The Washington County Board of Commissioners has had a productive start to October with a series of appointments and program announcements that affect everything from watershed management to cyber security. On October 1, two watershed districts got new managers. William Armstrong was reappointed to the Valley Branch Watershed District, while Larry Odebrecht of Stillwater stepped up for Brown’s Creek Watershed District, according to Washington County's official news release.
Keeping the waterways safe, the county is also beefing up its waterborne law enforcement capabilities, appointing a grant totaling $225,000 to the Sheriff's Office for a rapid response patrol boat. With a duty to protect the marine transportation system from terrorism and natural disasters, the new boat is hoped to provide fast and efficient intervention, as stated in Washington County's recent update.
In addition, October has been declared Cybersecurity Awareness Month by the Board, underscoring the need for vigilance against online threats. As part of this initiative, the county is enhancing its cyber defenses and calling on the public to adopt safer online practices. Tips include recognizing phishing attempts, using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and regularly updating software, as described in a public statement from the county.
Beyond cyberspace, Washington County is planning for a greener future with the approval of its 2024-2042 Solid Waste Management Plan. The Plan, which prioritizes waste reduction and strives to advance equity and environmental justice, will now head to the MPCA for final approval. Involved in shaping policies around the management of trash as a resource, the Public Works Department's new traffic control initiative is creating an all-way stop at the intersection of Myrtle Street and Brick Street in Stillwater, aimed at pedestrian safety and speed control. Details on these endeavors can be found on the county's official communiqué.
Finally, recognizing the dedication of public service professionals, the Board has declared October 7-11 as Customer Service Week, in keeping with a national effort to honor customer service professionals launched by Congress in 1992. The proclamation spotlights the exemplary efforts of the county’s Property Records and Taxpayer Services staff in serving the community.
