The Sherburne County Board last week approved a list of legislative priorities for Health & Human Services (HHS) for 2017.

 

The list is generated each year based on programs, services  and funding priorities for the county.

 

Amanda Larson, planner with  HHS, is also the county’s legislative liaison. She said the list is written broadly and can be modified based on decisions made by state lawmakers.

 

She said there is always a common theme each year - “No cost shifts, no cost shares and also no unfunded mandates,” she said. “If the Dept. of Human Services is requesting more time or more staffing from the counties, then those dollars should follow those requirements.” 

 

One of the issues on the list is the  Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP).

 

The county is looking for the legislature to update the civil commitment review process and funding structure for the MSOP. Currently, the state is looking to counties to find ways to integrate sex offenders back into the community, once they are released. Once it’s been determined a sex offender should be released, the responsibility falls on County HHS to find them a place to live, then supervise them in the community In 2015, the county paid $340,812 to keep 18 individuals in two facilities, and additional dollars in supervision. 

 

• Adequate funding for HHS and no reductions in state aid;

 

• Adequate funding for adult and child protection;

 

• Mental and chemical health policy reform;

 

• Modernization of HHS data systems;

 

• Improvements to the Minnesota Eligibility Technology System - the system that determines eligibility for healthcare,  including MNsure.

 

In other action the board:

 

• Approved the purchase of 178 cameras to upgrade the jail from analog to IP cameras. Total cost including installation by VTI Security is $296,780.60;

 

• Reappointed Cindy Rohde to the Great River Regional Library Board for a three-year term;

 

• Appointed Steve Pfleghaar to the Sherburne County EDA to replace Laura Hayes, who resigned;

 

• Appointed Sharon Kolstad as an alternate to the Sherburne County Water Plan Advisory Committee;

 

• Appointed Kenzie Phelps and Terry Polsfuss to the Elk River Watershed Association;

 

• Approved the expenditure of up to $15,000 for consulting services with Network Consulting to update network storage in the sheriff’s office in the Zimmerman Public Safety center;

 

• Approved the purchase of a new tire changer and balancer for public works in the amount of $30,055;

 

• Approved out-of-state travel for two sheriff’s office personnel to conduct an investigative interview in Colorado at a cost of $1,437.96;

 

• Accepted a donation from the Eddy Foundation to the sheriff’s office ($2,000), reserve unit ($2,000), mounted patrol ($1,000) and Senior and Law Enforcement Together ($1,000);

 

• Approved $7,524 in funding for crosswalk improvements between Zimmerman elementary and high schools;

 

• Approved the acquisition of a tax forfeited land parcel at the intersection of  86 and 11 for highway purposes.