Rice County Commissioners Appoint Interim Sheriff

Jesse Thomas, Chief Deputy with the Rice County Sheriff's Office was appointed to fill the remainder of retiring Sheriff Troy Dunn's term. The vote was unanimous by the County Board of Commissioners at their meeting this morning in Faribault.

Sheriff Dunn wrote a letter suggesting Thomas be appointed and contacted each of the Commissioners prior to the meeting.

At the meeting the outgoing Sheriff stated, "Jesse's been with Rice County for 25 years. He's been my number two for the last seven years. I believe he's ready for this position. I feel that by appointing him to take the last 13 and a half months (remaining term of office) will keep things moving smoothly here in Rice County and at the Sheriff's Office. He will represent the county well in that position so I would just respectfully ask that you appoint him upon my retirement at 4:30 on November 12th."

Commissioner Jim Purfeerst moved and Commissioner Steve Underdahl seconded that Thomas be appointed to fill the remainder of Sheriff Dunn's term.

Board Chair Jeff Docken addressed Thomas saying, "I really do think that you will make a good Sheriff. It's nice to do it this way because we have somebody that's been on the force."

Thomas told Commissioners he's enjoyed the past 25 years, "I don't plan on leaving. I haven't let anybody down yet and I don't plan on it. I've got a few things I'd like to take care of in house." He did not elaborate.

The County Board also voted to hire Contegrity Group Incorporated (CGI) to be the Construction Manger for the new Law Enforcement Center/Jail.

The firm is based in Little Falls, Mn.

Commissioner Galen Malecha cast the lone dissenting vote on the hiring.

The Preliminary Tax Levy for 2022 by Rice County was set at $31,058,107 which is a 4.45% increase. Also the Rice County Housing and Rehabilitation Authority levy is $199,105 whic is a 1.94% increase over last year.

A public hearing on the tax levy will be held Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioner's Room of the Rice County Government Services Building in Faribault.

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