Douglas County Board Meeting September 16 2025

At its September 16 meeting, the Douglas County Board set the preliminary 2026 levy at $38.1 million. That’s a 5.65 percent increase over 2025 but Finance Director Jill Frisell said it’s lower than what was first feared in August and her staff will continue to look for ways to lower it further. Setting a preliminary levy, she said, means the amount cannot be increased but it can be decreased before the final levy is determined later this year.

Sheriff’s Office 

Sheriff Troy Wolbersen asked the board to approve retaining a deputy position that had been previously funded with DWI enforcement grant funding. Wolbersen said the county was not chosen for the grant in FY 2026, but he continues to need a deputy. His proposal is that the deputy would increase student and the public’s security by patrolling around the schools in Carlos, Garfield, Brandon, Evansville, and Kensington. Wolbersen said uniformed presence outside schools is definitely a deterrent for crime. Commissioner Kalina said he’s all for school safety. Commissioner Charlie Meyer said, “We can’t afford not to do something,”.  He made a motion to approve the sheriff’s request. Commissioner Jeff Way agreed saying, “You can’t put a price tag on children’s lives.”

Land and Resource Management

Director Dave Rush asked the board to approve a Conditional Use Permit requested by the owner of Westridge Shores on the west side of Lake Mary. Two additional cabins will be added for a total of 15 units and the resort owners will be allowed to move forward with their plan to sell those units to individual owners who agree to keep them as part of the resort. It’s a business model also being used at Lake Darling Resort and Arrowwood. The board approved the request.

The next board meeting will be held Tuesday, October 7. Board meetings are also recorded and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/@DouglasCountyMN-CountyBoard/streams