The Sherburne County Board Tuesday approved language to a resolution that will allow funds from the law library to be used to defray some of the costs to relocate the library.
The county is in the process of a $63 million expansion project that includes a new courts building. As a part of the expansion, the law library will move from its current location near the county attorney’s office, into a larger space on the first floor of the new building upon completion.
Tuesday, Sherburne County Attorney Kathleen Heaney asked the board to consider using some of the law library fund to help pay those costs.
She said the law library board met two weeks ago and voted to use some its fund to help the relocation costs.
Under Minnesota Statutes, the county is responsible for providing a space for the library, but the library fund cannot be used for construction of a new space.
“It could be used for things like desks, computer terminals, carousels, books and library personnel,” said Heaney. “But the statute basically identifies that the county has to bear the cost for the physical structure.”
The language in the proposed new legislation would allow the law library to transfer up to $200,000 to defray construction costs as long as it has five years in operating reserves. Heaney said the Sherburne County Law Library Board has been very frugal over the years and can meet that criteria.
Administrator Steve Taylor said he spoke with legislators Nick Zerwas and Mary Kiffmeyer about the proposed legislation.
“Rep. Zerwas was extremely excited about supporting it,” he said. Sen. Kiffmeyer asked whether it was just a Sherburne County issue or if it would affect all 87 counties statewide.
“I said I assumed it would affect all 87 counties,” said Taylor. “She was a little concerned about the use of restricted, dedicated funds for something else. She said let’s see what the language is and whether the county board supports it.”
Commissioner Tim Dolan said the legislation wouldn’t make it mandatory that a law library participates.
“It just gives them the option,” he said.
The board voted to approve the language. Heaney said it will be forwarded to the county’s legislative delegation.
Safe Schools
The board approved designating the county as the sponsoring agency for the Safe Routes to School project in Becker.
Public Works Director Andrew Witter said Becker is looking to apply for a grant for trail improvements along Co. Rd. 23 between Central Ave. and Bradley Blvd.
“Becker is not a state aid city. It’s smaller than 5,000 (population) and is not allowed to receive funds directly,” he said. “The county would receive the funds and reimburse to them.”
The board also approved a resolution to operate and maintain the trail.
