Commissioners update: AMC legislative outlook, solid waste work group, workforce ribbon cutting and Communities for All progress

Commissioners reported a range of interagency and county updates at the March 25 Dakota County Board of Commissioners meeting, including state budget concerns, a solid-waste working group, workforce development events and a county program supporting people with disabilities.

Commissioner Adrasti reported updates from the Association of Minnesota Counties and legislative activity at the state level. He and other commissioners said the governor's proposed budget contains cuts that could shift costs to counties. Adrasti said AMC and state partners are forming a work group that will include the Department of Human Services, MACSA (the Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators), the governor's office and county leaders to coordinate on any reductions and to improve communication with counties; the work group is expected to begin meeting promptly.

Commissioner Workman, the county's representative to an AMC Solid Waste Work Group, said the group's first meeting covered the history and authority of the Pollution Control Agency and discussed technology, waste-to-energy options, legislative and governance topics and permitting challenges. Workman reported 15 of 17 commissioner members attended the initial session and said some counties are experiencing long permitting waits from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the work group has three more meetings scheduled in April, May and June.

On transportation and staffing, commissioners recognized Gina Medeco, regional and multimodal transportation manager, who will leave Dakota County for a position at the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Commissioners thanked her for her regional rail work and noted her departure brings the county staff closer to MnDOT.

Workforce Development Board updates included a ribbon cutting at the Burnsville CareerForce site and a reminder about a teen job fair planned in April 2025 at the Galaxy Library. Commissioners described a new “Big Ideas” component at the job fair focused on career exploration and skilled trades for attendees age 16 and older.

Commissioner Holberg reported on Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) activity, saying the board had been reviewing federal museum and library services issues and that, during that process, a federal office closure was announced; commissioners said they will get a fuller update at the next Government, General and Personnel (GGP) meeting and that statewide library impacts are expected to be significant.

Commissioner Halverson and others highlighted “Communities for All,” a Dakota County initiative run by the county's Community Services Department that aims to build infrastructure and private-sector capacity to improve inclusion and access for people with disabilities. Commissioners cited local examples of private businesses beginning inclusive programming and discussed upcoming presentations and partnerships to expand the work.

County Manager Dr. Welsh reported that county department heads and the executive team are preparing for potential state budget cuts and that staff are proactively reviewing spending and operations. The manager also noted that twice-yearly township meetings had occurred in recent weeks, with about 25% of township supervisors recently newly elected; attendees discussed potential cannabis ordinances, elections and received updates from the county attorney and sheriff.

Ending

Commissioners said they will continue to monitor legislative developments, convene county and state partners through the AMC work group, and provide updates at future board meetings.