Becker County to press next legal steps on chronic blight cases after multi‑department review

County planning, human services, environmental services and the sheriff’s office told commissioners they have been working on a set of approximately 7–10 chronic nuisance properties and recommended moving certain cases to the next legal stage. Kyle (planning staff) and other department representatives said the county has attempted repeated outreach — site visits, letters and offers of services — but some properties continue to present health or safety concerns and ongoing nuisance conditions affecting neighbors. Commissioners and staff described a multi‑department approach: evaluate whether interiors of dwellings constitute unhealthy living conditions (Human Services/public‑health role), determine when outside accumulations create public nuisances (public property, roads, or common‑area encroachments), and use the sheriff’s office or code enforcement to document violations. Several commissioners said the county has expended resources already and that a court filing to order cleanup or allow the county to abate and assess costs to property taxes is the appropriate next step for the worst cases. County staff said timelines vary by case but that court remedies (civil enforcement) often include notice periods and cleanup deadlines; if owners fail to comply, the county can perform cleanup and place a special assessment on property tax rolls. Commissioners emphasized that the county should pursue solutions that include offers of services where appropriate, but also protect neighbors and public rights‑of‑way. The board directed county administration and staff to proceed with compiling court filings and the legal steps needed for the identified properties. No individual property names were adopted into formal board action during the meeting; staff were directed to proceed with court‑level enforcement for identified cases and return with progress updates.