The approval of the local option sales tax project list marked a step for infrastructure development within the county. Presented by the County Engineer, the list outlines a ten-year plan for road improvements funded through a combination of local sales tax revenue and state and federal contributions. Since its adoption in 2013, the local option sales tax has generated approximately $5 million annually, enabling the county to undertake significant projects that would otherwise be unattainable.

During the public hearing for the project list, no public comments were made.

The dissolution of the Beltrami County-City of Bemidji Public Transportation Board was another significant decision made during the meeting. The board had been inactive for several years, prompting questions about its purpose. The decision to dissolve was made following discussions with the City Council in a joint session. A resolution was drafted to terminate the joint powers agreement, address any debt and liabilities, and distribute existing property. This action does not affect the ongoing operations of Paul Bunyan Transit, which continues to serve the community with funding from federal, state, and local sources.

Discussions during the meeting highlighted the importance of transit services in the community, with statistics from a 2020 report indicating that shopping and work were the most common trip purposes for transit users. It was emphasized that the primary funding for Paul Bunyan Transit comes from various government sources, and local officials recognize the value of these services. Challenges in staffing, particularly in recruiting drivers, were acknowledged, and it was suggested that additional funding support from municipalities is necessary to sustain and enhance transit services.

County Administrator Thomas Barry received high praise during his performance appraisal, with commissioners noting his exceptional skills and contributions that resulted in nearly $10 million in savings for the county over the past year. Following the appraisal, a motion to amend Barry’s employment agreement was passed unanimously.

The meeting also addressed updates to county personnel policies, incorporating recommendations from a classification and compensation working group and input from the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust. Notable updates included changes to overtime calculations for nonunion hourly employees, shifting from an eight-hour day to a 40-hour week, aligning with union policies. The introduction of a general ethics statement aims to enhance clarity regarding ethical expectations within county operations.

A proposal for the development of a Policy Review Committee was discussed, with mixed opinions among board members. While some viewed the proposed committee structure as unnecessary, others acknowledged the effort put into the proposal and suggested revisiting the structure after new members joined the board. The intention is to ensure effective collaboration and policy review in the future.

The administrator provided updates on various county projects, including a sewer project in Northern Township and upcoming land commission recommendations. The administrator also previewed plans for onboarding commissioner-elect Scott Winger and recognized outgoing commissioner Anderson for his contributions.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, bringing the session to a close.