During the meeting, Amanda, a county staff member, presented an overview of the Housing Trust Fund’s potential, emphasizing its role in addressing the housing needs identified in a recent study. The fund will allow the county to leverage up to $225,000 from the Minnesota Housing agency, contingent on the establishment of a local source. The fund is designed to support various programs, including a revolving loan fund aimed at improving the aging housing stock in the area. The administration of the fund will be managed by a nonprofit organization, which will also oversee the allocation of local housing aid dollars, reported at $242,656.

The board engaged in discussions about the fund’s management and oversight. It was clarified that the County Board would supervise the fund, evaluating loan applications and setting repayment terms. Despite uncertainties about future state housing aid allocations, the board was reassured that interest earnings from the trust fund could sustain its operations even if state funding were reduced. The ordinance to establish the fund was passed with unanimous consent.

In parallel, the meeting transitioned to an Economic Development Authority (EDA) session, where leadership roles were filled for the upcoming year. Commissioner Pop was nominated as chair and Commissioner Heinen as vice chair, with the nominations passing unanimously. The EDA also considered a microloan request from the Odom Medical Group, owned by Dr. Robert Odum. The proposed project involves constructing a new primary care clinic in Foley, Minnesota, with the board approving a $140,000 loan to support the $3.3 million project. The loan will be structured over 20 years with a 10-year balloon payment at an interest rate of 5.5%. The county will secure the loan through a mortgage and personal guarantees from Dr. Odum.

The board also addressed various financial and operational matters. A commendation letter highlighted the Human Services Department’s perfect performance in financial reporting, noting the timely submission of 32 major reports. The board considered attending a legislative conference in San Antonio, Texas, discussing funding sources and conflicting commitments among commissioners. A monthly financial report presented by County Administrator Montgomery Headley detailed budget expenditures and highlighted the Corrections department’s over-budget spending due to juvenile boarding costs.

Additionally, the board discussed the creation of a new fund, referred to as Fund 60, aimed at tracking the Self Insurance trust fund. This fund, which covers medical, dental, and pharmacy claims, currently has reserves of approximately $1 million, below the target of $2.1 million needed for six months of coverage. The board emphasized the importance of monitoring this fund closely due to the volatility of health insurance claims.

Lastly, the meeting addressed the ongoing management of drainage ditches, specifically focusing on the repair projects for ditches CD9 and CD14. The board acknowledged the complexities of managing drainage repairs and the necessity of following legal protocols for landowner notifications. Due to notification issues, the board decided to set a new public hearing date for CD9.