A primary topic of discussion was the proposed allocation of $100,000 in opioid settlement funds to support the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office, specifically for the jail medical program. One commissioner questioned the appropriateness of using opioid funds for this purpose, stating, “I just don’t think this falls into that basket,” indicating that the funds should be used for prevention and recovery initiatives rather than ongoing expenses. This sentiment was echoed by others who expressed concerns about the sustainability of using opioid funds for recurrent costs, labeling the proposed allocation as a “Band-Aid fix.”

The sheriff clarified that the funding was intended to creatively address a shortfall in revenue related to jail expenses, emphasizing that the coalition believed the funding fell within the guidelines for opioid expenditure. Despite this, some commissioners remained skeptical, stressing the need for a examination of the full budget proposal and the importance of long-term financial planning to avoid future budget deficits.

In addition to the jail medical program, the discussion extended to the replacement of medication pass carts within the jail. One commissioner expressed doubts about using opioid funds for this purpose, arguing that it should be part of the ongoing budget to fund the program. The conversation highlighted the complexities of allocating opioid funds, with a call for representatives from the coalition to provide more insight into their decision-making processes.

Another topic was the approval of $88,000 per year for two years to fund the Brainerd Fire Department’s PulsePoint subscription. The app alerts users nearby when someone requires CPR and serves to disseminate opioid education. The funding request was presented by the opioid coalition, and the motion to approve was passed with little discussion.

The board also addressed the need for increased safety measures at rural intersections. A contract for the installation of overhead rural intersection lighting, aimed at enhancing safety, was awarded to Design Electric for approximately $468,277. The project, funded primarily through Federal Highway Safety Improvement dollars, will cover 18 locations. The county successfully identified an additional $162,000 in federal funding, reducing the county’s contribution to $26,000. The lights will be LED and designed to illuminate intersections without contributing to light pollution in rural areas.

Concerns about the financial implications of updating the sheriff’s office’s records management system were also discussed. The current system, in use for 17 years, has become outdated, and the anticipated new system would involve a substantial increase in maintenance costs, projected to be around $500,000 annually compared to the current $255,000. The sheriff communicated these changes to local city councils to prepare them for future budgetary impacts, emphasizing the necessity for proactive budgeting.

The meeting also featured updates on various land use proposals. The board approved the prairie plat of Barbo Road Estates, which entails the development of 15 lots consisting of 14 townhome lots and one out lot. Additionally, a replat known as Olden’s Landing was approved, creating seven lots on Bass Lake and providing all lots with lake access. Both proposals had been reviewed and recommended for approval by the Planning Commission.

Recognition was given to Jonathan Drezen, an NDSU civil engineering student, for his contributions over the past three years, including involvement in several roundabouts and bridge rehabilitations across the county. The county engineer acknowledged Jonathan’s hard work and the valuable experience he gained, which would benefit him as he transitions back to his studies.

The commissioners also discussed the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues, particularly regarding medication adherence and the impact on public safety. One commissioner shared a personal experience related to a family member’s struggle with mental health, emphasizing the cyclical nature of medication compliance. Another commissioner highlighted the difficulties faced by law enforcement when responding to calls involving mentally ill individuals, noting the hazardous situations that can arise.

The meeting concluded with a light-hearted moment when a commissioner shared his successful completion of cybersecurity training, expressing pride in his accomplishment. Following this, another commissioner pointed out that the county attorney’s office had zero clickers on a list compiled by the IT department, earning praise for their diligence. The board then unanimously approved a motion to adjourn.