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Isanti County accepts Medica, Towards 0 Deaths and riparian funds for local programs
Summary
The board accepted a $10,000 Medica grant to purchase winter gear for Operation Community Connect, a $9,475 Towards 0 Deaths traffic-safety grant to fund a public-health safety coordinator, and authorized $5,500 in riparian protection aid for cattle-exclusion fencing and wetland restoration on County Ditch 16.
Isanti County accepted multiple grants and restricted-fund expenditures during its Oct. 7 meeting to support community services and environmental work.
Jody Donay of Isanti County Health and Human Services told the board Medica awarded $10,000 to support Operation Community Connect scheduled for Nov. 1, 2025; the funds will purchase winter jackets and other gear distributed at the event. The board approved accepting and using the grant.
HHS also presented a Department of Public Safety "Towards 0 Deaths" contract for Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026, for $9,475. Donay said the grant supports the county safety coordinator's work on traffic-incident management training for responders, distracted-driving education in local high schools, seat-belt convincing demonstrations and public outreach. Commissioners requested data on program outcomes and coordination with the sheriff's office and highway department; staff said they would provide a follow-up report.
Separately, the Isanti County Soil and Water Conservation District requested use of $5,500 from the county's riparian protection aid fund for cattle-exclusion fencing and wetland restoration adjacent to County Ditch 16. Staff explained the restricted fund balance totaled approximately $236,000 (about $40,000 receipts annually) and that the proposed project meets fund restrictions. Commissioners approved the expenditure.
All three items were approved without recorded opposition. Staff noted the Medica award requires minimal reporting and that the riparian fund is intended for projects that protect buffers and reduce enforcement need.
