Benton County Approves New Cannabis Fees and Zoning Ordinance Amid Unanimous Support

Overview: The Benton County Board of Commissioners convened to tackle a range of issues, with the adoption of new cannabis-related fees and zoning ordinances taking center stage. These measures, which were met with unanimous approval, aim to regulate emerging cannabis businesses and adjust the county’s fee structure to better reflect administrative costs.

Little Falls School Board Approves New College in the Schools Program Amid Budget Concerns

Overview: At the recent Little Falls School Board meeting, members discussed changes to the College in the Schools (CIS) program, addressing new regulations and financial implications. The College in the Schools program, a key component of the district’s educational offerings, will face new requirements due to changes mandated by the Higher Learning Commission. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, teachers must hold a master’s degree in their field or possess 18 graduate credits to qualify to teach college-level classes. This shift presents challenges as some current instructors do not meet these criteria, prompting a proposal from the school to partner with Central Lakes College to continue offering and potentially expanding the program.

Little Falls School Board Approves New College in the Schools Program Amid Budget Concerns

Royalton School Board Reviews Proposed Tax Levy and Discusses Budget Challenges

Overview: At the recent Royalton School Board meeting, the primary focus was on the fiscal year 2025 budget and the proposed tax levy, which included a slight increase of 1.29% from the previous year. The discussion also highlighted the complexities of school funding and property taxation, as well as budget adjustments needed due to rising costs in postsecondary programs.

Benton County Commissioners Contemplate Lobbying Firm Contract to Secure Federal Funding

Overview: The Benton County Board of Commissioners meeting on December 3rd centered on the county’s financial strategies and the potential engagement of a lobbying firm, Alar and Hoffman, to enhance Benton County’s presence at the state capital and secure federal funding for infrastructure projects. During the session, the board discussed the necessity of investing in lobbying services to ensure the county’s needs are represented effectively in legislative matters. The proposal, which involves a two-year commitment at a rate of $3,800 per month, aims to facilitate access to funding opportunities that might otherwise be missed.