Goodhue County weighing taking over Sentence-to-Serve crews after state funding cut

At a county board workshop, county staff laid out three options after the state told Goodhue County it would end the Sentence-to-Serve (STS) contract: create a county-run STS program, increase public-works staffing, or outsource the work. Commissioners signaled support for pursuing a county-run program and asked staff to return with an implementation timeline and cost details.

Staff presenter (Speaker 2) told the board the county has contracted with Minnesota for STS crew leaders for more than 35 years and that on 05/20/2025 "the state of Minnesota notified Goodhue County that the STS program would be terminated due to the loss of state funding." The presenter said small equipment used by STS would be transferred at no charge, but leased vans and larger items may need a fair-market purchase or go to surplus.

Why it matters: STS crews have performed lawn and landscape maintenance, supported county facilities and public events, assisted the sheriff's office, and worked with local groups including the Cannon Valley Trail and county fairs. Staff and…