Clay County outlines 2024 accomplishments and 2025 priorities in annual State of the County address

Clay County officials delivered the county’s State of the County address Jan. 7, reviewing department achievements in 2024 and laying out priorities for 2025.

County leaders highlighted infrastructure and service upgrades, including a new Department of Motor Vehicles center with expanded hours and a new withdrawal management detox facility aimed at providing specialized care for people experiencing substance withdrawal. The county reported completing a new high‑resolution aerial image, replacing more than 4,000 blue address signs and moving several services into upgraded facilities.

The county summarized accomplishments across departments: planning and zoning approved 203 building permits in 2024; the assessor’s office reappointed Jill Murray to a four‑year term and reviewed 20% of parcels for mass appraisal; human resources completed a market study and adjusted salary grids by 3%; veteran services reported zero identified homeless veterans; probation and parole served more than 1,054 adults and 81 juveniles and launched a DWI court; and public health reported WIC enrollment averaging about 1,450 women, infants and children per month and provided dozens of vaccine and clinical services.

On public safety, speakers noted that the correctional facility processed a high volume of bookings and continues to house persons with mental‑health needs; the county said the 48‑hour rule remains suspended until June 30, 2025. The sheriff’s office added body‑worn cameras in the correctional facility and used state public‑safety funding to hire two deputies and a community service officer.

Financial highlights included adoption of the 2025 operating budget and tax levy on Dec. 17, 2024. The county estimated total 2025 expenses at $123,990,095 with a property tax levy of $44,866,746, and reported net new construction growth of 1.15% leading to a 4.45% net levy increase for 2025. The Minnesota Office of the State Auditor issued an unqualified opinion for the year ending Dec. 31, 2023, the county said.

The address also noted regional collaboration: Clay County participates in the Metro Flood Diversion Authority and the Moorhead‑Clay County Joint Powers Authority (MCCJPA) to coordinate flood mitigation work. The county identified three legislative priorities for 2025: revising 911 fee structures to stabilize emergency‑services funding, pursuing a psychiatric residential treatment facility in Clay County to expand access to children’s mental‑health beds in the northwest region, and securing funding for the FM Area Diversion project.

County officials closed by thanking staff and residents and encouraging public feedback on county priorities for 2025.