Proposal to raise Crow Wing HRA levy by $200,000 fails after public testimony

The board considered an amendment to increase the Crow Wing County HRA housing trust fund levy by $200,000 on Sept. 23 but the amendment failed on a voice vote after extended debate and public comment.

Finance staff read the resolution excerpt that included a Crow Wing County HRA levy of $412,626. A commissioner moved to increase the HRA levy to $612,626 in order to keep some funding available for the housing trust fund; the board debated procedure and whether to handle the HRA line item separately or as an amendment within the main resolution.

Supporters, including Tyler Gardner (identified in the meeting as the mayor of Pequot Lakes), warned that eliminating the HRA funding would remove a key tool for attracting workforce housing and leveraged projects. Gardner and business representatives said the county’s housing trust fund helps leverage other funding sources and supports projects that keep rents at controlled levels for portions of units.

Housing rehab coordinator John Schoemer described how HRA dollars are used: income‑based, health‑and‑safety rehabs (not cosmetic work), use of Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and small‑cities CDBG funds for certain households, and examples such as multi‑unit rehabs and single‑family lead abatement or window replacement. "The housing trust fund is one tool in our toolbox," Schoemer said, and staff emphasized the funds are administered under program guidelines targeting low‑income residents and preservation of units.

Opponents in public comment, including resident Mark Olsen and several landlords, criticized the HRA for past decisions and said additional levy dollars would burden seniors and fixed‑income households. After debate and a voice vote, the proposed $200,000 addition failed and the HRA levy remained at the amount in the resolution packet.

The board then approved the overall preliminary levy resolution (which retained the HRA line item as in the packet).