Washington County is bolstering its fight against family homelessness thanks to an extra $116,100 in grant funds awarded by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA). This funding boost, specifically for the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP), was accepted by the Washington County Board of Commissioners on September 10, as reported by the county's official website. The newly acquired funds will add to the $1.5 million already granted for the 2023-2025 period, starting this October 1, aiming to reduce the time families spend in shelters and assist them in securing stable housing.
These additional resources are earmarked for agencies like Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Solid Ground, and Valley Outreach. Since 2007, these grants have been instrumental for Washington County in its mission to keep families in their homes and alleviate the pressures of housing insecurity. Sarah Tripple, the Community Services Division Manager, stressed the importance of these funds, telling the county's news release, "The purpose of the FHPAP program is to provide supportive services and/or financial assistance to families, youth, and single adults that are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless," as stated by the Washington County Minnesota.
The County Board also maintained its fiscal focus on the 2025 budget review, as the Sept. 10 meeting featured a presentation from the County Attorney’s Office. With an eye toward a 5.9% levy increase and a $139.3 million budget, the median homeowner could anticipate a modest annual increase of about $30 in county property taxes, maintaining Washington County's stance among the most tax-efficient in the metro area. Maintaining justice and public safety, the Attorney’s Office outlined its plan for 2025, concentrating on handling the surging costs related to eLitigation, office wellness, and adapting to the legislative landscape.
Infrastructure improvements are also on the County Board's agenda, with a significant drainage project cleared for Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park. A contract worth $281,598.80 has been inked with Nadeau Companies, Inc. to tackle persistent erosion along the park's entrance road – a solution that includes curbs, gutters, and storm sewer structures. The project, clinched by the lowest of six bidders, is partially funded through a $87,500 grant from the South Washington Watershed District Coordinated Capital Improvements Plan, as Mike Kline, Engineer I, as per the county's site.
