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   WALKER —  Mike Paulus, Executive Director of Cass County Economic Development Corporation, requested the board approve a letter of support regarding a loan application from the revolving fund during the regular commissioner’s meeting Thursday, Dec. 7.

   Paulus shared with the board that the Hackensack Game Changers have applied for a loan through the Cass County Economic Development Corporation Revolving Loan Fund in the amount of $227,383. The purpose of the loan is to purchase land in Hackensack for the possibility of building a 30 unit apartment building for  affordable workforce housing. The location of this proposed housing unit is at the corner of State Highway 371 and County Road 5. One concern brought up by Commissioner Jeff Peterson was regarding the proposed round-about at that intersection and the possibility of that project being cancelled. Peterson was concerned if the round-about project didn’t proceed it would affect the possibility of the apartments being built. Paulus shared that the project would still proceed and the only thing that would be changed would be is how the complex would be accessed. 

   Paulus also mentioned currently there are a lot of pieces to this project that need to be accomplished before the committee is able to break ground, but with the board’s support for approval of the revolving loan the committee can secure the land for development. Commissioner Peterson motioned for the approval with Commissioner Bob Kangas seconding the motion and all members approving the motion. The next step is for Paulus to approach the Cass County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors for their approval of the application.

   Kevin Lee, ambulance services manager for North Memorial Health, joined the meeting via Zoom to give the third quarter Longville ambulance report. Volumes continue to show a slight increase with the ambulance servicing 242 patients, compared to 229 during the same period last year. Revenues during the third quarter were unfavorable by $20,489 however, expenses were favorable by $10,597. The margin goal for the Longville Ambulance is 10% and was reached with a 15.3% margin, this is mainly due to the subsidy increase received from the county. 

   Lee also reported a community CPR/AED class was held in Longville Sept. 17, with the assistance of the Lakes Country First Responders, which was well attended and appreciated by the community. Lee informed the board that a free EMS education night at the Walker Fire Department will be held Dec. 14.

   The truth in taxation meeting was held at 6 p.m. with a few members of the public showing up for the meeting. During the meeting County Administrator Josh Stevenson provided a summary of the 2024 budget process and provided proposed 2024 fee schedule changes. After the summary one member of the public asked a question regarding the valuation of their property and expressed concern regarding how much their property taxes increased. 

   The 2024 Cass County levy and budget will be discussed and adopted at the next regular board meeting.

   In other business, the county board:

   • Recognized the following employees for one year of service with the county: Colleen Fix, Deputy Recorder; Alixandra Peterson, County Agency Social Worker and Justin Peterson, Motor Equipment Operator.

   • Reviewed the Committee Application Status which will be updated at the first meeting in January.

   • Approved final payment to Helmin Construction, Inc. in the amount of $131,949 for removal of trees associated with the main County State Aid Highway 70 project in East Gull Lake.

   • Approved final payment to TNT Construction Group, LLC in the amount of $36,896.50 for removal of buildings associated with the main County State Aid Highway 70 project in East Gull Lake.

   The next meetings are as follows: Commissioner’s board meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at the Land Department meeting room in Backus and commissioner’s board meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024 at the boardroom in the courthouse annex in Walker.

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