The most contentious topic revolved around the allocation of $100,000 in opioid funding for jail health services. One commissioner proposed delaying the decision until the upcoming budget discussions, expressing concerns about the sustainability of the opioid funds. The sheriff’s office argued that using these funds would help mitigate an anticipated levy increase in 2025, emphasizing the rising costs of medical support in the jail, projected to reach $260,000 in the coming years. The sheriff underscored the importance of utilizing available funds creatively to manage these expenses, aligning with the treatment and rehabilitation efforts for inmates. Despite this, a motion was made to exclude the $100,000 item from consideration, focusing instead on approving a different amount of $19,309 related to opioid dollars, which passed without opposition.

Another major discussion centered around the request from a day program facility to decrease its onsite capacity from 40 to 8 individuals due to a lease expiration. The board debated the implications of this move, particularly whether reducing capacity was necessary given the new location’s smaller size. One commissioner suggested maintaining the original capacity of 40, arguing that the organization could still serve its current number of clients at the new location. Ultimately, the board decided to withdraw the initial motion to reduce the capacity and approved maintaining it at 40.

The board also addressed a funding request from Bridges of Hope related to the opioid coalition. A $200,000 request was tabled pending further discussion with the director, who was unavailable for the meeting. Additionally, a request for medication pass carts costing $928.37 awaited approval from the Minnesota Department of Health to utilize COVID funding. The board noted that approximately $400,000 remains available for community services, primarily tied to COVID-related expenses.

A comprehensive review of the Crow Wing County Comprehensive Plan for 2024 to 2040 was a significant agenda item. The plan, developed with community input through workshops and public comments, included a future land use map. The board discussed the need for periodic reviews of the plan, given the county’s fast-changing dynamics. A motion to approve the resolution adopting the comprehensive plan and the future land use map was made, seconded, and unanimously passed.

The board also approved the final plat of Ol’s Landing, confirming that all requirements had been met following earlier preliminary approval. This motion passed without dissent.

The session included a notable update from the County Sheriff, who shared a story about a jailer’s quick thinking that led to timely medical intervention for an inmate experiencing severe psychosis after ingesting psychedelic mushrooms. The inmate was discovered to have a brain bleed and was flown out for necessary medical care.

Further discussions included a proposal to appoint Tyler Gardner, the current mayor of Pequot Lakes, to the county Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) following the resignation of Michael Morford from District 2. The board noted Gardner’s potential as an asset, particularly as Pequot Lakes faced challenges related to residential housing. A motion to appoint Gardner and issue a certificate of appreciation for Morford’s service was seconded and passed unanimously.

The County Engineer provided updates on infrastructure developments, particularly the completion of a roundabout in Cross Lake at the intersection of County Road 3 and County Road 66, set to open on Thursday. Phase two of the project was scheduled to commence shortly after Labor Day. The engineer assured that traffic management during construction would be prioritized to minimize disruption.

A board member expressed sentiments about the recent primary election results, particularly the loss of Commissioner Doug Houge. The member reflected on Houge’s contributions, including major structural changes within the county that led to significant debt reduction and improved operational efficiency, emphasizing the impact of low voter turnout on the election.