The meeting began with County Administrator Kelsey Baker presenting the preliminary 2025 budget. This draft, the third working version, proposed a gross levy of $48,430,000, with an increase in County Program Aid compared to the previous year. Baker noted that while departmental budgets were largely solidified, figures relating to quasi-government entities and health insurance remained fluid. She emphasized the continuous nature of budget management, highlighting that planning for technology and staffing were key themes for the upcoming budget year.

Following this introduction, various department heads presented their budget needs. The County Assessor’s office, for instance, discussed the financial implications of taking on 4,400 additional parcels without increasing staff, leading to a budget increase of about $360,000 due to wages and benefits. Similarly, the Auditor-Treasurer’s office highlighted payroll as a primary driver for budget increases and the need for grants to offset costs.

Human Resources Director Connie Mort reported minimal budget increases aside from staffing needs, noting the use of new recruiting software and ongoing recruitment efforts. County Attorney Shane Baker detailed the impact of transitioning to electronic processes on operational costs, emphasizing the need for new juvenile filing systems and the challenges with transcription services. He also discussed the importance of ongoing training for staff, particularly on emerging legal issues related to mental health and crime.

One notable topics was the funding for Community Corrections, which relies on a formula set by the state legislature. The department has seen a positive impact from recent state funding increases, but concerns remain about the elimination of supervision fees and the unpredictability of juvenile out-of-home placement costs. The interim director of Emergency Management, Ace Bonar, raised awareness about the weather radar gap in the county and the strategic planning efforts with the rescue squad.

Environmental Services presented a significant project for 2025: the construction of a new landfill cell with a capacity of 295,000 cubic yards, expected to generate revenue through 2029. The complexities of maintaining effective leachate collection and storm water management were discussed, with an emphasis on minimizing external trucking operations and the need for permit renewals with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

The IT director outlined priorities for the upcoming year, focusing on cyber security and transitioning to Office 365, a move estimated to cost $100,000. This expense could be temporarily funded through ARPA funds, but it was noted as an ongoing cost. Challenges with licensing fees, particularly from Microsoft, were highlighted.

The Director of Health and Human Services discussed optimizing departmental synergy and improving resource management. The introduction of a tech program to simplify text message communications and the successful securing of foundational Public Health dollars were noted. The department’s budget strategy focused on maintaining service delivery amid increasing demands and regulatory changes, with personnel costs accounting for a portion of the budget.

A major point of contention was the proposed levy increase of 8.5%, driven by historical performance and current positive trends. Concerns about the impact on county residents, particularly farmers facing declining incomes, were expressed. Health insurance costs, projected to decrease, could potentially free up around $300,000 in the budget, providing some relief.

Discussions about the allocation and usage of ARPA funds revealed that these resources were running out, necessitating an increase in the Human Services Levy to cover salaries for new positions. The Public Works director outlined a budget for maintenance activities and safety projects, including a $9.6 million grade separation over railroad tracks and LED stop signs at intersections. The Sheriff’s Office highlighted the need for a new software system and part-time correctional officers due to the shift back to in-person court hearings.