Washington County is poised to strengthen its mental health care offerings following the approval of $3,453,216 in grant funds by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, as reported yesterday. The influx of funds, exceeding the previous grant cycle by $1,290,390, is part of a state-led reform aiming to empower counties to innovate and cope with growing needs, with new projects including a Mental Health Outreach Van Program to enhancement of existing services such as housing subsidies and rehabilitative programs, Kathy Mickelson, Community Services Division Manager, detailed the development.
In another collaboration for environmental conservation, the county has also approved a contract worth $305,568 with Washington Conservation District, the aim is to support soil and water conservation practices throughout 2025, a statement obtained by the county highlighted the 4.9% increase from the previous year to accommodate inflationary pressures, Senior Planner Jessica Collin-Pilarski provided insights into the allocation for services from local water management to public education.
The Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership's 2025-2026 work plan received the green light from the County Board on Nov. 26, setting the course for conservation efforts including soil health, water pollution reduction, and habitat conservation; this plan, founded on the collaboration within the Lower St. Croix One Watershed, One Plan initiative, represents a synergy of resources and local commitment, details about the approved work plan were provided by Jessica Collin-Pilarski.
Festive cheer is set to brighten the season as the Washington County Sheriff’s Office gears up for the annual Shop with a Cop event with over $9,000 in donations under its belt – Walmart, Creative Homes, and the local Yellow Ribbon Network have all chipped in to ensure children in the Afton-Lakeland area, many from military families, can enjoy shopping sprees on Dec. 11 and 12, building rapport with local law enforcement in the process, Laura Perkins, Law Enforcement Public Information Manager, shared enthusiasm for this community-strengthening program.
Wrapping up the County Board's recent decisions is the adoption of the 2025 county fee schedule, following a public hearing; it sees an adjustment in fees, like those with the Public Health and Environment Department which is adjusting upward by 3% and new cannabis-related business fees, balancing the operational costs to serve the populace; Tina Elam, Communication Manager, relayed that the fee changes align with the aim of ensuring the provision of service remains economically sustainable.
Lastly, the Board hosted a public meeting addressing the county's 2025 budget and property tax levy, fielding questions and comments from residents with an eye on maintaining financial prudence while assuring vital county services, the projected figures include a slight tax rate increase, augmented public safety services, housing assistance, and capital investments for community infrastructure – presenting an intricate fiscal picture that Washington County is navigating with foresight, Tina Elam elaborated on the funding nuances and the upcoming approval set for Dec. 17.
