Crow Wing County board approves use of solid-waste funds to abate Merrifield property nuisance

Crow Wing County Public Health and Land Services asked the county board to authorize the use of solid-waste funds to abate a public-health nuisance on the 22000 block of Rebel Road in the Merrifield area (District 5).

"This property was found to contain an accumulation of household waste and furniture such as mattresses and many tires," Taylor Lesmeister of Crow Wing County Public Health said. Lesmeister told the board the site included at least 36 tires, eight pieces of furniture, improperly stored chemicals and multiple junk vehicles showing signs of rodent infestation. A complaint was first filed in November 2025, and Public Health and Land Services confirmed the conditions remained during an April 24, 2026 site visit.

Land Services staff explained the occupant holds the property under a contract for deed and that both the contract-holder and the property owner have been notified. The staff member advised the board that any abatement costs would be assessed against the property and, if unpaid, could lead to tax forfeiture. The staff member also said the cleanup may require specialized access because of narrow pathways and that roll-off arrangements are being considered.

Commissioner Barrows moved to use solid-waste funds to ensure a timely and appropriate abatement of the condition; the motion was seconded and carried by the board. The county indicated it will proceed with abatement steps and assess costs as allowed by county procedure.

The board did not specify a timeline for the cleanup during the meeting; staff said they were still determining logistics and whether property occupants would voluntarily arrange roll-off service.