In a move supporting community engagement, the Washington County Board of Commissioners recently appointed Heather Cosby to the Library Advisory Board. Cosby is set to represent District 1 for a term from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028, aiming to lend a fresh perspective to library services in the region. Megan Carlson, Administrative Assistant, provided this information at the December 2 commissioners meeting.
In matters of housing and community development, the Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA) was reaffirmed as the administrator of HUD funds, including the CDBG program and HOME Investment Partnership funds for Washington County, an arrangement in place since 2016, which will extend through to December 31, 2030. This decision ensures the continuity of efforts to address housing needs in the county, with Sarah Tripple, Community Services Division Manager, noting the importance of such programs in catering to the region's growth and development.
The issue of child support enforcement services was also on the table as the board approved a cooperative agreement involving various county departments and the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Family. The agreement allocates $1,292,000 in funding for the county’s services, following a successful report of over $20 million in child support collected, benefiting upwards of 5,292 families last year. Community Services Deputy Director Beth Pierce stressed the vital role that this funding plays in securing financial support for the community's children.
Additionally, the sheriff’s office got a financial boost with a $216,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to support the county's Drug Task Force. Commander Kyle Schenck highlighted that the grant, covering a period from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, would primarily fund insurance and salaries for personnel focused on tackling drug-related violence and crime.
Meanwhile, in an effort to counteract human trafficking and sex trafficking, the commissioners ratified Lodging Ordinance #221. It updates the previous legislation by tightening licensing requirements and mandating sex trafficking prevention training, among other measures. Public Health and Environment Director David Brummel underscored the ordinance's role to "advance efforts to prevent human trafficking and sex trafficking from occurring in lodging settings within Washington County."
On a different note, Washington County's law enforcement will be bidding farewell to one of its own as K9 Rookie, the county’s therapy dog, is set to retire. With a service history encompassing five and a half years, K9 Rookie has made quite an impact and will enjoy her retirement under the care of her handler, Sergeant Matt O’Hara, according to Commander Sara Halverson of the Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division.
The evening also included discussions on the proposed 2026 budget, with a property tax levy that saw the largest increase in the metro area at 6.95%. The balance of the budget, which includes a sizable allocation to operating expenses, capital investments, and debt service, will be met by, among other sources, state County Program Aid. The board intends to finalize the property tax levy and budget on December 16, following a preliminary setting in September. The county's commitment to its services is echoed by the Office of Administration Communications Manager, Tina Elam, who confirmed the proposed 2026 budget provides critical funding for mandated and core services that directly impact residents’ lives and support the community.
