The RMS project was presented by Tina Elder from the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office, who provided comprehensive insights into the need for a new system. The existing system, operational since 2007, faced obsolescence challenges as technological advancements rendered it less effective. Elder emphasized the necessity of transitioning to a more modern, cloud-based system provided by 365 Labs, which promises improved functionality and resilience against potential outages. This transition aims to accommodate recent legislative changes, such as those affecting cannabis-related records, by offering better record retention management and streamlined expungement processes.

The decision to adopt a subscription-based service model, known as Software as a Service (SaaS), was a strategic move to manage costs effectively. Elder explained that the new pricing model would provide financial predictability through a negotiated limit on annual cost increases, projected to save the county approximately half a million dollars over the contract period. A successful grant application had already contributed an additional $250,000 to the project, easing the financial burden on the county.

Negotiations included ensuring the contract’s language met the needs of all stakeholders, with input from legal and administrative officials. The county aimed to finalize the agreement with a ten-year commitment to ensure long-term stability, with formal approval contingent on the County Attorney’s review. The plan also involved drafting supplemental agreements and ensuring compatibility with state-required interfaces.

Law enforcement leaders from various jurisdictions expressed strong support for the RMS project, highlighting its importance for the county’s public safety infrastructure. Chief Jake Meer from Cross Lake underscored the project’s necessity and its positive implications for law enforcement operations.

In addition to the RMS project, the meeting included updates on other county initiatives and administrative matters. The adoption of the Crow Wing River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan marked another development. This plan, nearing final approval, seeks to replace the existing local water management framework with comprehensive strategies addressing agricultural land management, forest health, and resilience against extreme weather events. The plan received unanimous support from the board, acknowledging the extensive work of local environmental teams and external collaborators in its development.

Further discussions focused on the retirement of Chief Exad, a key figure in county law enforcement, whose departure was met with acknowledgments of his contributions to collaborative projects. His retirement, scheduled for December 10, was noted as a significant transition, with the possibility of his continued involvement in a consulting capacity post-retirement.

The meeting also tackled the issue of maintaining integrity in the hiring process amid the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in virtual interviews. Concerns were raised about candidates potentially using AI to generate well-prepared answers, prompting suggestions for heightened vigilance and a shift towards in-person interviews to ensure authenticity.

Additionally, the board addressed logistical matters, such as the adoption of the 2025 County Board calendar and approving contracts for legal services in child protection cases. The meeting concluded with a discussion on safety improvements for highways, including plans to apply for federal funding to enhance infrastructure and support community safety initiatives.