The Anoka County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 28 adopted a five‑year capital improvement plan for 2026–2030 and gave preliminary approval to issue general obligation capital improvement plan bonds to help fund projects identified in the plan.

Corey Camp, Anoka County chief financial officer, presented the plan and financing assumptions. Camp said the 2026 program assumes roughly $150,200,000 in spending, with major allocations to transportation (about $55,000,000) and to parks projects (about $77,000,000). He told the board that the majority of 2026 funding is expected to come from non‑property‑tax sources, including transportation sales taxes, federal and state programs, city contributions and internal capital and fleet funds. Camp outlined a multi‑year debt projection showing outstanding debt rising under the current plan (peaking in the plan years) and discussed corresponding levy impacts.

Camp summarized the immediate focus for bond authorization as a parking ramp project for 2026 and additional bond proceeds in later years for courthouse/government center and Rum River campus improvements. He noted the jail bonds would be a focal point of later years in the plan and that projections are subject to change as project timing and financing are refined.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the public notice language, alternative funding sources and precedents for outside funding for jail projects. Commissioner Jepsen and others said grants and outside funding are limited for the specific facility projects included in the CIP. Commissioner Schulte urged prioritizing public safety projects: “This is public safety. We prioritize it … This has been put off too long, so it’s time.”

After discussion, the board voted to adopt Resolution 2025‑117 providing preliminary approval for bond issuance; the motion passed in a roll call vote of six in favor and one opposed (Commissioner Reinert).

Why it matters: Adoption of the CIP and preliminary bond approval establishes the county’s funding plan and timeline for multiple major capital projects. The board’s action sets the stage for future bond sales and budget decisions that will affect levy rates and the county’s debt profile over the coming years.