Committee approves sunset resolution for Heart & Homestead program and authorizes initial $10M master‑plan bond sale

The Washington County Executive Committee approved two separate resolutions during the meeting: one setting review triggers for continuing the Heart & Homestead program and one authorizing initial steps to issue debt for master‑plan and road projects.

The committee unanimously moved and seconded a resolution to set two review triggers for the Heart & Homestead program. Supervisor Chaudren moved the resolution with a second from Supervisor Kelling; members voted in favor and the chair announced the motion carried. The resolution schedules a county board review of program continuation in 2028 and adds an interim trigger: if the county’s interest income (the program’s funding source) falls below $2,500,000 the program’s funding will be revisited and possible reductions or alternatives considered.

Separately, the committee approved an initial debt resolution to allow the county’s financial advisor to solicit bids for a bond issue of up to $10,000,000 to fund the county master plan work and certain road projects. Margie Hammers (county finance) told the committee the $10 million borrowing will be split between building remodeling tied to the master plan and road projects; exact allocations will be determined before final award. Supervisor Schulteis moved and Supervisor Kelling seconded; the committee voted to approve the resolution and staff will return with a final award and execution timeline once bids are received. Finance staff estimated proceeds would be available in late March or early April after bid award procedures.

Both items passed on voice votes; no roll‑call tallies were recorded in the transcript. The committee scheduled follow‑up action items: staff will present the Heart & Homestead program review timeline and the results of the bond sale process at a subsequent meeting.