The Board Chair delivered the 2026 State of the County address on Jan. 6, summarizing departmental accomplishments and outlining priorities for the year ahead, including public-safety projects, workforce investments and infrastructure upgrades.

The address reviewed assessment and appeals processes, auditor-treasurer operations and the recorder's modernization efforts, and cited active planning and zoning work that included completion of a Buffalo River flood insurance study. The chair said county appraisal staff reviewed roughly 3,000 parcels as part of a quintile review.

Why it matters: The chair stressed fiscal stewardship while noting new and continued service obligations that affect the county budget and operations. He told the board the county secured $1,200,000 in legislative funding to remodel a nonsecure juvenile facility into a psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF), a project presented to both the Minnesota Senate and House. The chair also said the county's long-running diversion project is expected to be substantially complete in October, with flood protection coverage beginning in 2027.

The address summarized the county's fiscal position: the board adopted the 2026 annual budget and a $47,284,559 property tax levy; the chair said new construction growth of 11.04% produced a net levy increase of 4.35% over 2025. The Minnesota State Auditor's Office presented audit findings for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2024, and issued an unmodified opinion, the chair reported.

Department summaries cited in the address included:
- Human resources: hiring and onboarding work, preparations for paid family and medical leave and insurance changes for 2026.
- Highway: completion of a bridge replacement and resurfacing projects, plus planning for a Highway 1252 roundabout.
- Veterans services: the chair reported Clay County 'maintained 0 homeless veterans,' crediting coordination with local and state partners.
- Public health and withdrawal management: the county's Withdrawal Management and Detoxification Facility expanded from 16 to 32 beds and reached capacity several times, underscoring local demand for services.

Public comment and context: Earlier in the meeting, Felton resident David Cragnus criticized budget choices and urged caution about adding new programs; he cited a $43,600 line item and questioned cost-effectiveness for low-use services. The chair limited public comment to the standard time allotment and proceeded with the agenda.

What happens next: The address framed several projects and legislative priorities that staff will advance in 2026. The board set follow-up actions through committee and staff reports; the next board meeting was scheduled for Jan. 13.

Sources: State of the County address presented to the Clay County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 6, 2026.