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After debate, Otter Tail County approves $30,000 appropriation for West Central Initiative
Summary
Commissioners debated whether to withhold a $30,000 2026 appropriation to West Central Initiative after one commissioner cited the group's reported $87 million in net assets; a motion to withdraw the funding failed and the board voted to approve the appropriation by roll call.
The Otter Tail County Board on Jan. 6 debated funding for two budgeted appropriations — Otter Tail Lakes Country Association and West Central Initiative — before approving both items.
Commissioner Sullivan urged withdrawal of the $30,000 appropriation for West Central Initiative, citing recent financial figures he said showed about $87 million in net assets and arguing that the nonprofit did not need county funds. “They have $87,000,000 in net assets,” Sullivan said in presenting his case (commissioner’s figures were cited from a September 2024 financial summary presented during the meeting).
Other commissioners pushed back. One commissioner noted West Central Initiative does not have levying authority and therefore relies on contributions to operate; they also said the organization helps bring federal infrastructure dollars to county projects. County counsel and staff urged that next year’s budget process is the appropriate venue for a detailed review of such appropriations and that the funds in question were included in the already‑adopted 2026 budget.
After an initial motion to withdraw the appropriation failed on a roll call, the board proceeded to vote to pay the appropriations as budgeted. The roll‑call vote on the $30,000 West Central appropriation recorded the following positions: Buchholz No; Johnson Yes; Mortensen Yes; Lawman Yes; Sullivan No. The motion carried.
Separately, the board approved payment to the Otter Tail Lakes Country Association by a separate roll call that was unanimous. Commissioners said they will ask West Central Initiative to appear at next year’s budget meetings and provide additional financial transparency for future appropriations decisions.
