Sherburne County amends land transaction policy to add county commissioner representation and require open-agenda consideration

Sherburne County commissioners approved an amendment to the county land transaction policy that adds a county commissioner to the Land Transaction Review Committee and clarifies that voluntary land transactions must be considered on the regular board agenda.

Commissioners debated whether to table the item to align it with a forthcoming comprehensive-plan review. Commissioner Felber motioned to table the item 90 days to July 22, 2025, but that motion failed for lack of a second. Commissioner Hulse and others argued the policy should be passed but that the board must be diligent in how the comprehensive plan work is handled. "This policy does not apply to lands that are tax forfeited, acquisition of county right-of-way, or the condemnation process," a staff member noted while describing the proposed policy scope.

After discussion the board approved adding language to appoint one county commissioner annually to the Land Transaction Review Committee so the board remains informed of land transactions. The board also confirmed language that voluntary transactions must be considered on the regular agenda and not placed on the consent agenda; the policy already excluded condemnation and involuntary takings.

Commissioners directed staff to include the committee assignment on the board's annual assignment list so the county commissioner role is not overlooked. An appointment to the committee will be set at the next board meeting.

Ending: The board passed the policy amendment, and staff will present a county board appointment to the Land Transaction Review Committee at the next meeting.