Cass County Board: COVID-19 was front in center for Cass County government in 2021

   WALKER — Cass County Chief Financial Officer Sandra Norikane presented her annual Auditor-Treasurer Department report for 2021 at the Tuesday, Feb. 1, Cass County Board meeting. 

   Norikane stated as 2021 began, the pandemic was front and center and staff stepped up to assist where needed. In order to assist businesses a one-time grant was provided along with the reduction of liquor license renewal fees for the second year in a row. It was also noted that in the beginning of July another grant was awarded and the Commissioners approved earmarking $1.2M toward direct cash assistance to local businesses where a total of 184 businessess and 27 non-profits were helped.

   Norikane also mentioned phone calls returned to normal levels of about 20-25 calls per day. However, the mail count is still high due to mailing checks out because of the relief grant activity. In 2021, the county created 39,843 tax statements that were mailed to taxpayers, with only 2,672 late notice reminders being mailed in early December in hopes of collecting before balances became delinquent.

   Norikane noted the issuance of licenses and vital records were consistent with prior years. However, there was an increase in death certificates in 2021 compared to 2020. It was noted there were only 65 deaths classified as Covid related, and the uptick in death certificates issued may be due to people requesting more than one certificate and not actual deaths.  Also, there was a loss of $8,220 in licenses due to the county board waiving 15% of the cost for liquor licenses during 2021, but $7,111 was recovered with the Minnesota Covid grant administration fee. Norikane also mentioned that firework permits were the highest they have been in recent years with eight permits given out.

   The 2020 audit was performed remotely again and although the department was predicting to have an early completion, they were delayed while waiting for the Cass County Housing and Redevelopment Authority to complete their audit. Norikane stated they were going to push for a quicker turn around for the 2021 audit. It was reported there were no significan findings during the audit which was quite an accomplishment considering the county spent $8.6M in federal funds.

   As interest rates continue to drop in 2021, the county increased its US Agencies as that had a slight increase.Norikane said at year-end the county’s investment portfolio is just over $63 million in market assets.

   During the summer the tax court made their final decision on the Enbridge Energy tax litigation, with Cass Couny owing a total of $4,535,518. Out of that total the State of Minnesota was responsible for $1,788,093 and the County was awarded a grant in the amount of $2,631,052. After calculation of interest the County still owed $116,373, which was paid and had no impact to the local jurisdictions for repayment, but will have an impact for future valuations.

   With the 2020 presidental election completed, last year showed one special election held for School District 115 to fill a vacancy for a school board member. Norikane stated historically special elections have a voter turnout of around 4.5%, however this election had a turnout of 17%.

   The United States Census Bereau released the 2020 Census results in mid August with the results showing the county must redraw Commissioner districts. A public hearing is tentatively scheduled for April of 2022 to review public comments on the proposed redistricting, which will affect three townships, Moose Lake Township and Smoky Hollow Township moving to District Three and Lima Township moving to District Five.

   Norikane also presented the 2022 Cass County newsletter for approval to be distributed with property tax statements. The board unanimously approved the newsletter.