The Barnesville Ambulance Service was a focal point of the discussions, emphasizing the financial strain the service faces. The budget presentation revealed that the ambulance service operates at a deficit, covering a 442-square-mile area within Clay County and a small part of Wilkin County. The transition from volunteer to fully paid staff has been a necessary yet costly adjustment, with the service previously paying volunteers a nominal fee of $1 per hour. This transition has placed a heavy burden on the service, leading to a significant tax increase request of $300,000 from the city of Barnesville for 2025, which will remain static in 2026. The board expressed concerns about the fairness of financial contributions, questioning why Clay County appears to absorb a larger share of costs compared to Barnesville.

A representative from the ambulance service explained that the service had been operating at a $70,000 annual deficit before recent budget adjustments. Staffing challenges were highlighted, particularly in recruiting volunteers, which other local rescue squads reportedly managed to do. The representatives noted that the ambulance service requires consistent availability and training, complicating volunteer recruitment. Concerns were raised about the financial implications of moving to more part-time paid positions, with the representative stressing, “If we can’t staff our ambulance, we’re going to lose our PSA. If we lose our PSA, it’s a 40-minute drive for people who are in cardiac arrest.”

Additionally, the service is exploring legislative measures to reclassify ambulance services as medical rather than transportation services, which could open new funding opportunities and help alleviate financial pressures. The board acknowledged the need for a balanced approach to funding essential services, underlining the necessity for ongoing dialogue with local and state representatives to address these challenges.

In another significant agenda item, the board discussed a conditional use permit request for a new cannabis facility near Moorhead. The proposed facility, led by Northern Growers LLC, aims to cultivate cannabis and sell it at retail. The operation will be fully indoors, adhering to strict security measures, including 24/7 video surveillance and advanced HVAC systems for odor control. The board emphasized ensuring that the business aligns with local regulations and community standards, including complying with local zoning regulations due to the facility’s proximity to a daycare.

The applicant assured the board that measures would be implemented to mitigate potential nuisances, such as odor and noise disturbances. The facility plans to cultivate cannabis within up to 5,000 square feet of canopy space, with a projected capacity of approximately 300 plants undergoing a grow cycle at any given time. The board confirmed that the cannabis facility would not impede the normal development of the surrounding area or create excessive burdens on public infrastructure.

Concerns were raised about the visibility of the operation from the street, but the representative noted that the previous owner used the space primarily for storage. The board approved the conditional use permit, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a thorough planning and zoning process to address community concerns effectively.

Other noteworthy discussions included financial challenges faced by the Soil and Water Conservation District and implications of federal policy changes affecting local social services. The board examined budget allocations for soil health programs, conservation aid, and related initiatives, expressing concerns about potential reductions in state grants. The meeting also addressed changes in federal policies affecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medical Assistance (MA), which are expected to result in substantial cost shifts from the federal government to state and county governments.