Anoka County Board adopts updated user fees, OKs PACE solar assessments and $30,000 K9 donation

The Anoka County Board of Commissioners on April 28, 2026 adopted Resolution 2026-40 establishing updated county fees and approved multiple committee consent items, including a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) special assessment for two Brenk Properties parcels and acceptance of a $30,000 donation to the Anoka County Sheriff's Office K9 program.

County Attorney Brad Johnson opened a statutorily noticed public hearing at 10:12 a.m. on the proposed fee amendments. Chief Financial Officer Cory Kampf presented the proposed schedule and stated each fee has a reasonable relationship to the cost of providing the service. No written or oral public comments were received during the hearing. After the hearing, Commissioner Jeff Reinert offered Resolution 2026-40 under Minn. Stat. Section 373.41; the board voted to adopt the resolution, with the fees effective April 28, 2026 unless the attached exhibit specifies otherwise.

The board also approved Resolution 2026-36 to adopt special assessments under the county's PACE program to finance energy-efficiency improvements for commercial property. The application submitted through the Port Authority of the City of Saint Paul covers two parcels owned by Brenk Properties, LLC (Parcel IDs 12-30-24-24-0056 and 12-30-24-21-0034). Assessment amounts are listed as $1,377,850.00 and $243,150.00, respectively, with stated terms of 10 years at 6% interest and an assessment start date of Jan. 1, 2027. The resolution directs the county to add the assessments to the tax rolls and remit collections to the Port Authority per the parties' Joint Powers Agreement and the statutory authority cited in the resolution (Minn. Stat. §§ 216C.435'.436; Ch. 429).

On the Public Safety Committee consent agenda, the board adopted Resolution 2026-39 accepting a $30,000 donation from Cherie Hanson to support purchase and training of a new law-enforcement K9 for the Anoka County Sheriff's Office. The resolution cites Minnesota Statute § 465.03 as the authority for accepting donations by resolution.

Other consent actions approved without extended debate included: acceptance of a 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) in the amount of $114,326 for Anoka County Emergency Management; a $990,875 contract (with 10% contingency) to Minnesota Roadways for the 2026 Annual Parking Lot Pavement Maintenance Project; a $345,570 contract to Reiling Construction Company for the Banfill Locke Trailhead Facility Rehabilitation Project in Fridley; and a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Blaine for intersection and temporary traffic control improvements on several local streets.

The board also adopted several proclamations and ceremonial resolutions: Resolution 2026-32 recognizing detention deputies and correctional staff (National Correctional Officers Week, May 3'9, 2026); Resolution 2026-33 recognizing Peace Officer Week in Anoka County (May 10'16, 2026); Resolution 2026-34 proclaiming May 1, 2026 as Law Day in Anoka County; and Resolution 2026-35 proclaiming April 30, 2026 as Therapy Animal Day. The board approved Human Services Committee recommendations—including Resolution 2026-37 proclaiming May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month, adoption of the county Naloxone Policy, and Resolution 2026-38 proclaiming April as Public Health Month—as presented.

Commissioner Mandy Meisner moved and Commissioner Mike Gamache seconded a reappointment of Sharon Hall as a Member-at-Large to the Community Corrections Advisory Board for a two-year term ending April 2028; the motion carried. The meeting was called to order by Chair Scott Schulte at 9:30 a.m. and adjourned at 10:23 a.m. County Administrator Jim Dickinson attested to the proceedings and the resolutions were declared adopted unless otherwise noted.