Goodhue County adopts preliminary budget, adds $5,000 for Open Harbor winter shelter

County staff presented a preliminary Goodhue County budget of $94,607,600 and a levy request of $45,725,455. "Our preliminary budget today stands at $94,607,600 with a levy request of $45,725,455," Speaker 5 said, noting the staff recommendation that the board adopt the proposed resolution after previous budget workshops.

Board members debated a request to add $5,000 to match Red Wing's contribution to Open Harbor (winter shelter operations). Board member (Speaker 7) described visible homelessness in public spaces: "Over the last 14 days I have seen 7 people sleeping in the parks on the benches..." Several board members said $5,000 is a limited, short-term measure but agreed it would help churches and volunteers that provide overnight shelter from November through March. Board member (Speaker 2) urged more coordination among service providers before committing larger ongoing funding.

Board member (Speaker 4) moved to increase the preliminary budget to $94,612,600 to accommodate the $5,000 outside-agency allocation; the motion was seconded and passed by a 4–1 vote. Later the board voted to set the county's preliminary levy at $45,725,455 by voice vote (chair announced the motion carried 4–1). Board members noted outstanding items that will be addressed in upcoming budget meetings, including policing contracts and insurance costs.

What happens next: the preliminary budget and levy set the starting point for the December budget hearing. Board members directed staff to continue work on coordination among homeless service providers and to provide further information on policing contracts and insurance before final action.