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   BACKUS —Probation Officer Tim Haug was recognized for receiving the Minnesota Corrections Association (MCA) Professional Achievement Field Services Award during the regular county board meeting Tues., Nov. 21. This award is given to an individual in field services who has demonstrated outstanding achievement over some time.

   Probation Director Jim Schneider shared with the board Haug was nominated by two individuals for this award, one being Schneider. During Haug’s many years of service he has worked with adults and  juveniles of all risk levels and has found specific interest in working with juvenile populations and improving the juvenile system and juvenile justice system in Minnesota. Haug stated “The juvenile system provides the greatest opportunity and impact on making positive changes in a community. I have always been a fierce advocate for youth and families and have a vested interest in improving the systems for juveniles and families not involved in the justice system to prevent crime and justice involvement. Those interventions include areas such as mental health, education, child protection (particularly truancy), chemical dependency, and cultural services, among others”.

Pictured left to right: Commissioner Jeff Peterson, Commissioner Neal Gaalswyk, Commissioner Scott Bruns, Probation Officer Tim Haug, Commissioner Bob Kangas, Commissioner Rick Haaland. Photo by Josh Stevenson.

 

   County Administrator Josh Stevenson shared the job classification appeals final report from David Drown Associates (DDA) by stating there were a total of twenty-five appeals with twelve of those having no recommended classification changes. When asked if staff was satisfied with the results and if this was the final results, Stevenson mentioned overall everyone was pleased and no more appeals are allowed. A motion was made to approve the final results, with all board members approving unanimously.

   Brian Buhmann, Director of Health, Human Veterans Services, shared with the board the intent to give notice of separation to the State of Minnesota Merit System. It was shared that as a condition of receiving federal funds, the Department of Human Services must operate under a merit system of personnel administration that meets federal requirements. The MN merit system is where individuals apply for any open positions within the State, and then when an open position is available possible matches will be forwarded to the agency. 

   Buhmann mentioned some of the flaws with this system is if an applicant fills out something incorrectly or not complete then they are not allowed to apply for another six months. Also, sometimes the county is receiving the same applicant that has already been interviewed for another position and was not a good fit for the county. Buhmann stated with the separation of services the county will be required to undergo training and become qualified with their own Merit system.

   In other business, the county board:

   • Reviewed the 2024 Fee Schedule where any questions will be addressed during the Truth and Taxation meeting held Thursday, Dec. 7.

   • Received an update regarding October fees for Abdo Financial Solutions along with information regarding the County’s Truth in Taxation notices being mailed on time.

   • Approved the iSeries hosting agreement with Minnesota Counties Information Systems.

   • Approved Design Services with Widseth for the development of plans and specifications for the new Highway Hackensack Facility; the design of the ambulance garage will be included upon feedback from townships, volunteer fire departments, and first responders and authorize the County Engineer to sign on behalf of the County Board.

   • Approved final payment to Houle Excavating in the amount of $297,844 for the construction of a new box culvert bridge on Longwood Point Rd NE over Daggett Brook.

   • Approved the Highway Right of Way Plat No. 6 on the county Road 116 project near Backus.

   • Adopted a resolution in support of a joint application with Crow Wing County for  Local road Improvement Program funds to improve County Road 167 in Sylvan Township.

   The next meetings are as follows: AMC Annual Conference Monday, Dec. 4 through Wednesday, Dec. 6 at the Hyatt Regency, 1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis; commissioner’s board meeting 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, followed by a public hearing for the 2024 Cass County Fee Schedule and Budget and Property Tax levy beginning at 6 p.m. at the boardroom in the courthouse annex in Walker and commissioner’s board meeting 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19 at the Land Department  Meeting room in Backus.

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