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      BACKUS—   Cass County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Executive Director Mike Paulus came before the board at their regular meeting Tuesday, Mar. 19 to request an increase of $500,000 in the revolving loan fund for community property development for a total amount of $1 million. The request is due to two additional projects that may need future funding. Board Chair Neal Gaalswyk expressed concern over where should the County draw the line on funding for these types of projects - in belief that it’s a good idea to invest the money to assist local businesses, but doesn’t want to put too much tax payer money at risk.

   Paulus stated when he started in the position EDC’s revolving program had a balance of $300,000, it now has a balance of $1.6 million. He feels that a comfortable amount for the county to put into the revolving fund is $1 million since the first $500,000 was applied for quickly and the next $500,000 would assist another three ventures. Commissioner Jeff Peterson stated he feels this is a bad idea to continue to pursue this and the county should leave the loaning of money to banks with the county focusing on ordinances, roads, etc.

   After much discussion a role call vote was held to approve the increase of $500,000 to the revolving fund with Bruns, Haaland and Gaalswyk voting aye, Peterson voting nay and Kangas absent.

   Cass County Health Human and Veterans Services Director Brian Buhmann brought a grant request from the Resilient Housing Team of the Hackensack Game Changers for $45,000 before the board. This grant would be from the Workforce Affordable Housing fund which Cass County received a grant in the amount of $112,343 from the State of Minnesota. Buhmann recommended the allocation of $45,000 and for it to be paid to The City of Hackensack.

   Gary Dietrich, Resilient Housing Team Member, shared information with the board that this would assist in the County’s 2-1 match that is needed to apply for the Minnesota Housing Grant. Some concern was expressed regarding this project and the effect it would have on local housing rental owners. One rental owner was present, Chuck Trosen, and stated he currently has a four plex with vacancies and is concerned with the construction of a 30 unit apartment building.  This motion was also approved on a roll call vote with Bruns, Haaland and Gaalswyk voting aye and Peterson voting nay.

   In other business, the county board: 

   • Approved the 2024 Board of Commissioners Summer Meeting Schedule.

   • Approved a revised Community Opioid Survey and distribution plan and a grant application to the Minnesota Department of Health Minnesota Drug Overdose Prevention Grant Program.

   • Approved a letter of support to Northern Pines Mental Health Center to apply for certification to provide Mental Health Services and Substance Use Disorder Services to citizens in Cass County.

   • Approved amendments to increase the amount paid to providers per Minnesota Statutes for staff clinical supervision between Cass County Health, Human and Veterans Services and Pat Cortese, Ph. D., MALP and Lake County Associates.

   • Heard from Probation Director Jim Schneider regarding the 2024 Probation Comprehensive Plans and learned this plan takes place of the annual report.

   • Approved reconvening the Corrections Advisory Board to explore the three probation delivery systems and report back with a recommendation which system would best serve the present and future needs of Cass County.

   • Awarded the replacement of the Land Department server room AC Unit to Advantage Heating & Cooling Inc in the amount of $10,349.

   • Approved the Environmental Services Department 2024 Aquatic Invasive Species annual budget and updated AIS Prevention and Management Plan.

   The next meetings are as follows: AMC Leadership Summit, 12 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 27 through Friday, Mar. 29 at Grand View Lodge, Nisswa; commissioner’s board meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Apr. 2 at the boardroom in the courthouse annex in Walker and commissioner’s board meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Apr. 16 at the Land Department meeting room in Backus.

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