Sherburne County residents and businesses did their part to support local government programs and services in 2021, paying the highest percentage of property taxes in the last seven years.
A report by the Sherburne County Auditor/Treasurer this week shows the county collected 99.50% of property taxes levied in 2021, or $51,971,914.69 of $52,235,670.64.
That percentage topped the 2020 figure of 99.35%, when the county collected $50,174,477.48 of $50,503,073.33.
Figures for prior years were: 2019 (99.31%), 2018 (99.41%), 2017 (99.27%), 2016 (99.09%) and 2015 (98.99%).
Taxpayers also dug in to cover previous years’ unpaid bills. In 2021, the county collected $248,647.17 of 2020 taxes and $52,006.01 from 2019.
Service Agreement
The Board of Commissioners approved a master service agreement between Sherburne County and Braun Intertec for geotechnical, construction material testing, and phase I environmental site assessment services for the years 2022 and 2023.
The public works department solicited a Request for Proposals (RFP) from three consulting firms: American Engineering Testing, Braun Intertec and Independent Testing Technologies. After reviewing the proposals, it was determined that Braun Intertec met the requirements of the RFP and has a reputable history of working with Sherburne County.
The two-year contract is expected to save the county staff time by not having to solicit proposals every time there is a need for geotechnical, construction material testing, and phase I environmental site assessment services.
ARPA Funding
The board approved the allocation of $305,492.54 in ARPA funding for a Lead Child Welfare Social Worker in Health and Human Services and $11,695.50 for COVId-19 related personal protective equipment for the sheriff’s department. The social worker position is for three years.
MnDOT Fiber Project
The board approved a resolution of support of MnDOT Dist. 3’s application to pursue installing fiber along the Hwy. 25 corridor. The project includes installation of four miles of fiber line (3.5 miles on Hwy. 25 from 7th St. in Monticello to Hwy. 10 in Big Lake and 0.5 miles on Chelsea Rd. from Hwy. 25 to the MnDOT Truck Station in Monticello). Included in the fiber installation is the crossing of the Mississippi River.
Special Olympics
The board approved six days paid leave for Sergeant Nabil Gubash of the sheriff’s department to participate in the 2022 Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg for the Special Olympics USA Games, to be held in Orlando, FL, from May 30 through June 6.
Solid Waste Hearing
The board voted to continue a public hearing on a draft amendment to the county’s Solid Waste Ordinance. Testimony from members of the public included concerns over new setback criteria, which limits where a landfill can be located.
“I understand there are some concerns,” said Solid Waste Administrator Dave Lucas. “It is my recommendation that no action be taken today, that we continue this public hearing, allow for comments on suggested language to be submitted, then changes can be brought to this board at a continued public hearing date.”
The hearing will resume March 22 at 9:10 a.m.
Other Business
In other actions, the board:
• Approved the appointment of James Kirchenbauer, representing Dist. 4, to the Sherburne County Extension Committee;
• Approved a MN Lawful Gambling Application (Premises Permit) to Conduct Excluded Bingo for Travelers Country Club on the Mississippi at 11290 80th Ave. SE, Clear Lake. The proposed 2022 Bingo events will take place May 25, June 25, July 30 and Aug. 27;
• Approved a contract with Hosington Koegler Group Inc, for $82,100 for county park and trail system comprehensive planning;
• Approved an HHS contract with Patron Transportation to provide transportation services for clients. The county has budgeted $4,000 for the service.
