County Supervisors Decide Against New Mobile Home Park Regulatory Program

Concerns over the viability of a new health program dominated the Dunn County Health and Human Services Committee meeting on August 21, 2025. Committee members grappled with the complexities of managing health and safety regulations for mobile home parks, highlighting the potential financial burdens on both the county and residents.

Jeff, a key presenter, outlined the challenges of sustaining costs and recouping expenses associated with enforcing health standards. Doctor Hall emphasized the importance of ensuring safe living conditions but cautioned that without additional programs to increase affordable housing access, the initiative might worsen the existing housing crisis. "We would like everyone to have a safe, comfortable place to live," Hall stated, questioning whether the proposed program would effectively advance that goal.

The discussion revealed a significant concern: if fees for park owners were raised to cover program costs, those expenses would likely be passed on to residents, potentially making housing even less affordable. Committee members expressed skepticism about the county's ability to enforce regulations effectively, with some suggesting that increased fees could lead to non-compliance among park owners.

Ultimately, the committee decided to pause further consideration of the program, opting instead to focus on addressing human health hazard complaints under existing ordinances. The need for data collection on these complaints was also highlighted, with Doctor Hall advocating for a better understanding of the scope of housing issues in the county.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the importance of safe housing while recognizing the financial and logistical challenges ahead. The decision to hold off on the new program reflects a cautious approach to balancing public health priorities with economic realities.