Central to the meeting was the debate over the financial implications of the SRO contracts, a topic revisited for the fourth consecutive meeting. Staff emphasized the need for a decision, citing substantial staff time and numerous inquiries from concerned parties. The board considered cost differences between SRO contracts and city policing contracts, with notable adjustments including a 0.44% tax for paid family medical leave starting in January 2026, a flat 10% overhead rate for SRO contracts, and increased health insurance costs based on projected rates.

A point of contention was the 60/40 cost split between the county and participating school districts. Some commissioners questioned the fairness of this arrangement. The board examined whether the county should continue to support SROs, particularly when neighboring counties did not employ them.

The board also explored alternative funding models, including one used by Olmstead County, where the school, city, and county share the SRO program costs. While this model received some support, concerns were raised about its feasibility, given potential staffing implications for the sheriff’s department during school breaks.

Discussions included the possibility of establishing a clearer policy for SRO sponsorship, especially as more districts might seek similar support. Some commissioners advocated for a one-year contract to allow for further analysis, while others supported the stability of a three-year agreement. Ultimately, the board approved the contract, aligning with the sheriff’s recommendation for the first-year cost.

The meeting also addressed personnel matters, specifically the hiring of a temporary worker for the land use management department to digitize parcel files. This project, intended to preserve important historical records, will be funded from a budgeted amount set aside for a zoning assistant.

In addition to these agenda items, the board considered declaring April as Fair Housing Month, a motion that was approved without further discussion. The board also discussed the potential consolidation of dispatch services among counties, with ongoing talks about merging dispatch panels and the implications of such a regional system.

Committee reports included updates on the Association of Minnesota Counties’ training program and discussions about replacing dispatch panels. The board also considered the effectiveness of public service auctions, noting the success of online auctions in generating revenue and efficiency for the county.