KOOCHICHING COUNTY, Minn. — At its Dec. 16 meeting the Koochiching County Board approved a package of service contract renewals for Health & Human Services, accepted law enforcement grants and authorized several equipment purchases for county operations.

Health & Human Services renewals included: the AEOA volunteer driver program for medical rides and social‑service transport (reimbursement basis with mileage at about $0.50 over IRS rates and related meal/overnight reimbursements), congregate meal services under the Older Americans Act (cost identified in discussion at roughly $0.87 per meal), and employment and training purchase‑of‑service agreements for programs tied to MFIP and work programs with two contracted providers. The board also renewed ODC supported employment and day‑support services for developmentally disabled clients, continued a supervised visitation contract with Friends Against Abuse and a guardianship services agreement with Lutheran Social Service (LSS) for long‑term guardianship needs. Board votes were unanimous.

Separately, the board accepted two grants for patrol/recreation support: an ATV grant totaling about $30,005.75 over two years and a Sunbelt grant of $4,050 per year (total $8,100 over two years). No county match was required for the grants presented.

County staff presented two equipment requests approved by the board: a tow‑behind weed sprayer funded from restricted buffer funds to help control noxious and invasive weeds along county roads and shoreland buffer areas; and a used loader/dump truck (not to exceed $50,000, pending pre‑purchase inspection) to support transfer station operations, illegal dumping cleanup and container movement. Staff said the loader’s parts are compatible with existing county equipment, reducing maintenance risk.

The board approved all items by voice vote.