[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6611411,"mediaKeyId","2896026-3008f69ee4fe9a71358347c3c8c31b8b","parentId",2896026,"title","Votes at a glance: Cass County Commission actions on licenses, contracts and budgets","audioSeconds",3166,"startMs",272000,"endMs",3438000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2896026-3008f69ee4fe9a71358347c3c8c31b8b&start=272&end=3438","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2896026-3008f69ee4fe9a71358347c3c8c31b8b/thumbnail_272000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6611411/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Votes-at-a-glance-Cass-County-Commission-actions-on-licenses-contracts-and-budgets","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611411-4404cbedfb62fc01382c444d4fda1db7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771045940&Signature=lsBoWt-k-z4ejNqzDKWluB-ddDvqaV6LbAeNKMkXZiHv-i8dcuib06nijus64JWE~0t-yDAC9lppvk6Awh00x~YQpIUTXY5N0EdHf3rVTr1CXkdg-GKKB0YqXaqghLTnucIMebL1CIMTUUqYSm0ZU1EM6vQbbjXoe5lP73jlpAPJLHf6PEcwzUfXHU~i5bfkviUHLCnq5z-1b9nXnD~QZHoUwLkFKQRASI-RQKlYq5rEbpql4nYawdPMjPRr9RExzPQM1srGjtko0Lzllfgb1eBJ-yPrh0PWDfwy~EnCVVdUSD~Ra4kpgW3--bmbLtB11cKC2OwC97ZfRKrVobqwkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cass County, KS","date","2025-04-07T22:35:38.703Z","article","The Cass County Board of Commissioners acted on a range of items including liquor license applications, subdivision approval, vendor contracts, vouchers and several policy and budget items. Key votes and outcomes from the meeting are listed below.

Votes at a glance

- Innovate '28 funding: Approved (5-0) a transfer of $581,900 to complete the county's 2025 match for Innovate '28 (see separate article).

- Lennon Lofts (Fargo TIF/Renaissance Zone): Commission voted (5-0) to withhold approval of county participation in the second five-year exemption as requested and directed staff to negotiate alternative participation terms with the property owner.

- KLJ Engineering contract and budget adjustment (County 31 bridge): Approved (5-0) a $1,091,000 budget adjustment and contract authorization for KLJ Engineering LLC for design services; engineering to report results of geotechnical testing in July.

- Conditional alcoholic beverage license for North Dale Liquors: Approved (roll call, unanimous). County staff verified background checks, payment and tax compliance; sheriff's office raised no concerns.

- Beer & wine license for Viking Vines (purchase/transfer of existing business): Approved (roll call, unanimous). Background checks and documentation were confirmed.

- Freeman Subdivision (MDZ/LDZ modification along Wild Rice River): Approved (unanimous). The application included modified minimal disturbance and limited disturbance lines consistent with subdivision ordinance and deed restrictions; Planning Commission recommended approval.

- Contracts approved (consent/regular agenda): Brown Intertech Corporation (construction materials testing), Central Specialties Inc. (asphalt patching), and various vector-control contracts (mosquito control) were authorized as presented.

- Payment of vouchers (registrar numbers 348911 through 349168): Approved (unanimous).

For each of the above items, commissioners asked for clarifications on fiscal impacts, statutory timelines (30-day response windows for TIF requests), and implementation reporting. Several items were routine and placed on the consent agenda; others required fuller discussion and directed follow-up reporting by staff.

Ending: Staff will return with negotiated participation terms for the Lennon Lofts request if an agreement is reached, and engineering will brief the commission on bridge test results ahead of the July budget process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Commission Meeting 4/7","oneSentenceSummary","At the meeting the commission approved multiple routine licenses and contracts, adopted a seven-figure budget adjustment for bridge design, approved a county transfer to Innovate '28, approved subdivisions, and instructed staff to negotiate on a Fargo TIF participation request.","taxTitle","Cass County, North Dakota","taxId",2734,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611416,"Cass County approves $1.091 million budget adjustment and hires KLJ for County 31 bridge design",285,3563000,3848000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2896026-3008f69ee4fe9a71358347c3c8c31b8b&start=3563&end=3848","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2896026-3008f69ee4fe9a71358347c3c8c31b8b/thumbnail_3563000.jpg","/articles/6611416/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Cass-County-approves-1091-million-budget-adjustment-and-hires-KLJ-for-County-31-bridge-design","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611416-4d093eef7f7f1957d55d41213bf978a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771045940&Signature=maRuqIkcN9sDQjEaQ866tMc0IrbIzt-3D4cXv3WXcmXknayLwRoL1wXUiNNoIg7aTQLf-vVCmXzM4T4~wxsPfOlk8KcZHhxVt8zmPrV9krfcOAfawrnj76TP5DuiSkg~Q-37rQ45PmdqFGxID4OEfFCJljfAcW3ToUbYkC0jZvXr8-YZMdJT6FwD789i9AmVKRLZfKfS3CwFRg0tlfOwZDhTsVL9Gvf4AAICEuXTizgiCgCH2Rjc6LZGxUQpGfdwbOX1rcLFQT7IqI9yw9jnBss3isBkEAayoUA0wVgG5O5m2H01AsFcob4zoht-wHQx4Z~eBKAABbvLRXCXVM-Dgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cass County Commission approved a budget adjustment of $1,091,000 and authorized the chair to sign contracts with KLJ Engineering LLC to provide primary design and engineering for the County 31 bridge replacement. Commissioner Flacco moved the motion, Commissioner Capitan seconded, and the motion passed in a roll call vote with all commissioners voting yes.

County staff explained the bridge was closed last summer after county engineers recorded accelerated bridge movement. Preliminary design and soil testing are underway; staff reported all soil meters are in the ground and readings are expected in the June–July timeframe. If testing shows the existing alignment can be used with appropriate engineering measures, the design cost and schedule could be reduced; if not, alternatives must be evaluated and may require longer evaluation periods.

County engineering staff estimated a June 2026 bid date and completion by late 2027 if the team can design on the existing alignment and proceed without extended delays. The $1.091 million contract covers design work for both the existing alignment and proposed alternatives; staff said some of the cost could be reduced if tests permit staying on the existing alignment.

Commissioners asked whether single-span options or longer approaches had been analyzed; staff said single-span solutions would require significant road profile changes and additional right-of-way or approach length and were not straightforward.

Ending: The commission asked engineering staff to report findings at the July budget review so those results can inform the 2026 budget decisions and possible construction timing.","The commission authorized a $1,091,000 budget adjustment and contract with KLJ Engineering to design a replacement for the County 31 bridge closed last summer because of accelerated movement; soil testing results in June–July will determine whether the replacement can remain on the existing alignment or require an alternative alignment.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611421,"Cass County withholds participation in Fargo TIF for Lennon Lofts, asks city to continue negotiations",529,1654000,2183000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2896026-3008f69ee4fe9a71358347c3c8c31b8b&start=1654&end=2183","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2896026-3008f69ee4fe9a71358347c3c8c31b8b/thumbnail_1654000.jpg","/articles/6611421/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Cass-County-withholds-participation-in-Fargo-TIF-for-Lennon-Lofts-asks-city-to-continue-negotiations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611421-8ee7809482fb290c7e26a93f164df1f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771045940&Signature=FskssWKIOhpV5K3UrN6iZ1PM4kr8duxmMXQlFO3Tx1r4J4xi3BKhal2ViMZIGI1EvrXbzKK9SSxHQ7ocLTdmE0oA7NRcIFgbEFUytEH0GqCysMyX-tWXHvr8iWw3OhuzeOadnvkf6b02BYX7eNKD73LosebiNzJvOO0beAaGA2zQJoa2IiNCgepK1UJEDtP1TT2j43sEqphNUYPIjq9owETXGx8UyGrwhHMQxrDHrQLVlG2WhTh8o3uMmU039A4VENPl51AR5R3wYFQ2-8vfEOyGaiOzJWoLYp8E4~qYoH~g-qFdVi8rMEU-fOiMwKSZ~mZOpMsHa24EwFlGfiLLGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cass County Commission voted not to participate in the second five-year tax exemption portion of the Fargo Lennon Lofts proposal and directed staff to negotiate with the property owner on terms. County staff explained North Dakota rules allow the county and school district to opt out of exemptions that extend beyond five years; the city approved its participation and the county has 30 days under state statute to act.

County planner/administrator Jim Gilmore (identified in the meeting transcript as presenting the item) described the proposed project as replacing two vacant, deteriorated structures near downtown Fargo with a 22-unit apartment building (mostly one- and two-bedroom units) and first-floor enclosed parking. He said the property currently pays roughly $2,300 in total property taxes in 2025, with the county's share about $341; post-construction market value would generate an estimated $42,000 in total property taxes with about $6,400 going to the county.

Gilmore said the county's financial-advisor analysis showed a \"but-for\" result: without assistance, the developer's return on the project would be about 6.49%; with assistance it would be about 10.9%. He also reported coverage ratios that lenders consider marginal without assistance (about 1.01 without help vs. 1.25 with assistance).

Developer Andrew Hanson, identifying himself as the managing member for Lendl Lofts, said the properties have been vacant about five years and described rising costs (insurance, utilities, tariffs) that have increased project headwinds. \"This project won't happen without your guys' support,\" Hanson told the commission.

Commissioners debated competing priorities. Several commissioners said they were sympathetic to downtown redevelopment and removing blight but expressed concern about long-term revenue foregone under multi-year exemptions — an issue made more urgent by the prospect of a 3% property-tax growth cap discussed during the legislative session. Commissioner Breitling moved that the county not approve participation as requested but instead negotiate with the property owner; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call vote with all commissioners voting in favor.

Ending: County staff said they will pursue negotiations with the developer and return to the commission if a negotiated participation level is proposed for formal approval.","The commission declined to approve county participation in a proposed additional five-year tax exemption for Lennon Lofts in downtown Fargo and directed staff to negotiate further with the developer, citing financial prudence amid potential property-tax cap changes and concerns about whether the project would occur without incentives.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611426,"Cass County approves $581,900 transfer to complete 2025 Innovate '28 match",1204,312000,1516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2896026-3008f69ee4fe9a71358347c3c8c31b8b&start=312&end=1516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2896026-3008f69ee4fe9a71358347c3c8c31b8b/thumbnail_312000.jpg","/articles/6611426/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Cass-County-approves-581900-transfer-to-complete-2025-Innovate-28-match","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611426-da9a54e2bf893c012f6672f2fbf7267f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771045940&Signature=lhFsTn4zA0W1Sv0xOkA2C6WzLEgU6arKM-cCc4mGa~U7NSE0DwqGGVr1HKZ19tn3cDZ3yTrXVCk46JYhdVVMlgnI-PboNieuctCTEyl-cTbW6~vHwAzgIU~DI1Z~GHddM2hnvH2hiu54e-D2hzX4CbNt33OMFecuovJZ0qcysRPjgxhZmwYvm~0ktVEWLTPgHMFyBsJDdg9dChpdZQYI8Zd4eSC2c6gBwTJ~Sdz8ijn2yeAW3cHvwGokgJRFkys5stzR4yetoAGDmTHa8b25AHmwBlkK9ux-s81ALKJLmNRcKpmkJ~-UYXz1DNb9GKcXfM19GV3HjWxuPdgvBUAXRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cass County Board of Commissioners voted to authorize staff to transfer $581,900 to Innovate '28, the public–private regional growth partnership led by the Economic Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Breitling made the motion and it passed on a roll call vote, with all commissioners voting in favor.

Innovate '28 presenters Shannon Full and Joe Raso told the commission the initiative has been in development for about 18–20 months and now includes roughly 125 private-sector pledges. The presenters said the partnership has established two sets of metrics: revenue-generating indicators (sales, permits, property values) and internal KPIs for project development, workforce development and public policy. They said Goldmark (Andy Westby and team) has agreed to provide quarterly analyses of sales, permit and value changes to support those metrics.

Commissioner Breitling, who moved the transfer, said the newly approved amount combined with the county's earlier $1.2 million commitment represents the county's annual pledge for 2025. “Having supported this motion when it started, I would move that we authorize our staff to transfer the amount that you set for,” he said during the meeting.

Presenters noted private pledges range from larger corporate gifts down to smaller individual contributions and that many private pledges are multi-year but reviewed annually. Innovate '28 staff said they will post metrics and updates on an Innovate '28 website and provide investor briefings twice a year; commissioners were invited to those briefings.

Commissioners asked about how outcomes will be measured against baseline growth and how to account for post‑COVID shifts and remote work. Innovate '28 staff said they used historical baselines and set workforce and project goals at levels higher than previous results to try to isolate the program’s impact; they also emphasized the role of direct company feedback in attributing location decisions to the partnership's work.

The motion approved by the commission clarified that the $581,900 transfer is added to the prior $1.2 million county contribution for 2025. Commissioners also discussed possible future adjustments if Fargo or West Fargo change their participation in future years.

Ending: Innovate '28 staff said they will return with metrics and investor reports; the commission asked for updates during the budget process and for continued briefings to track outcomes.","The Cass County Commission voted to transfer $581,900 to complete the county's 2025 funding commitment to Innovate '28, adding to a previously approved $1.2 million and creating an ongoing annual county commitment tied to private-sector investments and quarterly metrics reporting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Cass County Commission actions on licenses, contracts and budgets

Cass County approves $1.091 million budget adjustment and hires KLJ for County 31 bridge design

Cass County withholds participation in Fargo TIF for Lennon Lofts, asks city to continue negotiations

Cass County approves $581,900 transfer to complete 2025 Innovate '28 match