County government had a new look in 2014 with new Administrator Steve Taylor, who had been hired in November of 2013.

 

Under Taylor’s direction, the county stepped up its commitment for economic development in a number of ways.

 

In February, the county board approved a contract with Springsted Inc. to work with the county to create a County Economic Development Strategic Plan.

 

Part of that plan was later developed into a list of strategic priorities to promote countywide economic development and provide necessary services in a cost-effective manner:

 

1. Promote healthy, safe and livable communities;

2. Encourage economic vitality;

3. Enhance and expand partnerships while creating an informed public;

4. Continue to be fiscally prudent and stewards of the public trust;

5. Foster organizational excellence.

 

The county also worked to help businesses stay competitive by exploring ways to expand broadband within the county. 

 

In July, the county distributed a survey to get input from businesses about internet service. The survey concluded much of the county was  unserviced or underserviced when it comes to high speed Internet. Some businesses said they feel they are at a disadvantage because of slow Internet speed.

 

In November, the county was selected as one of 10 Blandin Foundation Broadband Community Program partners, which will provide technical and financial support to help expand high-speed Internet throughout the region.

 

The county also began streamlining its internal operations by moving towards a paperless system. 

 

In September, the Probation Dept. went from paper case files to electronic files, storing them in a secure database. The move saves staff time and enhances customer service. The county attorney’s office has done the same, using software

 

In October, in an effort to encourage county employees to be the best they can be at their jobs, the county approved a plan to implement a new performance-based compensation plan that rewards excellence. That system started Jan. 1.

 

The county board also authorized a professional study to evaluate the compensation of county positions to ensure employees are being paid what they should be.

 

There were other “happenings” at the Government Center in 2014 worth noting.

 

Former Health & Human Services Director Ken Ebel retired Jan. 17 after serving in that position for 20 years and serving the county for 30 years. The county board appointed Mary Jo Cob as the new director in May. Cobb has been with the county for 15 years.

 

Assessor Dan Weber was appointed as the county’s Deputy Administrator in the fall. Greg Olson was appointed Sherburne County Assessor in December.

 

After years of problems with the atrium roof leaking, the county hired a consultant to figure out how to correct it, then paid $175,000 to fix it.

 

That was completed in the fall.

 

In July, the board voted to move forward with the process of switching to a Community Corrections Act (CCA) delivery system for its probation department next year.

 

In August, the county approved county-run “Fix-It” Clinics in Elk River and approved funding for three such events. The clinics are intended to help people repair small electronic items and appliances so they don’t end up in landfills.

 

A Fairgrounds Task Force was established and met for the first time in May. Members disagreed on a number of points and it was difficult to reach a consensus about the future of the fairgrounds. But in November, after a 90-minute discussion, the taskforce voted, 8-6 to recommend a new 10-year agreement between the county and the Sherburne County Agricultural (Ag) Society to lease the current fairgrounds site in Elk River.

 

In early December, the board approved a two percent salary increase for its four elected officials - the same as most county employees.

 

Members of the board voted not to increase their own salaries for 2015.

 

And, in the final meeting of the year, the board certified the 2015 tax levy in the amount of $42,323,421, which represents a 2.18% hike over the 2014 levy of $41,420,261. Combined with a decrease in the Regional Rail Authority levy, the final tax increase is 1.76% - the first levy increase in five years.