Scott County projects small favorable year-end budget variance; board approves 10 consent items

A county finance staff member told the Scott County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 5 that, based on second-quarter results, the county is projecting "a small favorable variance at the end of the year of $175,000." The board received the report and approved a 10-item consent agenda that included intergovernmental agreements, licenses and appointments.

The financial update, presented to the board as the quarter closed, listed three large variances the county is watching. The health and human services department was showing an unfavorable revenue variance of about $1,000,000 related to MnCHOICES revenue; finance staff said HHS is pursuing cost reductions and vacancy savings to try to bring expenditures close to budget. Countywide investment earnings produced a projected $750,000 favorable variance, and planning and resource management is projecting about $500,000 favorable, partly related to environmental services and a designation to set aside funding for a regional household hazardous waste facility. The sheriff's office showed a roughly $200,000 negative variance linked to jail overtime, with staff noting the county no longer receives boarding revenue that had offset jail costs in 2024.

Investments and liquidity

Finance staff reported the county held about 88% of its investment portfolio in short-term instruments (0-2 years) as of June; funds are concentrated in money market accounts, commercial paper and certificates of deposit to take advantage of prevailing short-term interest rates. Staff cautioned that interest-rate pressures could change the return outlook.

Votes at a glance

The board approved the following consent items in a single motion and voice vote (listed with resolution number and description as read into the record):

- Res. 2025-150: Agreement with the Metropolitan Council for Dial-a-Ride services in Scott and Carver counties — approved.

- Res. 2025-173: Agreement with Transit Team Inc. for Transit Link Dial-a-Ride services — approved.

- Res. 2025-189: Authorize veterans treatment court cooperative agreement with the State of Minnesota — approved.

- Res. 2025-190: Approve precious metals license for Premier Gold, Silver and Coin Association LLC — approved.

- Res. 2025-192: Enter joint powers agreement with Minnesota Department of Corrections work release unit — approved.

- Res. 2025-194: Approve precious metal dealer license for Accel Pawn and Jewelry (Shakopee) — approved.

- Res. 2025-198: Approve two-day temporary on-sale liquor license for the Parish of Saints Joachim and Anne, Louisville Township — approved.

- Appointment of a citizen to an advisory committee — approved (appointment details not specified in the meeting record).

- Approval of payroll processing of personnel actions — approved (details not specified).

- Modification to the 2025 board meeting schedule — approved (modification details not specified).

Procedure and votes

The board approved the minutes of the July meeting earlier in the session by motion and voice vote. When the consent items were presented, a commissioner moved approval and the motion was seconded; the chair called for voices and the board answered "Aye," and the consent agenda passed. The meeting record does not include roll-call vote tallies or individual member votes.

Other business and next steps

Before moving to other agenda items, the board heard a report on the transportation sales tax program (separate briefing) and received brief commissioner updates. County staff said the joint Dakota-Scott household hazardous waste program received a grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and that staff will update the board at a future meeting on closeout and grant details.

Ending: The board adjourned after approving the consent agenda and hearing remaining reports; there were no further formal actions recorded at the meeting.