A significant portion of the meeting focused on a proposal to enhance outreach efforts through a mobile unit aimed at connecting with veterans. This initiative, referred to as the “Northern Warriors Outreach,” aims to reach veterans in underserved communities within Beltrami County, particularly in northern regions. The mobile unit, comprising a four-wheel drive truck and an all-season trailer, is designed to alleviate transportation barriers for veterans who struggle to access services in person. The proposal seeks $180,000 in grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs to support this initiative.

The mobile unit would facilitate claim processing and outreach. The proposal emphasizes the importance of reaching the 289 unenrolled veterans in Beltrami County. The outreach plan includes visits to areas such as Red Lake, which has lacked a tribal veteran service officer for nearly three years, to provide necessary assistance and support.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about maintaining office operations while the outreach efforts are ongoing. It was confirmed that the office would remain open, with staff available to handle claims while outreach activities are conducted in the community. This approach ensures a balance between in-office support and active community engagement. A call for support to pursue the grant was made.

Another topic was the discussion on employee health insurance rates for 2025. The HR Director presented the proposed rates, explaining that the employee monthly flex dollars would increase by $50, raising it from $1,440 to $1,490 for full-time staff. There is a projected average increase of just over 3% for medical premiums, which was seen as a positive trend in cost management since switching to Prime Health. The discussion included details on HSA contributions and changes in family plan rates, which had not been altered in three years.

Concerns were expressed regarding the high cost of insurance, particularly for those on family plans. One commissioner pointed out that some county employees were qualifying for services they themselves provided due to these costs. The possibility of exploring other insurance providers, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, was suggested. However, it was clarified that the contract with Prime Health runs through 2027, making it unfeasible to explore alternatives until then. The board ultimately moved to approve the proposed health insurance rates and resolution.

The meeting also covered updates on various recreation projects within Beltrami County. One notable project involved improvements to the High Banks area, including the construction of a staircase leading down to the water, providing access for canoes and kayaks. Feedback on this project has been positive, despite challenges faced during the labor-intensive installation of stairs. Funding for this project included nearly $30,000 from the Mississippi Headwaters Board as part of a grant received.

Another major topic was the Mobile Maze Recreation Area in District Five, where a grant from the Neelon Foundation of approximately $166,000 was noted for improvements related to mountain biking. Enhancements included the addition of a picnic area for families and a bike workstation, although there were delays due to missing hardware. The hope was to complete installation in the coming weeks, with some funds remaining for potential additional trail improvements.

The Grant Creek Horse area was discussed, focusing on the enforcement of an ordinance prohibiting ATVs and off-road vehicles in that region. In the Wilton Hill Recreation Area, efforts to clean up litter were highlighted, with a previous cleanup removing around 15,000 pounds of garbage. Despite ongoing efforts, issues with littering persisted, prompting plans to install additional signage to remind visitors of regulations against motorized vehicles in certain areas.

The meeting also included a discussion on the county’s cost accounting system for road maintenance. It was noted that state aid funding requires the county to allocate costs appropriately to roads, with unallocated costs being distributed among all roads at year-end. The complexities of cost distribution were highlighted, particularly noting that expenses for materials like sand and salt used during winter maintenance are not tracked in real-time but are evenly applied to paved roads after the fact. This practice leads to a higher allocation of costs for paved roads compared to gravel roads.

Concerns were raised about the fairness of not charging full costs to townships, as this could lead to subsidization affecting taxpayers across the county. The county defended the proposed approach of charging full costs for services, arguing that it would create a more equitable competitive environment for private contractors. Additionally, a discussion on the transition to a per-mile billing system for township road maintenance was held, emphasizing the intention to reduce the administrative burden on staff and ensure costs are adequately covered.