Pine County accepted staff’s recommendation to authorize an amendment to its 2024 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Clean Water Partnership loan, increasing the loan amount by $500,000 to support septic-system replacement work in the 2026 construction season.

County staff told commissioners the original MPCA loan approved in 2024 was $750,000; the county has to date loaned out about $686,000 and the program has replaced 224 noncompliant septic systems since the program began in 2016. The program provides property owners with a loan repaid on property taxes to replace noncompliant systems; staff noted the program generally helps local contractors and homeowners and that there is a waiting list for assistance.

Commissioners moved and approved a resolution authorizing the county administrator to execute an amendment increasing the loan by $500,000 and extending the loan term window for use. The board recorded a roll-call vote in favor of the amendment.

Staff said the additional funds will allow the program to meet demand for the 2026 construction season and continue a program that staff and contractors described as broadly successful.