[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_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",6179636,"mediaKeyId","5125675-538ded72202e8657b3a0184283756096","parentId",5125675,"title","Commissioners debate $30,000 lobbyist contract as budget and state cost shifts loom","audioSeconds",387,"startMs",1350000,"endMs",1737000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5125675-538ded72202e8657b3a0184283756096&start=1350&end=1737","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5125675-538ded72202e8657b3a0184283756096/thumbnail_1350000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6179636/Beltrami-County/Minnesota/Commissioners-debate-30000-lobbyist-contract-as-budget-and-state-cost-shifts-loom","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179636-1ba75dc35b61cc57b678434ced092cbb/orig.mp4?Expires=1773677291&Signature=WYL~EStCg2PVEO8jKhpOHo7Lv-ZUH7BYYRyoBIRcrcMyoY7Mv5eBd9fggUafEo184UhjJCGnmsXh827lsuMVrgwFDy0cRs951rSWI4kERa~~VBt1TXM9SCI~e3rJvqLCpFBdzDWex4~nbR~ykPxXNjmYnHUbFa9qaGbCuz~VcS41NqyiJZ6gllrT4AZ6gCzTH6sK7mHFT7zV1zyRaGaB9CZP3awqN5Cs~3BSJ3u-gvGTlW6fRMan0zGEWtp6VEP5RM4eOtI2kYZ7XR4X5qnT5nPJ4FwIYzK-Ah5eegrNsROZuMK8FTxHxp6n-JCG8JTbgBcxUiKi9di8cYaEDJr2wQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Beltrami County, MN","date","2025-07-02T10:47:49Z","article","Beltrami County commissioners discussed the county’s $30,000 annual lobbyist contract during a broader budget-update conversation and signaled they will remove the contract from next year’s proposed budget pending further review.

County administrator Tom Zemmer told the board the contract is $30,000 for the year and that most work occurs during the legislative session, though the firm remains under contract to represent the county year-round. He also said Eric Simonson is no longer with the firm and that the county expects a replacement or another firm representative to present at an upcoming meeting.

Commissioner Sumner and Commissioner Carlson questioned the value of paying a lobbyist when local legislators are actively advocating for the county. Carlson said Representative Duran, Senator Steve Green and Representative Bliss have been ‘‘outstanding’’ advocates and said she does not favor continuing the paid contract. Sumner said the county might rely on local representatives and AMC-level advocacy instead of a separate lobbyist and raised the point that much of the contract is already paid for the year.

Tom Zemmer said the county could remove the lobbyist contract from the budget now to avoid presenting it to the budget committee and rework allocations accordingly. Commissioners discussed the county’s exposure to state and federal cost shifts—Zemmer cautioned the board that reductions in SNAP or Medicaid reimbursement could shift costs to counties and that the county may need contingency funds in the budget to respond.

Board members indicated agreement to pull the lobbyist contract from the proposed budget; no formal roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript. Zemmer said staff would proceed with rebalancing the budget materials for the committee based on that direction.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Beltrami County Board Meeting 7-1-25","oneSentenceSummary","County administrator Tom Zemmer confirmed the county’s lobbyist contract is $30,000 per year; commissioners expressed skepticism about renewing that contract given state-level cost-shift risks and strong advocacy from local legislators, and the board signaled consensus to remove the item from the upcoming budget.","taxTitle","Beltrami County, Minnesota","taxId",51987,"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},6179641,"Beltrami County jail project: footings poured, precast walls due this month",147,799000,946000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5125675-538ded72202e8657b3a0184283756096&start=799&end=946","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5125675-538ded72202e8657b3a0184283756096/thumbnail_799000.jpg","/articles/6179641/Beltrami-County/Minnesota/Beltrami-County-jail-project-footings-poured-precast-walls-due-this-month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179641-393349bf7d5b225a73ddedeb8d662dc0/orig.mp4?Expires=1773677291&Signature=im620pRfN6f7dwUFBS6qeUXp7e~MjWE8yrqXUZUjS~FnLeagMpgTfT3jccEc7XSYX3GcdUlUOXcQxFLh9qNK76JQf6wmIR0suDVCo0kg0MLP9nDZqndJWDQU6DS72VtLG76Apt4HUyhQucW4NHNbiGxvbt~-BFzygzqMnHcS8mxVObcGXmfM051B0KRFEYNrsMWF-s90lSN8PpYrddxyzAGxnDb2MRmMmU8gCZAl-e3sL0s60wQYAdI7Yy9q65~~yW6FkLj5XrtTx89IyXoj0amfNpSGnSRIG66KarwYRzFuiMAgckpXJ7ph9bHHQXKb25j4trcTc-dAwlQxgusIKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Beltrami County’s jail construction advanced this month, county officials said, with concrete pours complete for footings and piers and foundation work preparing for the arrival of precast walls.

County administrator Tom Zemmer told the board the site’s concrete footings and piers are poured in the central and eastern parts of the building and foundation walls are being readied to receive precast wall panels later this month. Crews are also backfilling the north-northeast section of the building after pours cured.

Zemmer said storm damage to the site was minimal because much of the work remained at or below grade. \"So, as far as storm damage goes to the actual site itself, the site, fortunately, you know, came out pretty unscathed,\" Zemmer said. He noted the job-site trailer had been shifted and the trailer skirting removed; a neighbor’s trampoline had landed in the excavation and was removed as well.

Zemmer said the county carries insurance through the contractor for construction risks, and he cautioned that had the storm struck after precast walls were in place the impacts could have been far worse. He said concrete and foundation work continue and that the site will look different once precast walls are delivered and installed later in the month.","County administrator Tom Zemmer reported that concrete pours for footings and piers are complete, foundation walls are being readied for precast panels and the construction site sustained only minor storm impacts.",{"_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},6179646,"United Way-led recovery center and emergency business loans mobilize after Beltrami County storm",1419,692000,2111000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5125675-538ded72202e8657b3a0184283756096&start=692&end=2111","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5125675-538ded72202e8657b3a0184283756096/thumbnail_692000.jpg","/articles/6179646/Beltrami-County/Minnesota/United-Way-led-recovery-center-and-emergency-business-loans-mobilize-after-Beltrami-County-storm","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179646-8a8e298c02e1a1ffad25f75ce179c90e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773677291&Signature=lPKEtV7mpLN6H7FY9r0HivZX3ea5uN7X6o0ZXlH6wf3HOquwOOzMxWRoEFGJYf4-qDDhgiHWSYR80NiPl7fDjz2lIArNfS4v80niBJmNRnEtmXTxItWaeuVW-UBax7AI3vpaJSDQVuQ18zNzBepVN-dOLNiXjgBPlimbLh4lFFc4gFn4D5brc9EoJsfqXqOtXnPXvOZBroUDjuqh~vbJAxIaceFEKSYR8zBandjofFsmfYKkwqhVuZhmEZPvc4gnEZGbdqKVO-ShVJFAozFJ-5AujbwERT6tpdljkV2JNBzXRCmCK0Z5XoWiaC4KJ73ZJBeQDBh5Q2Rneh~UhtwrNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Beltrami County officials described immediate post-storm recovery efforts and a newly launched emergency business-rebuild program from local partners to support storm-impacted residents and small businesses.

Tom Zemmer, Beltrami County administrator, said the United Way is leading local recovery with partners including Community Resource Connections, the Salvation Army, Bemidji Fire and the American Red Cross. He told commissioners a post-storm resource center operated daily at the old First National Bank building, 429 Minnesota Avenue, with hours 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and that people can contact United Way or Community Resource Connections after the center closes.

\"They're connecting volunteers in our community that are willing to go and help those who can't help themselves, maybe clear the debris from their homes or help in other ways,\" Zemmer said. He described available resources including financial help, food, supplies, hot meals and volunteer services.

Commissioner Carlson described a parallel private-public effort organized by Greater Bemidji, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Headwaters Regional Development Commission, United Way and other partners. The group created a Bemidji Business Rebuild Program that will offer emergency loans up to $10,000 at 0% interest for 12 months to businesses severely impacted by the storm. Carlson said approximately $200,000 to $250,000 was pooled quickly from participating agencies to get funds into the community with an expedited approval process.

Zemmer urged residents to use the resource center while it remains open and to contact United Way or Community Resource Connections for continuing assistance. The county and partner organizations said they will continue coordinating volunteers and aid and that details about loan application and eligibility will be distributed by Greater Bemidji and participating lending partners.","County administrator Tom Zemmer described a United Way-led post-storm resource center and volunteer coordination; Greater Bemidji and partners launched a rapid small-business rebuild program offering short-term, 0% emergency loans up to $10,000.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":91,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6179651,"Beltrami County sets public hearing to transfer Judicial Ditch 2 to Bemidji",165,527000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5125675-538ded72202e8657b3a0184283756096&start=527&end=692","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5125675-538ded72202e8657b3a0184283756096/thumbnail_527000.jpg","/articles/6179651/Beltrami-County/Minnesota/Beltrami-County-sets-public-hearing-to-transfer-Judicial-Ditch-2-to-Bemidji","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179651-2b61e0a159de8f9dbbf98f61f7e6b7da/orig.mp4?Expires=1773677291&Signature=eJamb~y-pM3TglM8CGDCRZ6Y-L4petejATAA1HPEpMxSP2qHc825ujI281XnuKNyGcVVoM1RsVYQ9nRutdJ-kLwCH8kXSKijz3D-r2x3aBo8-S0FcQqTvv-E7K9ViapVhhStmpoq6efIo~ZjWtcFu9LmfcbBdZKI1txs6Hf4EPSibOgaSFJjWKHMzgpTtTq3-Q7lDn~0DHjbt0IwFEzQUEmjwT7IbN4x6R9NA8a9Hbdm2Gp1W3HGbO8IpKKtZDyRp~NNPDL1bPyLYANnrBzOAXyOOHY6mi-sv1sKm0hTZ1CRbmnTi2DmjRyCa8EbRoMs5dk80gQ8guPvjFcrul5MaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Beltrami County commissioners voted to set a public hearing on Aug. 5 at 5 p.m. to consider transferring jurisdiction of Judicial Ditch 2 to the City of Bemidji.

Bruce, a public works staff member who presented the item, said Judicial Ditch 2 runs within the city of Bemidji from roughly 15th Street down to Division Street and into Lake Bemidji. Because the ditch lies inside city limits, the city requested the transfer so the drainage feature would fall under the city’s stormwater system rather than remain a judicial ditch under county jurisdiction.

\"Judicial Ditch 2, is located within the city of Bemidji, from Fifteenth Street roughly, down to Division Street and then down into Lake Urban,\" Bruce said. He explained the county provided documentation and an engineering report to the city to determine existing conditions and feasibility of transfer; the city passed a resolution requesting assumption of jurisdiction.

Commissioner Carlson moved to set the public hearing for Aug. 5 at 5 p.m.; Commissioner Sumner seconded. The board voted in favor and the motion carried.

Bruce told the board he requested the hearing date early enough to allow county staff to advertise and notify ditch beneficiaries. The board’s action schedules the formal hearing process; a subsequent hearing will allow residents and property owners to provide comment and for the county to consider the transfer record and related engineering findings before taking a final action.","County public works staff reported the City of Bemidji requested jurisdictional transfer of Judicial Ditch 2; the board set a public hearing for Aug. 5 at 5 p.m. to consider the transfer.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6179656,"Beltrami County approves four opioid settlement agreements",211,338000,549000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5125675-538ded72202e8657b3a0184283756096&start=338&end=549","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5125675-538ded72202e8657b3a0184283756096/thumbnail_338000.jpg","/articles/6179656/Beltrami-County/Minnesota/Beltrami-County-approves-four-opioid-settlement-agreements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179656-64a3bbc4bf2122c60069569a93b46fac/orig.mp4?Expires=1773677291&Signature=oE3TldZ-aEXcI4dv1qltngMRGoY1n8fklw00AEuuS2aWITz45BrmCaF~WvvTGh8upBhl5ybFNczi4OfEpB2mAbWoixSJ1-BKyAMVSfktlQr2GqcrSXG73jJAfuiQkLbh-TvWzY3oEuyk6FQDtGiwq85M891KYPKxQ682PFk-mjtn0yVd4ZY9mXd9-m1vn-OS7wculBNowY2BypBbS0UO6CSG2ifPECCz7ViPOUY6LAZY1c46Vadwc00qbMJzfoXRiGqFAjUIr2JCW7DImjDAdWuUDFKiuT0yoWLNMjrA27oyxrVTJj9YBUuVzuXoOhdGTKP8nORZFlx~8MqzrdqkCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Beltrami County commissioners voted 4-0 to approve four memorandums of agreement tied to opioid settlement funding during the regular meeting.

Public health director Amy Bowles told the board the packet contained four of five contracts and that the fifth would be brought forward later once signatures are complete. She outlined the committee’s plan for the remainder of the year, including membership recruitment, an annual October update and presentations from awardees in November.

The contracts formalize awards the board previously approved in principle. Amy Bowles, public health director, said, “Tonight, I would just like to provide you with an update for the remainder of the year for our plan for the opiates [sic] committee.” She told commissioners the committee currently includes county employees and that staffing changes will trigger a recruitment process in July and application review in August, with a municipal outreach meeting tied to the October annual update.

Commissioner Carlson moved to approve the four memorandums of agreement; Commissioner Sumner seconded. Commissioners voted “aye” and the motion carried 4-0.

Bowles said the committee will not hold a regular committee meeting in October; instead, the county will host an annual update and meeting with municipalities at the board’s second October meeting and will invite municipal partners individually to align memoranda of agreement or understanding. In November, awardees who have spent settlement money will present program updates to the committee, and the county plans to release a new request for proposals in January.

The board’s approval completes the formal contract step for the four MOAs in hand; Bowles told commissioners she would place the final agreement on a future consent agenda when signatures are complete.","The Beltrami County Board voted unanimously to approve four memorandums of agreement for opioid settlement funds and heard a timeline for committee membership, municipal outreach and program reporting through the rest of the year.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners debate $30,000 lobbyist contract as budget and state cost shifts loom

Beltrami County jail project: footings poured, precast walls due this month

United Way-led recovery center and emergency business loans mobilize after Beltrami County storm

Beltrami County sets public hearing to transfer Judicial Ditch 2 to Bemidji

Beltrami County approves four opioid settlement agreements