Polk County commissioners approve staffing moves, contracts, facility upgrades and new investment policy

Polk County Board of Commissioners on May 20 approved a series of staffing actions, facility upgrades, contracts and a new county investment policy while setting dates on the 2026 budget calendar.

The board approved hiring and refill requests for the sheriff’s office and public‑health and solid‑waste departments, awarded contracts and authorized facility work in McIntosh and the Crookston transfer station, and adopted an updated investment policy intended to guide how county funds are invested going forward.

The votes collectively give county leaders authority to fill multiple positions, move forward with a remodel and security work at a McIntosh leased office, accept a contract amendment clarifying operational costs under a Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) agreement, proceed with ditch redetermination work for a first group of systems and name the county’s official newspaper for the remainder of 2025.

What the board approved - Personnel: The board authorized filling a part‑time community service officer position in the sheriff’s office, approved posting to replace a deputy who resigned (control position), and approved backfilling a mechanical maintenance position at Solid Waste. It also approved authority to fill a 0.8 full‑time‑equivalent wellness coordinator position in public health after the incumbent resigned.

- Facilities and equipment: The board approved a remodel and security upgrades to create two offices for social services in a McIntosh rental space, including electrical work, two interior card‑swipe doors and electronic latches. The board discussed concerns about ongoing problems at the Fosten office (odor and flies) and the need for an East End space for deputy interviews. The board also approved purchase of 21 blackout window coverings for the Crookston Transfer Station at $11,025, to reduce glare and improve the workspace.

- Contracts and program amendments: The board approved a contract amendment with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to clarify language and outline operational costs of $10,756 related to the county’s provision of office support for the Visionary Work Program and Minnesota Family Investment Program; the total DEED contract amount remains $577,772 for 2025. The board also authorized signing an agreement for group 1 ditch redeterminations with HQ Overviewers…