Anoka County board approves claims, ratifies 911 dispatchers’ tentative pact and authorizes settlement

The Anoka County Board of Commissioners at its meeting unanimously approved acceptance of regular claims over $500 for the period ending Dec. 13, 2024; approved minutes from the Dec. 17, 2024, County Board meeting; ratified a tentative labor agreement covering county 911 dispatchers for 2025–2027; and authorized the county attorney and risk management to enter a settlement for claim No. 22040.

The actions were taken by roll-call votes and unanimous voice votes during what county officials described as a brief meeting. Commissioners moved through routine business and committee reports before taking final votes and adjourning.

Why it matters: approving the claims completes county financial accounting for the listed purchase-card transactions, while the tentative agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services sets the framework for wages and terms for 911 dispatchers for a three-year period (2025–2027). The authorized settlement resolves a pending county claim (No. 22040); the amount was described in the meeting as discussed by risk management and the county attorney but was not specified on the record.

On the claims item the board approved a motion to accept the regular claims paid over $500 for the period ending Dec. 13, 2024. The motion was moved by Commissioner Brastall; a second was recorded but the speaker was not identified on the record. A roll-call vote followed in which commissioners answered “aye,” and the chair declared the motion passed unanimously.

The board also approved the minutes from the Dec. 17, 2024, County Board meeting. That approval was moved by Commissioner Schulte and seconded by Commissioner Jepsen; the board approved the minutes by voice vote.

During committee reports, Commissioner Meisner (management committee) said the committee recommended adopting a resolution to approve a tentative agreement between the County of Anoka and Law Enforcement Labor Services representing the county’s 911 dispatchers for calendar years 2025 through 2027. Meisner also reported that the management committee recommended eliminating listed unfunded positions as an internal cleanup. Both items were reported to have gone directly to the board and were approved.

Commissioner Schulte, reporting for the audit committee, said the Office of the State Auditor held its entrance meeting for the annual audit and the committee was presented with a summary report of a limited IT audit of network security and a draft 2025 audit plan; those items were informational and required no board action.

As an additional agenda item, the board considered authorizing the county attorney’s office and risk management to enter into a settlement agreement for claim No. 22040 “in the amount as discussed by risk management and the county attorney’s office.” Commissioner Schulte moved the authorization; a second was recorded by Commissioner Barrastin. A roll-call vote was taken and the board approved the settlement unanimously; the settlement amount was not stated on the record.

Chair remarks included an announcement that the next board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, will take place at the Rapids City Council City Center Council Chambers at 11155 Robinson Drive to accommodate lighting upgrades at the Anoka County Government Center. The meeting was adjourned after the listed agenda items were completed.

Votes at a glance: accept purchase-card claims (period ending Dec. 13, 2024) — approved (unanimous roll-call); approve Dec. 17, 2024, minutes — approved (voice vote); adopt resolution approving tentative agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services for 2025–2027 — approved (reported as board action); eliminate listed unfunded positions — approved (reported as board action); authorize settlement for claim No. 22040 — approved (unanimous roll-call).