Wabasha County approves Workforce Development contracts for MFIP and SNAP training

The Wabasha County Human Services Board voted unanimously Dec. 16 to approve service agreements with Workforce Development, Inc. for employment-and-training services for county clients. The Board approved a Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) contract for calendar year 2026 in the amount of $133,500 and a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training contract for federal fiscal year 2026 that lists $3,461.35 for direct program expenses, $280.65 for administrative costs, and $1,358 for support services covering Wabasha, Mower, Houston and Goodhue counties.

The agreements were presented as part of the Board's action items; the MFIP service period runs Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2026, and the SNAP service period runs Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026. The MFIP contract was described in the packet as authorized under Minnesota Statutes chapter 142G and the SNAP agreement referenced Minnesota Statutes 142F.10. The board record shows the MFIP item was considered under the motion line labeled Wobbe/Key and the SNAP item was recorded as adopted unanimously. Five commissioners — Key, Powers, Springer, Wobbe and Walkes — were recorded present for the votes.

Why it matters: both agreements fund workforce services aimed at helping low-income residents secure employment and access support services that may improve benefit program outcomes. Workforce Development, Inc. will provide direct program delivery and limited administrative supports under the terms laid out in the board packet.

Next steps: the contracts take effect on the dates listed above and county staff will proceed with execution and oversight as laid out in the service agreements.