The commissioners noted that while local representatives are approachable, reaching broader state and federal legislators requires active advocacy. The board also considered feedback from other counties, such as Shago County and Washington County, which expressed satisfaction with the lobbying firm’s services.

In addition to lobbying, the meeting addressed the county’s utilization of American Rescue Plan dollars received due to COVID-19, with around $3 million allocated towards expanding broadband access in collaboration with Benton Cooperative. This effort was emphasized as pivotal, with fiber installation being provided at no cost to residents or businesses. The remaining funds were directed towards infrastructure improvements, including water and sewer upgrades in various cities, supporting residential development projects like the construction of over 40 homes in Rice and a new water tower in Gilman.

The commissioners discussed the proposed 4.98% levy increase for 2025, a topic that sparked concerns from local farmer Glenn Cashm, president of the Benton County Farm Bureau Federation. Cashm highlighted the burden of rising taxes on agriculture, the county’s primary industry, and warned of a 30% reduction in gross revenue for 2024 due to declining crop prices. He called for budgetary support for agriculture, stressing the importance of maintaining infrastructure for agricultural transport. The board acknowledged the importance of agriculture, noting that 85% of the county’s land use is dedicated to it, and reiterated their commitment to promoting and protecting the sector.

The board also explored comparisons of Benton County’s levy increase to those of neighboring counties, highlighting that while Benton County is among the fastest-growing in Minnesota, significant revenue is derived from non-residents. This non-resident revenue comes through local option sales tax, as they travel through and make purchases within the county.

County Administrator Montgomery Headley provided an overview of the proposed $70 million operating budget, driven largely by a significant road program for 2025. This program, one of the largest in the county’s history, will be funded by federal, state, and local option sales tax sources, with no levy dollars allocated. The budget increase also accounts for employee compensation and benefits, encompassing a 2.5% general wage increase and step increases averaging 3.2%. New positions in human services and two detention officer roles are planned, funded by state grants and necessitated by increased caseload demands and Department of Corrections mandates.

Looking at future infrastructure projects, the board outlined upcoming road maintenance endeavors, including a joint project with the city of Foley to reconstruct County Road 43. The anticipated costs of these road reconstructions were specified, with estimates of approximately $1.5 million per mile. Discussions also touched upon potential discrepancies between county and city council decisions regarding the project.

The commissioners reiterated their strategic approach of leveraging federal funding to bolster housing growth and infrastructure, emphasizing the long-term benefits for the county’s economic health. The conversation also acknowledged the necessity of representation at state and federal levels to navigate funding opportunities successfully, with some commissioners reflecting on the positive outcomes of previous lobbying efforts.