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Morrison County approves 90-day notice to end IDEMA fingerprinting contract
Summary
The board voted Oct. 7 to send a 90‑day termination notice to IDEMA for fingerprinting services after staff reported the service was not cost‑effective and staff time costs exceeded revenues.
The Morrison County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 7, 2025, approved a motion to send a 90‑day notice terminating the county’s contract with IDEMA, the vendor that has provided fingerprinting and background services for child care and foster-care licensing.
A county staff member (presented as “Nate,” Human Services director) told the board the county’s program brought in roughly $3,000–$5,000 in annual revenue but required about half of a full‑time equivalent in office support time, producing an estimated staff‑time cost of roughly $20,000–$30,000 per year. The staff recommendation noted that the county’s contract has not been cost effective and that the county attorney advised a 90‑day notice would be sufficient to end the contract.
Board members discussed alternatives and the regional context. Staff said IDEMA had not successfully recruited other regional providers and that other options — including a mobile fingerprinting clinic coordinated through the Sourcewell oversight body or regionally scheduled clinics — were being explored. Staff said the county would coordinate with neighboring agencies to reduce the regional gap created if the county exits the service.
Commissioner Blaine moved to approve sending the 90‑day termination notice; Commissioner Castor seconded. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
Why it matters: Terminating the contract is expected to reduce staff workload and free office support time; the board directed staff to pursue regional alternatives and noted the county would coordinate transitions for ongoing cases and for households that rely on the service.
Implementation note: Staff will work with the county attorney and regional partners (Sourcewell and neighboring counties) to arrange service alternatives and to manage any backlog during the 90‑day notice period.
