TO THE EDITOR:
Options plays a vital role in the Big Lake and broader community. As the sixth largest employer in the City of Big Lake and in business for over 40 years, their employees and persons served are a large part of the fabric of our community, volunteering for many community events and organizations. The services provided by Options, Inc. is critical to support people with intellectual, developmental disabilities to live and work in our communities.
Options, Inc. has a payroll of over $2.6 million annually which goes into our local economy. They pay living wages above industry standards and directly spends over $160,000 annually to local vendors and small business. The majority of the 65 employees and the 258 program participants live in the Big Lake area and Sherburne County. They count on over 80 businesses as partners, providing critical employment opportunities and income for persons served.
Funding has been cut off to Options, Inc. since March 18th, 2020. Although they have worked in good faith with the Minnesota Department of Services, complying with regulatory rules and providing critical services on their behalf, there has been no interest from DHS or the legislature to provide emergency funding for fixed cost relief to protect them from closing permanently.
The City of Big Lakeurges state leaders to consider emergency funding as well as allow Options to implement their robust COVID-19 safety plan and resume more operations. The economic devastation caused by COVID-19 has our community reeling and during this time we certainly cannot lose such a vital community resource. Our hope is Options will be able to remain open and resume full operations while keeping safety for program participants and Option’s staff paramount.
Brenda Geldert
Executive Director
Big Lake, MN
