The most prominent topic was the adoption of a new ordinance governing cannabis retail businesses. The ordinance establishes a baseline of one cannabis retail registration per 12,500 residents, in alignment with state statutes. Furthermore, it allows for an additional five registrations in rural areas if the initial limit is reached. An important feature of the ordinance is its requirement for annual registration renewals. Businesses that do not commence operations within a year must submit a plan and timeline to the board, which retains the authority to revoke registrations if submissions are deemed unsatisfactory. This ordinance reflects the county’s effort to regulate cannabis businesses responsibly while ensuring alignment with state guidelines. Discussions also highlighted challenges regarding township registration authority and potential conflicts with county regulations.

In another significant matter, the board approved a contract with the Alliance for Abuse Prevention, allocating $109,000 towards cannabis and substance use prevention. This decision sparked debate among commissioners, with concerns voiced about the effectiveness of such measures given the increased potency of cannabis products. A commissioner, drawing on medical experience, noted a correlation between cannabis use and mental health issues, particularly among individuals with schizophrenia.

Public health funding discussions revealed the broader complexities of financial management within the county. The board approved foundational public health dollars for the Health and Human Services Department, recognizing the necessity of engaging with state authorities to address root problems in funding. The conversation underscored the limitations of local actions in meeting community needs and highlighted the potential for strategic contracting and resource reallocation to optimize existing resources. Comparisons were drawn with neighboring counties, emphasizing the broader scope of Winona County’s approach, which includes community health assessments and improvement plans.

The meeting also addressed the contentious topic of hiring consultants for organizational evaluation within the Health and Human Services Department. A contract with SEAL Strategic Innovations was approved, although not without skepticism. Concerns were raised regarding the efficacy of consulting contracts and the associated travel costs for the California-based consultant. The consultant emphasized a tailored approach, assessing organizational structures to enhance public health capabilities. Despite reservations, the motion passed.

Financial matters concerning the Department of Corrections probation program and Tyler technology software were also discussed. The board faced challenges with a $362,000 invoice for services rendered in 2024, highlighting the difficulties of cash basis accounting. Efforts to address these challenges were noted, with suggestions made to revise policies to prevent future budgetary surprises. Additionally, an unexpected $17,000 invoice for Tyler technology software, which was reportedly not functioning properly, prompted negotiations that reduced the cost to $3,000.

The meeting further delved into the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust (MCIT) presentation, which outlined rising insurance costs due to inflation and the increased prevalence of cyber insurance claims. The consultant praised Winona County’s favorable workers’ compensation rate, attributing it to effective risk management and safety measures. Discussions highlighted the importance of promoting the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as a valuable resource for county employees.

In a separate agenda item, concerns were raised regarding the Apple Blossom Park Pavilion project. The board considered rejecting bids for the project and declining a grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Discussions focused on whether both actions were necessary, with some members advocating for further exploration of potential collaborations with the city of La Crescent. The board emphasized the importance of adhering to existing regulations regarding developments on bluffs, highlighting the need for fairness and consistency in applying county regulations.