The October 3 meeting of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners began with positive news for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Commissioners accepted a generous $10,000 donation to the sheriff’s office from former professional wrestler and football player Brock Lesnar. Those funds may be used at the sheriff’s discretion.
Commissioners also approved what are called step increases for one soon-to-be hired and two recently hired deputy sheriffs. All three have previous experience and Sheriff Troy Wolbersen asked that their experience be recognized in their pay. He said his request is based on the fact it’s a very competitive market for experienced law enforcement.
There will also be an increase in the fee Douglas and 15 other counties charge for housing out of county inmates at their jails. The new fee, effective January 1, will be $75 per day.
Public Works
There’s exciting news for Lake Brophy County Park. Commissioners accepted a bid from Tradesmen Construction for a new picnic shelter. Park Superintendent Brad Bonk told board members there were three bids received. The goal is to construct a metal picnic shelter on the east side of the very popular playground at Lake Brophy County Park.
The Alexandria Rotary plans to donate $45,000 in proceeds from the Summer Sounds by Brophy concert series to cover most of the costs and Tradesmen Construction, according to Bonk, plans to donate $11,000 in labor. The county will contribute approximately $15,000 out of its park shelter fees. There will be no plumbing or electrical needed. The sidewalk will be extended to the shelter so it will be ADA compliant.
Veteran Services Office
Veteran Service Officer Jake Turner presented the board with a $1,000 donation to accept from the VFW Auxiliary to be used for veterans in need.
Social Services
Community Human Services Director Laurie Bonds informed board members the Douglas County Senior Services Coordinator resigned, and the position is now vacant. The position is posted at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/douglascountymn and applications will be taken until October 10. Bonds says it’s highly unlikely a candidate will be in place in time to assist residents when Medicare open enrollment begins October 15. She asked to hire a temporary senior services worker to assist residents with questions on Medicare. Commissioners approved that request.
Bonds, County Finance Director Jill Frisell, and Amy Reineke, Community Health Strategist with Horizon Public Health, also presented the board with information on the process Douglas County intends to use to review and distribute funds from the national opioid settlement. They explained there is now a Douglas County Opioid Settlement Taskforce and screening committee. The task force will make recommendations on how the funds should be spent. The screening committee will ensure the process follows audit guidelines and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners will make the final decisions. The top two priorities in Douglas County are to prevent substance use and abuse, and reduce the harm caused by use and abuse. Eligible applicants for funds include nonprofits, for-profit organizations, faith-based, governments, businesses, healthcare, youth groups and more. Contact Amy Reineke at Horizon Public Health at amyr@horizonph.org or 320-762-3079 for more information and to get an application. To learn more about opioid impacts in the 5 county Horizon Public Health area go to https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/opioids/countyprofiles/horizon.html
Pope Douglas Solid Waste
The fee for solid waste service in Douglas County will increase to $130 in 2024. Commissioners voted to approve that increase after extensive research and discussion about how to cover the increased costs to serve the needs of property owners. The solid waste service fee provides these valuable services and much more:
- Upgrading and modernizing the solid waste facility that provides an alternative to a landfill
- Household Hazardous Waste management
- Operation of a recycling center and material recycling facility
- Operation of household and commercial organics recycling
- Collection site for used motor oil and filters
- Collection site for non-freon appliances and metals to be recycled
The annual service fee will be assessed on all properties with a building value of $5,000 or more. Most individuals will see the service fee as an additional line item on their property tax statement. To learn more about Pope Douglas Solid Waste go to https://popedouglasrecycle.com/