A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the persistent housing scarcity impacting the county’s ability to fill essential positions. One proposal considered by the board involved incorporating county-owned housing units into the capital budget. These units could be rented at market rates for temporary stays, providing much-needed accommodation for new employees relocating to the area. The board discussed this approach’s viability, noting the competitive housing market, as illustrated by a one-bedroom apartment receiving over 360 inquiries shortly after being listed.

The urgency of the housing issue was underscored by reports of new hires, including a deputy sheriff, facing delayed start dates due to the lack of available housing. The board acknowledged these challenges as long-standing, which continue to exacerbate recruitment difficulties. Efforts are being made to utilize various resources, including social media platforms, to locate available rentals in the community.

In tandem with the housing discussion, the board examined the onboarding process for new hires, particularly the training requirements set by the Department of Human Services (DHS). Training costs and potential liability risks were concerns, with the board recognizing the need to balance personal integrity and privacy within the department’s operations. The board noted the specific mandate of 30 hours of training for personnel involved in mobile crisis response, emphasizing the importance of clear expectations for relocation and in-person client interactions.

The meeting also highlighted the financial strain caused by staff shortages, with over 1,900 hours of overtime logged by October 4. This situation prompted a request for an in-depth salary report to assess whether the overtime expenses were being offset by unfilled positions. The board discussed the recruitment of in-home support providers, who offer essential services as independent contractors, noting the compensation challenges for these roles within the community.

The board’s efforts to exit the DHS Merit system were also examined, as members expressed appreciation for the ongoing navigation of this complex transition, drawing parallels with similar challenges faced by other counties.

Another noteworthy topic was the collaborative initiatives among counties, specifically regarding human resources and avoiding duplicated efforts. The board reported positive networking outcomes with neighboring counties and consultants, reducing the need for additional paid support. An additional revenue of $1,164.42 from Northstar foster care payments was also reported, contributing to the county’s budget considerations.

In a move to bolster behavioral health services, the board approved a business agreement with Qualifax for a behavioral health electronic record platform, pending certification of professional liability insurance. This platform is intended to support the developing mobile crisis response program, with funding anticipated through a crisis grant application for 2025.

The meeting concluded with updates on various community engagement initiatives. Social media strategies were introduced to promote restorative justice, while the Council on Aging faced public controversy over facility use, highlighting the challenges of misinformation on social media. Emergency preparedness exercises were reported, simulating severe weather scenarios to improve coordination among emergency services.

In terms of healthcare planning, discussions centered around holistic health, addressing issues like mental health exacerbated by social media and gaming, as well as substance abuse. The Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training shared updates on newly approved policies and ongoing collaborations to address HR issues.

The Public Health and Human Services Advisory Council reported on programs like monthly lunch and learn sessions for healthy aging and the expansion of home meal delivery services. Concerns about declining healthcare engagement among uninsured and younger populations were raised, with an emphasis on the need for preventive care.