Pine County Board of Commissioners meeting called to order, heard an extended public forum with multiple residents raising concerns about nondisclosure agreements, alleged retaliation by the chair, and transparency for data-center rulemaking; the board approved a library joint powers update, a local road grant sponsorship, a cybersecurity services agreement, and several labor agreements.

Discussion Points

•A commissioner asked if the JPA affects the county budget; staff said budgeting is separate.
•Commissioners asked whether it would change measures for wire transfers or electronic transfers; staff said the agreement is for mutual assistance and does not itself set new transactional procedures.
•Commissioners described working-group progress defining small, medium and hyperscale data-center types and studying impacts.
•Commissioners noted the negotiation reflected county comparables and retention priorities.
•Croup alleged the chair contacted her employer using county resources and she provided a recording for the public record.
•HR explained changes largely technical; main substantive change was insurance contribution alignment for IBEW.
•IT director summarized October cybersecurity activities and training and explained the MNCRT structure.
•Resident requested county adopt language of Minnesota House bill HF4077 to prohibit nondisclosure agreements and submitted an amendment for the record.
•Residents requested working-group meetings be open or materials posted, that summaries be provided, and that public comment be allowed before final decisions.
•Staff noted language changes do not change the funding formula.

Decisions

•Board approved moving forward with tentative agreements and signature process.
•Board approved opt-in to MNCRT recipient-of-services agreement; no financial obligation recorded.
•Board voted to adopt the updated JPA language; all six counties must ratify for implementation.
•No formal investigatory outcome recorded in the transcript during the meeting.
•No formal policy decision recorded at the meeting.
•No ordinance or regulatory change adopted at this meeting.

Directions

•Authorize county administrator/IT to finalize signature and coordinate with MNCRT if needed.
•Board to receive recording and county administrator to consider whether to open an investigation (requested by speaker).
•When ordinance language is prepared, public hearings will be scheduled and the public will have an opportunity to comment.

Nov

Pine County Board Meeting - November 3rd, 2026

County board heard public comments urging an NDA ban and transparency for data‑center zoning; a resident accused the chair of contacting her employer and asked for an investigation; the board approved routine agreements including a library joint powers update, a cybersecurity services opt‑in, and tentative labor contracts.

Discussion Points

•Allegation that the chair called a resident's private employer from an official county phone after public testimony
•Commissioner proposed the chair step aside while the allegation is investigated
•Confirmation there is no financial obligation and it does not replace insurance or forensic investigators
•Corrections officers and dispatchers reached one‑year technical agreements
•Defense of county staff and leadership from criticism
•Description of MNCRT and its county‑led, volunteer peer support model
•IBEW tentative agreement included a shift in the county's insurance contribution structure to match other units
•Local economic impacts and job creation tied to licensed cannabis business
•Requests for meeting access, posted agendas/minutes, written summaries of findings, and public comment opportunities for the data‑center working group
•Request that submitted bill and amendment be added to the public record and attached to the data center file
•Request to adopt Minnesota House Bill HF4077 (submitted with amendment) to prohibit NDAs by the municipality
•Working group is exploring small/medium/hyperscale categories and their distinct impacts

Decisions

•Agreement approved by board
•Board approved tentative agreements
•No formal suspension or removal was recorded during the meeting

Directions

•Approve tentative agreements to move to signature and finalize contracts
•Board to schedule public hearings on ordinance changes as they are developed
•Opt into the agreement and register to request assistance if needed
•Resident submitted audio recording and transcript to county administrator; requested investigation

Nov

Packet

Pine County Board of Commissioners packet for the Nov. 3, 2026 meeting containing consent items (hires, grants, contracts), regular agenda items (library joint powers agreement, LRIP sponsorship, cybersecurity agreement, collective-bargaining tentative agreements), and supporting materials including prior meeting minutes and the 2025 audit report.

Discussion Points

•Auditors issued an unmodified opinion but noted a material weakness on tax‑forfeit land surplus reporting and a significant deficiency on sub‑awardee debarment checks. A $400,000 fraud matter was noted as under investigation.
•Packet notes the JPA language changes and the 2027 funding request; the ECRL board approved the update and seeks county ratification.
•Packet supplies effective dates, grade and pay rates for hires and promotions; some positions are described as within the 2026 budget.
•Supplemental information was added to the consent agenda identifying Contract #2604 as a recommended award to the lowest responsible bidder.
•Tentative agreements include COLA/market adjustments and changes to health insurance premium contribution tiers; packet models costs into the 2027 budget.

Nov

Agenda

The Pine County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet Nov. 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the North Pine Government Center in Sandstone. The agenda includes consent items (donations, grants and contracts, personnel actions) and regular items including an updated East Central Regional Library joint powers agreement, local road sponsorship, a cybersecurity services agreement, and tentative collective-bargaining agreements.

Discussion Points

•Staff presented multiple consent agreements including SCORE grant, metropolitan consortium amendment, and a Willow River agreement extension with figures for funding and estimated county cost.

Oct

Minutes

Pine County Board of Commissioners met Oct. 20, 2026. The board approved consent items including a $726,631.79 road contract, accepted the 2025 audit (with a noted material weakness), approved staffing and benefit changes, and approved the East Central Regional Library budget 4-1.

Discussion Points

•Auditors provided unmodified opinion with control findings
•BH Aggregate Services was the lowest responsible bidder at $726,631.79
•Budget does not restore 2025 open hours
•Budget increase equals $5,910 (3.65%) over prior year
•Candidate Nathaniel George withdrew
•Commissioner Waldhalm inquired about an active $400,000 fraud investigation
•Contract covers shoulder widening and culvert replacement on CSAH 8 between CSAH 9 and CSAH 4
•HHS promotion of Nicole Vork and staffing numbers (supervises seven staff)
•Joint Powers Agreement #293092 terms and no financial impact for MCC funding pool return
•Options for dental and vision plans and costs presented by HR
•Probation reorganization and Grade 8 Office Manager classification
•Remaining candidate Bradley Jernberg completed testing and references
•Reported fund increases and detailed claims list
•Resignations in Sheriff’s Office and need for backfills
•These benefits are employee-paid

Decisions

•Approved 2027 library budget request 4-1
•Approved consent agenda items as presented
•Approved recommended carrier and rates to proceed
•Board accepted the 2025 Financial Statements and authorized summary for publication
•Board approved award as part of consent agenda
•Board approved Personnel Committee recommendations and authorized HR to proceed with hiring and classification work
•Board to receive recommendation on Nov. 3, 2026

Directions

•Administration to follow up on audit control recommendations
•Admin to sign contracts and publish summaries
•Finalize contract documents and signatures
•HR to complete Memorandum of Agreement with exclusive representative for probation classification
•Move forward with MetLife for dental; consider vision packaged with dental
•Public Works to manage project schedule
•Publish summary of the financial statements
•Schedule second interview with staff participation

Oct

Pine County Board Meeting - October 20th, 2026

Pine County Board meeting covering public forum complaints about law enforcement and administration, personnel and staffing approvals across departments, library and insurance budget decisions, acceptance of the 2025 audit including a material weakness, and continued hiring for the auditor-treasurer role.

Discussion Points

•Allegations of inadequate criminal investigations, naming of county officials and salary figures, and accusation of a $405,000 loss from the auditor's office.
•Budget request $392,128 (approx. $6,000 increase).
•Funding allocation is set by regional joint powers agreement across six counties.
•Humana dental renewal had large increase; MetLife offered lower rates and a 7% cap for 2028.
•Improvements extended outside original 60-foot circles, requiring a replat for common-interest area compliance.
•Item was previously reviewed at the preliminary stage.
•Maintenance-of-effort number originates from 2011 formula and is stable; cutting to minimum could close local branches.
•Material weakness: misclassification of tax-forfeit surplus proceeds; moved to agency account.
•One finalist withdrew on Oct. 12; remaining finalist completed a written exam and had strong references.
•Ongoing criminal investigation into ~$400,000 missing; MCIT insurance $25,000 potentially applicable.
•Plans are employee-paid; board sought clarification of effect on employees.
•Significant deficiency: past federal exclusion/debarment checks missing for older contracts.
•Staff recommended a second interview including office staff to assess fit.
•Two corrections officers resigned effective Oct. 15; departures linked to incentives offered by outside employers.
•Unmodified audit opinion and improved unassigned fund balance percentage (27.2% to 29.5%).
•Vision bundled with MetLife gave a modest cost decrease.

Decisions

•Accepted the 2025 audit by roll call.
•Approved final plat replat 2 for Pathfinder Village.
•Approved recommendation to move dental and vision to MetLife.
•Authorized recruitment and backfill for sheriff's jail positions.
•Board approved the recommended county contribution to the library budget.
•Proceed with staff-inclusive follow-up interview; schedule recommendation for Nov. 3.

Directions

•Approve final plat and proceed with recording.
•Approve hiring to backfill positions and permit internal promotions/lateral transfers to fill resulting vacancies.
•County to support the requested $392,128 to avoid service reductions.
•Move funds to agency account and update accounting treatment; incorporate exclusion/debarment checks into contract templates.
•Proceed with the transition to MetLife; HR to notify employees and finalize contracts.
•Schedule the second interview and return a hiring recommendation on Nov. 3.

Oct

Pine County Board Meeting - October 20th, 2026

Pine County board held a regular meeting with public forum comments criticizing county salaries and unresolved crimes; the board approved multiple personnel actions, reviewed insurance options, accepted the 2025 audit (noting a material weakness and ongoing criminal investigation into missing funds), approved the East Central Regional Library budget request, recognized Land Commissioner Greg Beck's retirement, and advanced several plats and state-aid resolutions.

Discussion Points

•Board recorded comments during public forum; no formal direction given during the meeting.
•Humana renewal would have been a large increase; MetLife offered lower rates and a 7% dental cap for 2028.
•MetLife's network comparable and vision packaged savings noted.
•One finalist withdrew; Bradley Durenberg completed a 12-question written test on 2024 financial statements and performed well; references positive.
•Ongoing criminal investigation into approximately $400,000 and partial MCIT insurance coverage of $25,000.
•Presentation of 2027 request of $392,128 and explanation of maintenance-of-effort (2011 baseline, regional formula).
•Public commenter alleged county officials are overpaid and questioned law enforcement response to an attempted murder and a homicide.
•Public commenter urged prohibition of NDAs with outside companies not hired by the board.
•Question about paying for inspector training and whether service obligations will be required.
•Recognition of service and financial contributions to county funds.
•Recommendation to schedule staff interview and return Nov. 3 with recommendation.
•Several departmental staffing changes presented as consent agenda items with effective dates and classification details.
•Unmodified audit opinion; material weakness due to initial misclassification of tax-forfeit surplus proceeds and significant deficiency for federal vendor debarment checks.
•Warning that cutting contributions to minimum could close local libraries despite continuing obligations under joint powers agreement.

Decisions

•Accepted 2025 audit as presented
•Approved as presented
•Approved county contribution of $392,128 for 2027.
•Approved move to MetLife
•Proceed with staff interview and return with recommendation on Nov. 3.

Directions

•Administrator to schedule staff interview and prepare recommendation.
•Finance to set up agency fund and adjust internal controls; sheriff's office to continue criminal investigation.
•Proceed with carrier transition and employee notification.

Oct

Pine County Board Meeting - October 6th, 2026

The Pine County Board of Commissioners met to consider multiple land-use and administrative items: it approved an ordinance adding the city of Finlayson to the county zoning ordinance after a public hearing, adopted a revised floodplain ordinance required by the state, accepted a revised Memorial Forest Management Plan, approved several resolutions (including a $1 conveyance of the old Duquette School), and heard an extended presentation on state long-term services-and-supports funding pressures.

Discussion Points

•Asbestos study and initial abatement cost ~ $5,100; building is unstable and bordered by the park.
•Auction proceeds likely to be minimal compared with staff time; recycling costs are high.
•Commissioners discussed enforcement of unauthorized structures and potential wetland mitigation banks.
•County staff said the city may later opt out by passing its own ordinance and seeking county approval to remove itself from the county ordinance.
•DNR required updates include permitting clarifications and a shift in some documentation responsibilities to applicants.
•Nonprofit has previously repurposed equipment for low-or-no-cost distribution to residents/organizations.
•Options discussed included second interviews, practical exercises and wait-for-additional-applicants if necessary.
•Plan provides management guidance for timber, recreation, leases and land classification.
•Provider testimony warned that a 5% reduction in the competitive workforce factor would cut provider revenue and threaten jobs and services.
•Residents argued prior meetings lacked proper newspaper notice and that the comprehensive plan emphasizes local control.
•Staff and commissioners emphasized the ordinance is more conservative in known flood-risk areas.
•State LTSS budget shortfall (~$178M) triggered an advisory council to recommend savings; the council's timeline is compressed and may not produce full savings.
•Township requested purchase for $1 plus demolition expense to remove hazard and manage future access issues.
•Two finalists identified; references returned generally positive but board wants more verification of advanced accounting competency.

Decisions

•Adopt Ordinance 2026-37; authorize chair and county attorney to sign MOU.
•Adopt Resolution 2026-39 updating the floodplain ordinance.
•Adopt Resolution 2026-40; readopt the Memorial Forest Management Plan.
•Approve donation to nonprofit as preferred disposition path.
•Authorize conveyance of the parcel for $1 subject to demolition/abatement arrangements.
•No formal county policy adopted; discussion and directive to prioritize advocacy and follow-up.
•No job offer at this meeting; board directed additional vetting and will revisit hiring decision at next meeting.

Directions

•Board directed staff to continue legislative advocacy and to prepare testimony/outreach materials for state representatives.
•County staff to finalize abatement plan and conveyance terms; township to assume demolition/cleanup costs.
•County staff to finalize memorandum of understanding and provide follow-up if the city initiates opt-out.
•Staff to develop and administer an internal practical exercise for finalists and return results at the next meeting in two weeks.
•Staff to post surplus list for 30 days and coordinate donation logistics.
•Staff to publish guidance and administer permits under updated ordinance.
•Staff to publish the plan, continue community outreach and review it periodically.

Oct

Minutes

Pine County Board of Commissioners adopted zoning and floodplain ordinances, approved a memorial forest management plan, conveyed a blighted tax-forfeit parcel to Kerrick Township for $1, authorized a federal/state fund exchange with Carlton County, and heard warnings about state LTSS cost shifts that could cost the county an estimated $150K in 2027 and $300K in 2028.

Discussion Points

•Commissioner Waldhalm raised concerns about a specific parcel showing signs of private use.
•County legal counsel stated Finlayson met county opt-in requirements.
•Donations accepted for suicide prevention coalition.
•Estimated county fiscal impact: $150,000 in 2027 and $300,000 in 2028.
•Kerrick Township requested to acquire and integrate the property into the park.
•Land Commissioner Beck reviewed the proposed plan and said the Land Advisory Committee accepted it.
•MnDOT will act as agent to transfer $1,626,625 in federal funds to Carlton County projects and transfer equal State Aid to Pine County for specified project.
•Parcel 16.0280.000 (former Duquette School) is unsafe and surrounded by Jack E. Berger Park; county cleanup work is complete.
•Providers (PHASE Industries) may reduce workforce and services if state funding changes are not addressed.
•Public commenters (Liebelt, Trent, Koets, Auchter) urged retaining local control and questioned the city's public process and the proposed map.
•Sandstone City Administrator asked about jurisdictional coverage.
•Several promotions, transfers, and new hires approved, including contingent hire subject to background check.
•SRO contracts across three districts with specified hours and rates.
•Staff reiterated the update previously presented on Sept.15 and incorporated earlier testimony.
•Transfer contingent on federal obligation authority in 2027 and execution of donor/recipient agreements.

Decisions

•Adopt Ordinance 2026-37 to include Finlayson in county-administered zoning.
•Adopt Ordinance 2026-39.
•Adopt Resolution 2026-43 to approve the Memorial Forest Management Plan.
•Approve consent agenda items as listed.
•Approve Resolution 2026-40.
•Approve Resolution 2026-42 to convey the parcel.

Directions

•Authorize Chair, Administrator, Attorney to sign the Memorandum of Understanding.
•Authorize Chair and County Administrator to sign agency agreement.
•Convey parcel to Kerrick Township for $1 and execute transfer documents.
•Staff to follow up on the parcel with suspected private trails and report back.

Oct

Pine County Board Meeting - October 6th, 2026

Pine County Board meeting where commissioners voted to amend the county zoning ordinance to include the city of Finlayson, adopted updated floodplain and memorial forest plans, reviewed long-term services & supports funding risks, and handled a range of consent and committee items.

Discussion Points

•Advisory council tasked with finding large savings after DHS budget shortfall (approx. $177.5M).
•Commissioners discussed wetland mitigation bank potential and constraints on selling large parcels due to state DNR approvals.
•County staff and some commissioners said the city followed county opt‑in steps and the county ordinance allows action.
•DNR review required update to model language; county zoning board recommended the change.
•Equipment largely end‑of‑life; donation preferable to costly recycling or time‑consuming auction process.
•Key changes include applicant responsibility for elevation documentation and more formal administrative review for nonconforming structures.
•Payroll conversion to UKG completed and paychecks were correct.
•Plan updates historical context, management direction, and practical procedures for leases, timber sales and recreation.
•Potential contingent statutory cuts include lowering provider competitive workforce factor and other rate changes that could shift costs to counties and reduce provider capacity.
•Practical exercises suggested to assess candidates’ handling of county financial statements and accounting tasks.
•Residents argued inadequate newspaper notice and loss of local control.
•Structure is unstable brick shell with asbestos; county has incurred ~ $5,100 in survey/abatement study costs.
•Township offered to purchase for $1 plus assume demolition and remediation responsibility.
•Two finalists identified; references generally positive but commissioners want more assurance of advanced accounting skills.

Decisions

•Adopt Resolution 2026‑39 updating the county floodplain ordinance.
•Adopt Resolution 2026‑43 to accept the Memorial Forest Management Plan.
•Convey parcel to township for $1 plus demolition/abatement costs.
•Declare equipment eligible for donation; confirm payroll conversion success.
•Ordinance 2026‑37 adopted to include Finlayson in county zoning; board authorized signing MOU.

Directions

•County staff and commissioners to engage in legislative advocacy and regional coordination via AMC and related groups.
•County to convey parcel and coordinate cleanup/demolition with township.
•Finance to finalize UKG transition paperwork.
•Land staff to publish plan and coordinate advisory committee reviews.
•Staff to arrange internal practical exercises for candidates and report back at next meeting.
•Staff to finalize the amended map and sign memorandum of understanding.
•Staff to post surplus per policy and coordinate donation pickup.
•Staff to publish updated ordinance and implement revised permit procedures.

Sep

Minutes

Pine County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting Sept. 29, 2026, in Sandstone to conduct interviews for the county administrator position and meet with Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe representatives; the board agreed to gather more information on its top two administrator candidates and bring a plan to the Oct. 6 meeting.

Discussion Points

•Adjournment time and follow-up direction to staff
•Attendance and opening procedures
•Cannabis, gaming and sports betting regulation
•Fee-to-trust properties and land status
•Interviews of four candidates (Daugs via Zoom, Miklya, George, Jernberg)
•Overview of interview process by HR
•Schedule of interviews and recesses
•Sugar Maple Crossing housing
•Transportation access to casino/Highway 48 and Mora exchange alternate route
•Watershed concerns and environmental considerations
•Withdrawal of applicant Jessica Gravich

Decisions

•Adjourned at 4:57 p.m.
•Board recorded consensus to pursue additional information and plan development; no formal vote recorded
•Informational roundtable; no formal board vote recorded

Directions

•Record consensus to obtain additional information on top two candidates
•Staff to develop plan for next steps and present at Oct. 6, 2026 meeting
•Staff to obtain additional information on top two candidates

Sep

Pine County Board Meeting - September 15th, 2026

Pine County Board meeting: commissioners heard public concern about a proposed MOU and zoning map transfer from the City of Finlayson, reviewed a draft floodplain ordinance, discussed sheriff contracts with three cities, set a 6% preliminary levy, and received updates on personnel, a high-resolution soil survey and other county business.

Discussion Points

•Board recessed to closed session for the annual evaluation under Minnesota statute.
•Cities want one-year contracts and an opportunity to negotiate with an incoming sheriff.
•County zoning staff explained the voluntary opt-in process and that the county reserves discretion to adopt or not adopt the area.
•Coverage expected at 90–95% at 10-meter resolution; remaining areas will be completed by field sampling.
•Draft modernizes ordinance, clarifies permitting and technical standards, and requires applicant delineation of floodway in some circumstances.
•Former planning commissioners and residents warned of map discrepancies and shoreland designations affecting homeowners (Josette Coutts).
•NRCS described lidar-driven digital soil mapping and the plan to publish deliverables to Web Soil Survey and related portals.
•On returning, a motion to grant a 2% performance increase was made and adopted; cola discussions and timing were clarified.
•Options discussed included levy increase, departmental cuts and use of fund balance; consensus formed around a combined approach with a levy component.
•Projected deficit near $2.4 million driven largely by state/federal shifts in human services funding.
•Public asked about jurisdictional coverage and FEMA mapping; staff explained FEMA designations and that Beacon is an estimate, not a survey.
•Residents alleged Finlayson held no required public hearing prior to city council transfer (Deborah Trent).
•Sheriff proposed including training and court time within contracted hours to avoid overtime backfill costs and calculated a $75.21/hr cost; cities used $73.79/hr.
•Travel time, shift scheduling conflicts with county 12-hour shifts and special-event coverage language are open issues.

Decisions

•2% performance increase approved; summary to be provided later.
•6% preliminary levy approved (dollar amount $24,782,055).
•Board did not adopt contracts; no contracts finalized at meeting.
•No action taken at meeting; formal hearing scheduled Oct. 6 to decide adoption.
•No board action necessary; update provided for information.
•No final vote; matter will proceed through public hearing process.

Directions

•County staff to carry forward all public comments to the Oct. 6 public hearing; county attorney to review procedural claims and the MOU before Oct. 6.
•Form small negotiating committee of county and city representatives to meet with the sheriff and reconcile contract terms; attempt to reach settlement prior to preliminary budget deadlines.
•Human Resources/auditor to implement the raise effective Sept. 5 and provide summary of evaluation publicly at the next meeting.
•NRCS to publish the finished product to public portals; county staff to coordinate GIS handoff and note discrepancies for correction via state soil scientist.
•Set 6% preliminary levy and charge administration to continue seeking additional cuts and fund-balance options; report back with updated scenarios.
•Staff to carry public comments to the formal process; provide additional materials on FEMA/Beacon mapping and examples of delineation requirements.

Sep

Minutes

The Pine County Board of Commissioners met Sept. 15, 2026, heard public comment on a Finlayson proposal to opt into county zoning and on a floodplain ordinance update (public hearings postponed to Oct. 6), set a preliminary 2027 levy of $24,782,055 (6% increase) on a 4-1 vote, and approved several personnel and administrative actions including a 2% pay increase for the county administrator.

Discussion Points

•Cities requested contractual changes across multiple provisions; Sheriff does not support proposed revisions.
•Closed-session annual performance evaluation conducted under Minn. Stat. 13D.05 Subd. 3; action to increase salary by 2% following review.
•directions:[
•directions and decisions to set preliminary levy now and continue reductions ahead of final adoption.
•directions to hold informal negotiation meeting and appoint county representatives.
•Finlayson City Council resolution to opt into county zoning; residents claim lack of city public hearing; potential transfer of enforcement/costs to county; board discretion to deny opt-in.
•Option to amend ordinance to replace 'provisional use permit' language; Zoning Board recommended rescind and replace with State model; jurisdictional coverage questions raised.
•Project progress: ~75% complete; remainder of county to be mapped by end of 2026; errors to be reported to State Soil Scientist.
•Proposed preliminary levy amount ($24,782,055) representing a 6% increase from 2026; departments asked to further reduce budgets.
•Public comment taken today to be part of Oct. 6 hearing.

Decisions

•2% performance increase approved, effective on administrator's anniversary date.
•No contract approved; referral to negotiation meeting.
•No final action; hearing postponed to Oct. 6, 2026.
•No final action; Oct. 6 public hearing will determine adoption.
•Preliminary levy set at $24,782,055 on 4-1 vote.

Directions

•Appoint Commissioners Ludwig and Roger Nelson to represent county in informal meeting with Sheriff and two city representatives.
•Departments to continue budget reduction efforts.
•Provide a summary of the review at the next public meeting.
•Testimony accepted into the record for Oct. 6 public hearing.

Sep

Pine County Board Meeting - September 15th, 2026

Pine County Board meeting covering public comment on a zoning transfer from the City of Finlayson, a proposed floodplain ordinance update, updates on a county soil survey, sheriff contract negotiations with nearby cities, a preliminary levy set at 6%, and routine appointments and personnel actions.

Discussion Points

•Board completed administrator performance evaluation in closed session and approved a 2% increase.
•Commissioners asked how floodway lines would be determined and whether Beacon/FEMA maps suffice.
•County staff explained the opt-in process and emphasized the transfer is voluntary.
•Disagreement on hourly cost calculations; sheriff's calculation at $75.21/hr vs. cities' $73.79/hr.
•Leslie Sauter recommended Dorothy Presley for HRA/EDA vacancy for District 5.
•Local stakeholders can report errors to state soil scientists for correction.
•NRCS described methodology using lidar and digital soil mapping at a 10-meter resolution.
•Personnel committee reported retirements and backfills across sheriff and HHS.
•Possible mix of levy increase, cuts and fund-balance use to balance the 2027 budget.
•Projected deficit ~ $2.4 million; cost shifts from federal and state mandates weigh heavily on HHS costs.
•Public comment asked which jurisdictions would be covered and whether cities are automatically included.
•Public comments today will be carried forward to the formal hearing.
•Residents alleged no public hearing was held in Finlayson before the city transferred planning and zoning authority.
•Residents and former commissioners flagged map discrepancies and late submission of a comprehensive plan.
•Staff expects broad public availability via Web Soil Survey and other geospatial services.
•Staff explained the required publication timing and the newspaper misinterpreting dates.
•Staff noted the ordinance follows the MPCA model and modernizes permitting and technical standards.
•Term length (1 year vs. 2 years) and whether training/court time should count as contracted hours.
•Travel time accounting and the fit with deputies' 12-hour shift schedules.

Decisions

•6% preliminary levy approved; staff to refine budget and return with updated proposals before final adoption.
•Board appointed two commissioners (Matt and Roger) to represent the county in the discussions and asked the cities and sheriff to participate.
•Dorothy Presley appointed; 2% performance increase for county administrator approved.
•No board action required; informational update.
•No final action today; public hearing scheduled for Oct. 6.
•No final action today; staff to schedule formal hearing and continue outreach.
•Postpone formal public hearings to Oct. 6; do not act today.

Directions

•County attorney review of procedural concerns was requested by public commenters.
•County staff to publish new notices and schedule formal hearings on Oct. 6.
•County staff will carry public comments forward to the formal public hearing scheduled for October 6.
•Form a small negotiating committee of county commissioners, the sheriff and city representatives to try to resolve outstanding items before preliminary budgets are finalized.
•NRCS will post the product and work with county GIS staff on delivery and corrections.
•Onboard appointed HRA/EDA commissioner and process payroll changes for administrator increase.
•Personnel items to be implemented per department procedures.
•Set a 6% preliminary levy and ask staff to continue searching for cuts and savings to lower the final levy amount.
•Staff to carry comments to the formal hearing and supply further mapping details to property owners as needed.

Sep

Pine County Board Meeting - September 1st, 2026

Pine County Board reviewed routine business, approved consent items and minutes, adopted a 4% health-insurance rate increase and several road and intergovernmental actions, approved applying for a courthouse security grant, and authorized focused follow-up on a multi-county jail collaboration effort.

Discussion Points

•A broad July meeting produced many ideas but little consensus; a survey returned 18 responses with three counties showing most interest.
•Align out-of-network maximums to encourage in-network use.
•Board emphasized keeping commissioners involved in the next steps.
•Committee recommended 4% increase to preserve the self-insured fund and offset reinsurance and medical-cost inflation.
•Local match (one-time) would be contained in the jail budget and is not recurring.
•Options include using some fund balance, trimming discretionary programs or setting a higher preliminary levy.
•Pilot single-point entry produced measurable screenings (staff reported about 180 screened per day and 9–10 weapons removed on average).
•Preliminary levy timing and public perception were raised as constraints.
•Projected general-fund deficit approximately $983,000.
•Project scope includes radios, cameras, metal detectors, door security and training; judges requested courtroom door locking improvements.
•Residents on Auburn Road and Homestead Road will see different service levels under the exchange.
•Staff has realized about $332,000 in savings through vacancy management and leave, but cannot fully rely on it.
•Staff recommended updating HSA out-of-pocket maximums to IRS 2027 limits ($3,500 individual/$7,000 family).
•State paperwork required to transfer state aid; county will maintain road until the transfer completes.
•State studies exist but county-level decisions and funding control are central.
•Traffic counts (~225 ADT) justify county maintenance.

Decisions

•Approve 4% rate increase and plan-design changes.
•Approve exchange resolutions and move forward with state transfer process.
•Authorize application and conditional local match.
•Authorize follow-up and appoint commissioners to the working group.
•No levy adopted; board provided general direction.

Directions

•Board appointed two commissioners to the working group.
•Staff to file state paperwork and schedule intersection improvements.
•Staff to prepare preliminary-levy materials and present specific options at the next meeting.
•Staff to start follow-up discussions and report back with a working-group plan.
•Staff to submit application and, if awarded, implement equipment upgrades and training with the county match.
•Staff to update plan documents and employee communications for 2027 implementation.

Sep

Minutes

Pine County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 1, 2026 approved consent items including a watershed grant and a $886,543.21 road contract, set 2027 health insurance rates and out-of-pocket maximums, approved a road exchange with Pokegama Township, authorized a courthouse security grant application, and directed follow-up on regional jail collaboration and 2027 budget planning.

Discussion Points

•Balancing strategies: levy revenue, reserves, position reductions, salary savings, and cuts to non-mandated services.
•Board appointed two commissioners to working group.
•Board approved establishment and revocation resolutions.
•Board authorized application and local match up to $37,225.
•Commissioners to submit interview questions by Sept. 11.
•Committee recommended 4% increase in rates for 2027; adjust HSA in-network OOP maxima to IRS levels; align out-of-network maximums with VEBA plan.
•Consideration of a preliminary 6% levy increase for 2027.
•direction to sign via DocuSign and front final 10% until payment received.
•Engineer cited higher traffic volumes on Homestead Road and event traffic from a local business.
•Engineer noted timing for project was good and anticipated start in ~3 weeks.
•Pine County acts as fiscal host; grant requires 10% match built into implementation.
•Project described by Jail Administrator; judiciary and justice partners expressed support.
•Special meeting to conduct interviews and meet with Mille Lacs Band leaders.
•Survey produced 18 responses; strongest interest from Benton, Kanabec, Mille Lacs Counties.

Decisions

•Board approved contract award as part of consent agenda.
•Board approved rates and plan maximum adjustments by roll call vote.
•Board authorized signature and fiscal-host role.
•Follow-up and appointment approved.
•No final levy adopted at this meeting.
•Resolution 2026-34 approved.
•Resolutions 2026-35 and 2026-36 approved by board.
•Special meeting scheduled for Sept. 29, 2026.

Directions

•Administrator to schedule meeting and coordinate with HR and Mille Lacs Band representatives.
•County Administrator to initiate follow-up discussions and establish working group.
•County Engineering to execute contract and proceed with project implementation.
•County Engineering to record designation changes and manage maintenance transition.
•Environmental Services to execute agreement and manage grant accounting.
•Further discussion anticipated; special meeting scheduled for Sept. 29 may include levy setting.
•Human Resources to monitor fund balance and report back.
•Sheriff\u0002s Office to submit application and proceed if awarded.

Sep

Pine County Board Meeting - September 1st, 2026

Pine County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting covering a health-insurance committee recommendation (4% rate increase and HSA/VEBA adjustments), a proposed road exchange with Kegemann Township, a Safe & Secure Courthouse grant application, multi-county jail collaboration next steps, and preliminary budget direction; several items carried by roll call votes.

Discussion Points

•Align VEBA out-of-pocket maximums to encourage in-network provider use.
•Board approved motion and directed staff to coordinate state transfer.
•Committee recommended 4% increase to preserve fund balance and account for reinsurance cost growth.
•Recommended road exchange due to ADT ~225 and corridor connectivity.
•State paperwork required to transfer state aid; county will proceed with resolutions.
•Update HSA out-of-pocket maximums to IRS 2027 limits ($3,500 individual/$7,000 family).

Decisions

•Board approved committee recommendations and set 4% increase.
•Board approved road exchange and resolutions.

Directions

•Board to monitor transfer and timing.
•Highway staff to file paperwork with the state.
•Human Resources to include updates in 2027 benefit materials.
•Staff to implement changes for 2027 and notify employees.

Aug

Minutes

Pine County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting Aug. 25, 2026, and unanimously ratified the separation of County Auditor-Treasurer Mary J. Lindala (effective Aug. 20); appointed County Administrator Kelly Schroeder as Interim County Auditor-Treasurer effective Aug. 25; updated county account signatories; and temporarily assigned Public Works Director Mark LeBrun as Interim Deputy County Administrator with a temporary pay-grade increase.

Discussion Points

•Administrator Schroeder reviewed separation and asked board to ratify the action.
•Board discussed Schroeder’s prior experience in the Auditor-Treasurer role as the basis for interim appointment.
•Debate over whether the appointment’s end should be administrative action or Board-directed.
•Need for additional administrative assistance while Administrator serves as interim auditor.
•Schroeder reported banks had removed former Auditor-Treasurer’s access on Aug. 20.

Decisions

•Appoint LeBrun temporarily and specify conclusion by County Board action.
•Appoint Schroeder as Interim County Auditor-Treasurer effective Aug. 25, 2026.
•Authorize signor updates.
•Separation ratified; approval to backfill position.

Directions

•HR to backfill position and manage any internal promotion or lateral transfer resulting from backfill.
•Temporary assignment effective Aug. 25 with pay-grade increase; conclusion to be by County Board action.
•Update financial account signors; Administrator to coordinate with banks.
•Update signors on all county financial accounts to reflect the change.

Aug

Minutes

Pine County Board of Commissioners adopted a 12-month moratorium on data center development after a public hearing, approved a memorandum of understanding with the Soil & Water Conservation District and several personnel actions, and discussed a preliminary 2027 budget with a projected $2.3 million deficit.

Discussion Points

•Allocation of levy increases to non-general-fund deficits
•Approval of temporary license and grant contract
•Approve backfills and a policy update to compensation for promotion
•July 2026 cash balances and detailed disbursement list
•MOU scope with SWCD (office space, equipment, support services)
•Projected $2.3 million county deficit for 2027
•Ratify retirements and resignations across Sheriff’s Office, Recorder/Assessor, Probation, Public Works and Land Department
•Three-part budget-balancing approach: expense reductions, levy increase, use of reserves
•Transparency about handling pending applications and nondisclosure agreements
•Vendor recommendation for separate Sandstone video server to avoid recording interruptions
•Whether county staff can objectively review complaint forms
•Whether moratorium effective date should be Aug. 18, 2026
•Whether moratorium period should be 6 months or up to 12 months
•Who has jurisdiction for cannabis-related light/odor/noise complaints

Decisions

•Consent agenda approved by roll call vote 5-0
•MOU with Pine SWCD approved; $2,425 server purchase approved (both 5-0)
•Ordinance 2026-15 reaffirmed for 12 months from Aug. 18, 2026 (approved 5-0)
•Personnel Committee Report approved, authorization to backfill positions and implement policy update.
•Preliminary levy discussion set at 6% as planning assumption; final levy may be set lower but cannot exceed the preliminary number in December.

Directions

•Concentrate new levy dollars on Health & Human Services, Jail Bond, Courthouse Bond, Technology, and Elections; return updated budget information at next meeting.
•Departments to proceed with backfills and recruitment per normal procedures.
•Proceed with MOU and authorize video server purchase; staff to finalize agreements and procure server.
•Set duration to 12 months from Aug. 18, 2026; staff to study zoning and regulatory impacts and report back at future meeting.

Aug

Pine County Board Meeting - Aug 18th, 2026

Pine County Board held a public hearing and reaffirmed a moratorium on data center development, extended the moratorium to 12 months effective Aug. 18, 2026, and heard extensive public comment about water, noise, wildlife and NDAs. The board also covered routine business including a memorandum with Soil & Water, small capital, personnel actions and the 2027 preliminary budget presentations.

Discussion Points

•Camera server prevents outages and enables future integrations
•County match request of $3,131 to unlock federal funds
•Goal to maintain staffing and service hours
•Large data centers can use large quantities of water and electricity
•Library's 1.5% funding request ($392,128)
•Multiple retirements/resignations require backfill authority
•Need to convert longstanding verbal agreements into written MOU
•Need to study water, electrical and environmental impacts
•Older Americans Act-funded services delivered locally in 2025
•Options: levy increase, targeted cuts, use of reserves
•Pine County's older-adult demographics (30% age 60+)
•Possible impacts to nights skies, wildlife and tourism
•Primary drivers: HHS administrative costs and lower county program aid
•Projected $2.4M deficit for 2027
•Requests for transparency about NDAs and county partnerships
•State-mandated minimum payment and prior reductions
•Statutory limits on moratoria (one year with possible one-year extension)
•Whether to date the moratorium from July 7 or from reaffirmation

Decisions

•MOU signed; camera server purchase approved; personnel actions ratified.
•Ordinance reaffirmed and changed to 12 months, effective Aug. 18, 2026.

Directions

•Board to include utilities and environmental studies in the work plan
•County staff to include library request in preliminary budget materials.
•County staff will consider the request in the 2027 budget process.
•Execute MOU, proceed with camera server purchase, and begin recruitment for backfilled positions.
•Public asked for at least one-year moratorium and transparent progress updates
•Staff to return with cut scenarios and reserve-use proposals for the next meetings ahead of Sept. 30 preliminary levy deadline.
•Start moratorium effective Aug. 18, 2026; planning and zoning to complete study and draft recommendations

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