A key step toward a vote on funding for a new library in Douglas County moved forward at the Board of Commissioners October 7 meeting. Library Board Chair Kevin Lee and Library Director Dawn Dailey asked commissioners to approve JLG Architectural Firm to draw up a preliminary design and cost estimate. This is needed to present to the state early next year so the county can be approved for a sales tax referendum in November of 2026.
The county hopes to ask voters to approve a one quarter percent sales tax to help fund the library. The $15,000 price tag to hire JLG Architectural Firm will be paid out of the current library fund balance, not taxpayer dollars. The board unanimously approved the request.
Commissioners reluctantly approved six conservation easements presented by the Fish and Wildlife Service. Commissioners continue to express their hope the federal government will stop making these easements perpetual, in other words, forever. The easements are across the county in the townships of Osakis, Lund, Brandon, Belle River, and the city of Kensington.
Commissioners approved, on a 3 to 2 vote, a request for opioid grant funding that had been previously tabled. The request is from Car Care, a program that uses volunteer labor to rehab donated cars, for people in need of transportation. The grant application specified the funds would be used to help provide transportation for opioid-affected individuals so they could attend treatment, maintain employment and rebuild stable lives.
Since tabling the request, commissioners have had their concerns addressed over how much of the grant money would be used for administrative payroll costs. Commissioner Jeff Way voted no, saying the board needs to keep in mind the original vision of this opioid settlement which is to save lives, prevent misuse, increase access to treatment and recovery, and address the root causes of addiction. Board Chair Jerry Rapp followed up saying he believes the rules are too loose regarding who can apply for this fund, and he thinks the county is dishing out money too easily. He also voted no.
Social Services Director Tabitha Kremmin took the time to share important details of the yearly Minnesota Family Investment Program Agreement. The county fills out a survey to share challenges and successes in providing families with what they need to successfully find and keep a job. Kremmin shared that limited access to affordable and reliable childcare and transportation, especially in the evening, continue to be major roadblocks for families. She mentioned that resources like the Car Care Program, United Way and West Central Minnesota Communities Action, do fill important gaps. She also specifically mentioned the county works with Rural Minnesota CEP to provide employment services.
Public Works Director and County Engineer Tim Erickson asked to hire a firm called SRF to study how to eliminate the rail cross on McKay in Alexandria between Discovery Middle School and Henry’s Foods. Erickson said he applied for a federal grant to determine if it’s feasible to take the road up and over McKay or have the railroad go up and over the road. Erickson anticipates having a kickoff meeting on the project later this month.
And County Coordinator/HR Director Lee Katzmarek asked the board to accept the 2026 Medica insurance rates for non-union and public works department employees. Katzmarek said he was able to negotiate the increase down to 3 percent which is well below national trends. He says employees did a good job keeping claims low this year. The board approved the request.
The next board meeting is October 21 at 9 a.m. in the Douglas County Administration Building at 821 Cedar Street Alexandria.