Clay County commissioners direct administrator to solicit lobbyist proposals as diversion funding window narrows

Clay County commissioners voted Aug. 19 to direct the county administrator to solicit proposals for legislative representation for the 2025 session and to allow the administrator to prepare a 2026 budget request for ongoing representation.

Commissioners said the diversion project — the county’s top funding priority during the recent legislative session — is entering a critical phase and that outside help is needed to maintain a constant presence in St. Paul. “If we’re gonna wait and incorporate into the 2026 budget, we’re gonna already be way behind,” Commissioner Campbell said during the board discussion, urging prompt action.

County staff and several commissioners recommended moving now to identify and hire a lobbying firm that can work across political caucuses. Jenny (county staff) told the board an initial planning figure of about $40,000 “is a fairly good starting point” for getting work done through December, while noting an actual contract could be higher depending on scope.

The board carried a motion (unanimous) that authorized the administrator to gather proposals for legislative representation for 2025 and to craft a 2026 budget request. Commissioners asked that the administrator consult with staff who have prior legislative experience — specifically naming Jenny and two commissioners — and that the small subgroup return a recommendation to the full board after reviewing proposals.

Closed‑session reference: The meeting also included a closed session earlier in the agenda “regarding labor negotiations per Minnesota Statutes section 13D.03,” which commissioners completed before resuming open session business.

Speakers quoted in this article are identified in the meeting transcript and included in the speaker list accompanying this article.