The most budgetary decision involved the solid waste management budget for 2025. Cory Bang, the Solid Waste Manager, proposed an increase in the special assessment fee from $45 to $50 per parcel to address rising equipment costs, notably the price of a new compactor which had doubled from $600,000 to $1.2 million. Additionally, landfill fees were raised from $53 to $56 per ton to cover increased operational expenses. The board engaged in discussions about the impact on residents but ultimately emphasized the necessity of maintaining adequate funding for waste management services.

Another important topic was a funding request from the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the local chamber of commerce, which sought a 26% increase in their joint budget. Several commissioners expressed skepticism about the justification for such an increase, particularly given the lack of visible benefits on the Minnesota side of the river. One commissioner stated, “I don’t see a 26% increase being prudent,” reflecting a broader sentiment of caution regarding new funding requests. The board debated whether the funds from the state of North Dakota were being equitably distributed and if the EDC’s initiatives genuinely benefitted Clay County.

The commissioners also deliberated on the county’s administrative workload and the potential need for additional staffing. One commissioner noted, “there’s just so much you can expect out of the team” without adequate support. The possibility of reorganizing the administrative structure to provide the County Administrator with additional support was considered, though no immediate decisions were made.

In another key development, the board approved a pre-design contract with Klein McCarthy Architects to address mental health priorities within the county. This included the design of a new non-secure juvenile facility and the remodeling of the existing non-secure unit for a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF). Commissioner Campbell emphasized that the intention was not to construct two new buildings but to remodel and redesign existing facilities to meet state needs. The contract, set at a lump sum not to exceed $155,500, was unanimously approved despite initial concerns about the wording of the motion.

The meeting also covered several routine financial adjustments and budget proposals. The general fund balance, estimated at $14,354,530 at the end of 2023, was discussed in detail. The board noted an increase in revenues due to unfilled positions within the criminal justice sector and assistance provided to Otter Tail County. A proposal to allocate $1 million from the general fund, $500,000 from Public Health, and $350,000 from Social Services aimed to reduce the proposed levy to 5.87%, a significant decrease from previous years.

Additionally, the board examined several external agency funding requests, including a $45,000 line item for aerial pictometry from the assessor’s office and a nominal increase request from the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). The utilization of the riparian aid fund, which held a balance of $824,938.11, was discussed as a potential offset for these requests. The board emphasized the importance of utilizing available funds responsibly rather than allowing them to accumulate without purpose.

In committee reports, Commissioner Campbell provided updates on various meetings, including discussions about a proposed $5 tax increase and a $3 tipping fee necessary to cover current expenses at the solid waste facility. He also mentioned ongoing support from Senator Kic and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) regarding emissions testing.

Commissioner Krabbenhoft shared insights from a recent meeting of the Historical and Cultural Society, noting the departure of their communications lead and preparations for upcoming events. Commissioner Mongeau discussed participation in solid waste budget discussions and her appointment to a state subcommittee focusing on taxes and state-assessed properties, which the board supported.

The board also addressed the need for a representative on the lands committee due to Commissioner Gross’s absence and appointed Commissioner Ebinger as an alternate.