The board unanimously approved ARPA fund requests from the cities of Northcross and Wendell. Northcross requested $7,000 for a project estimated at $112,000, while Wendell sought $19,000. Both requests were accepted without contention. The deadline for these ARPA requests was confirmed as September 1.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the discussion of law enforcement service contracts between the county’s sheriff’s office and various cities. These contracts, which are set to conclude in 2024, have historically included a 3% annual increase. However, the board recognized that the current “loaded rate,” accounting for all costs of employing a deputy, is outdated. The proposed adjustment would raise the rate from $53.33 to $70.55 per hour. This increase aims to align the rate with current financial realities, as the county had been lagging behind on the loaded rate.

Representatives discussed the potential impact of these rate changes on city budgets, with particular concern for cities like Ashby, Barrett, Herman, and Hoffman. Each of these cities requires about 730 hours of police service annually. The projected costs for 2025, assuming a 3% increase, were calculated to be $43,819 for Ashby, $45,000 for Barrett, and $46,480 for Herman and Hoffman. Smaller contracts, like those of Wendell and Norcross, involve only 96 hours annually, leading to an estimated cost of $55,944 in 2025. Elbow Lake, with a more extensive contract of 2,920 hours annually, would face costs of around $175,176 in 2025.

The board deliberated on the necessity of these contracts, given the financial burden they impose on cities, which already benefit from cost savings by not operating independent departments. However, the need for clarity and fairness in future negotiations was emphasized. The sheriff’s office consistently provides service beyond contracted hours without additional charges, highlighting a commitment to community safety despite budget constraints.

Further complicating financial discussions was the county’s upcoming 10-year solid waste management plan, due in 2025. The board expressed the need to engage a consultant to assist in drafting the plan to meet state requirements. The expected cost for this consultancy, approximately $14,000, was approved, with a focus on minimizing travel expenses through remote meetings.

The meeting also addressed emergency services, with the EMS committee emphasizing the urgency of manpower retention and recruitment. State funding has supported agencies in Lake Region and Ashby, but Hoffman has struggled to use its allocated $53,000 due to spending timelines. The lack of volunteers remains a issue, prompting discussions on potential incentives, such as retirement plans, to attract and retain emergency personnel. Training programs for students were suggested to foster interest in emergency services, although concerns were raised about the loss of trained individuals to college.

In addition to these financial matters, the board also approved a Joint Powers Agreement with the State of Minnesota regarding the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. This agreement will enable the county sheriff’s office to collaborate with state and federal entities in investigating and prosecuting crimes against children facilitated through technology.