A small part of the Douglas County budget is used to supplement the budgets of select non-profits and service organizations. At its August 18 meeting commissioners heard from 14 leaders who explained why they believe the funding is so crucial.
Encore! Center for Vibrant Aging
Executive Director Shelli-Kae Foster shared how ENCORE!, formerly known as the Alexandria Senior Center, plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of older adults in Douglas County. Every month more than one thousand people use the center for wellness programs, educational workshops and social gatherings. Foster asked commissioners for $25,000 in operational funds to continue to provide a place where individuals can build friendships, stay mentally and physically active, and contribute to the community. Commissioner Jeff Way thanked Foster for what she and her staff (mostly volunteers) do. He suggested a support group for stroke victims and their families which Foster promised to consider.
Central Minnesota Elder Network
Executive Director Wendy Roiland shared that Central Minnesota Elder Network provides in-home and out-of-home respite services for older residents and their caregivers. The in-home service allows short breaks for the caregiver while a volunteer spends time with the person receiving the healthcare providing companionship and security. There is also a technology program to connect loved ones. She requested $12,000 to maintain these vital programs.
Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging
Aging Director Heather Pender explained how Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging provides services that complement other organizations. She said, “We deliver essential services for older adults including nutrition, transportation, caregiver support, and in-home assistance for some of the most vulnerable residents.” She asked for $9,826 in matching funds which brings in federal Older Americans Act funding.
Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission
Several groups support economic development. Nicole Fernholz, director of Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission, requested $60,638. In addition to supporting major development projects and marketing for the area, the AAEDC serves as a daily resource for businesses and entrepreneurs, helping them with planning, financing, expansion opportunities and technical support.
City of Osakis Economic Development Authority
Osakis City Clerk and Treasurer Angela Jacobson shared the success of their economic development. She said funds from the county are used to directly support business development within Osakis. In addition, the city has begun efforts to clean up underused and blighted properties. She asked the county board for $8,000.
Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
Douglas County is an in-kind member of the chamber. The board reviews the request for a $4,000 yearly contribution to take part in the services offered through the chamber which include a job listing site, direct sharing of county information through the Leadership Alexandria program, and relocation packets distributed to new or prospective residents. Executive Director Tara Bitzan has been with chamber 10 years and said she is excited to have moved to a new location. The Hub, as it’s called, is located at 203 Broadway Street and Bitzan says it’s everything they envisioned it to be.
West Central Initiative
Director of Development Rebecca Lynn Petersen explained how the work of Fergus Falls based West Central Initiative assists multiple counties, including Douglas. A small annual contribution by Douglas County enables it to secure and offer larger amounts for grants and loans. For 2027, Peterson requested $11,400 which is an increase of $400 over last year.
Douglas County Water Quality Legacy Fund
This is a component fund of West Central Initiative. It provides the required matching dollars for grants available from other sources to protect and restore our natural water resources. Jay Sieling said this results in a sustainable source of funding to restore and keep Douglas County waters healthy for generations to come. Sieling requested $50,000 and reminded commissioners Douglas County lakes are struggling with water quality.
Rainbow Rider
Rainbow Rider is the public transportation provider in Douglas County. Director Brenda Brittin said sixty-two percent of the expense to operate Rainbow Rider comes from use in Douglas County. She requested $27,866.19. A sizeable reduction from the past, she said, because of a change in funding from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. A new garage to house 15 buses and a training room for the 60 employees will be opening soon in Alexandria. The original location in Lowry will continue to operate.
Douglas County Historical Society
Brittany Johnson, Director of Operations, explained the never-before-seen impact the Douglas County Historical Society is having. In 2026, the three full-time employees are presenting new and exciting programs and events including History 250. And they continued the Douglas County Fair Museum at the Heritage building. A project that shares a small sample of historical items available for residents and visitors to learn more about the past. There is also a new opportunity for free digitization workshops where residents can scan their photos for future generations. Johnson requested $40,000 for 2027.
Lakes Area Humane Society
Lakes Area Humane Society Executive Director Christin Klimek said her organization is seeing an increase in dogs being abandoned and cats and litters of kittens needing shelter care. The cost for veterinary care and the cost of shelter maintenance is rising. She is asking for an increase in county funds from $16,000 to $17,000.
Douglas County Ag Association/Fair Board
President Brad Brejcha requested $30,000 from Douglas County to help provide future fairs. He said the money will be used for upgrading buildings and bringing in musical acts. This year he said the fair is spending more than $300,000 on big name acts. He also said the fair board owns the fairgrounds now which means costs for insurance and taxes. Brejcha thanked Commissioner Tim Kalina for attending fair board meetings and his support of the fair, which is considered one of the best in the state.
Douglas Soil and Water Conservation District
District Coordinator Jerry Haggenmiller shared a long list of accomplishments by his seven full-time employees and asked for $308,752 from the county for 2027. That would be an increase of $9,574 over 2026. The Douglas Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) requests the largest amount of funding each year but is tasked with implementing many programs that improve the land and water.
Haggenmiller also presented on behalf of the Chippewa River Watershed which requested $4200 to pay for insurance, rent, audits, and utilities that are not eligible for SWCD grants.
Viking Library System
The second largest ask came from the Viking Library system which requested a 2.5 percent increase for a total of $150,439.00. Director Erin Smith reminded board members that funding helps with the book mobile, interlibrary loan and delivery, and the automated library system.
Regional Radio Board
The request from the Regional Radio Board was submitted in writing by the Central Minnesota Emergency Services Board. The amount of $16,146.33 will go for Douglas County’s share of administrative expenses.
Glacial Ridge Trail
Commissioner Tim Kalina shared the request for Glacial Ridge Trail. He said the funds are used for the upkeep of the signs installed on the trail path and educational outreach about the trail.
In years past, the board listened to requests and then made decisions during the same meeting. This year board chair Shane Schmidt made a motion to table the decision making until the board can hold a work session on the entire budget which will happen Tuesday, September 1 at 8 a.m. That is right before the next board meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. The work session and meeting will be held at the Administration Building 821 Cedar Street in Alexandria.