— Approved a precious metal dealer license for Winnebago Coins LLC.

— Approved the training request of Kara Bendickson of the assessor’s office to attend the Minnesota Association of Assessing Officers summer seminar in order to meet requirements for state of Minnesota licensure.