The Washington County Board of Commissioners have been busy bees at their latest meeting, making moves on everything from park enhancements to preparing for a comprehensive resident survey—that's right, local government in action. On August 20, Lori Tapani was officially appointed to the Workforce Development Board as a Business Representative, an announcement that comes with a term extending through June 30, 2026, according to Washington County Minnesota.
On the green side of things, St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park and Lake Elmo Park Reserve are going to get more than just a fresh coat of paint. Thanks to a hefty $1.75 million grant approved for each park, visitors can look forward to improved shelters, spanking new restroom facilities, play areas for the kids, and even tennis court makeovers, with projects set to start in 2024 and wrap up the following spring, as per the Washington County Minnesota. These improvements haven't been seen since the mid-'90s, so, yeah, it's about time.
Not to be forgotten in the nitty-gritty of government work, the 2025 budget is under the microscope. After an initial workshop on August 6, where an increase of 5.9% to the county levy was proposed, the board has been diving deep into departmental presentations. This includes everything from expanding electronic monitoring in community corrections to addressing the rising demand for veterans and job search services in the Community Services Department. As detailed by Washington County Minnesota, the proposed tax levy could mean about $30 more in 2025 for a median-valued home. The budget dance will continue through early December when final decisions are inked into being.
As for what's next on the commissioners' agenda? Well, there's the setting of a preliminary levy on September 24, followed by a review of the county's capital improvement plan on October 15. And let's not forget the public hearings—those come November 12 and 26, where folks can have their say before anything gets set in stone come December 17.
