The Mower County Board of Commissioners received a $19,000 grant to apply for video conferencing equipment to be used in the government center.

“It’s kind of the wave of the future,” said county coordinator Craig Oscarson.

Some of the social workers and financial officers already use video conferencing equipment for online training, and the grant will allow further usage for employees.

Oscarson said this may open the door for more departments to use the technology in the future.

The county isn’t paying for any of the costs of the equipment. Commissioner Tim Gabrielson said it will be a good way for the county to save money.

“It saves money instead of sending them (employees) to different seminars,” Gabrielson said.