On the agenda: Washington County meeting — data center (Feb 10)

Board of Commissioners

BOARD AGENDA
February 10, 2026 - 9:00 AM

Fran Miron, District 1
Stan Karwoski, District 2
Bethany Cox, District 3
Chair, Karla Bigham, District 4
Michelle Clasen, District 5

All listed times are approximate. Board Workshops will start immediately following the conclusion of the Board meeting.

1.

9:00

Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance

2.

9:00

Comments from the Public
Visitors may share their comments or concerns on any issue that is a responsibility or function of Washington County Government, whether or not the issue is
listed on this agenda. Persons who wish to address the Board must fill out a comment card before the meeting begins and give it to the County Board Clerk or
the County Administrator. The County Board Chair will ask you to come to the podium, state your name and city of residence, and present your comments.
Your comments must be addressed exclusively to the Board Chair and the full Board of Commissioners. Comments addressed to individual Board members will
not be allowed. You are encouraged to limit your presentation to no more than five minutes. The Board Chair reserves the right to limit an individual's
presentation if it exceeds the allowable time limit, becomes redundant, repetitive, overly argumentative, or if it is not relevant to an issue that is part of
Washington County's responsibilities.

3.

9:10

Approval of the Agenda

4.

9:10

Consent Calendar - Roll Call Vote
Consent Calendar items are generally defined as items of routine business, not requiring discussion, and approved in one vote. Commissioners may elect to
pull a Consent Calendar item(s) for discussion and/or separate action.

A. Approval of the January 27, 2026, County Board meeting minutes.
B. Approve Amendment No. 3 with HM Cragg Co for the updated Uninterruptable Power Supply
(UPS) and Battery Emergency Maintenance Rates for 2026, which went into effect on January
1, 2026.
C. Adopt a resolution to approve an application for an Exempt Permit of Minnesota Lawful
Gambling received from Disabled Veterans Rest Camp Inc. to conduct a raffle on May 25,
2026, at 11300 180th Street North, in May Township.
D. Adopt a resolution in support of the City of Cottage Grove’s application to the Better Utilizing
Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program for the County Road (CR) 19A –
100th Street Realignment Project.
E. Adopt a resolution in support of Chisago County’s application to the Better Utilizing
Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program for the US Highway 8
Reconstruction Project.
F.

5.

9:10

Adopt a resolution to approve a donation to the Sheriff's Office in the amount of $1,000 from
Washington County resident Cynthia Young.

General Administration - Kevin Corbid, County Administrator

Assistive listening devices are available for use in the County Board Room
If you need assistance due to disability or language barrier, please call (651) 430-6000

Washington County is an equal opportunity organization and employer

6.

9:20

Commissioner Reports - Comments - Questions
This period of time shall be used by the Commissioners to report to the full Board on committee activities, make comments on matters of interest and information,
or raise questions to the staff. This action is not intended to result in substantive board action during this time. Any action necessary because of discussion will
be scheduled for a future board meeting.

7.

9:35

Board Correspondence

8.

9:40

Executive (Closed) Session - Human Resources
A. Executive (closed) session for the purposes of discussing labor relations strategy, per
Minnesota Statute 13D.03.

9.

10:25

Adjourn

10.

10:30

Board Workshop with Community Services
A. Fraud: Understanding the Headlines and the Impact

11.

11:30

Break

12.

11:45

Board Workshop with Administration
A. Federal Legislative Workshop

13.

12:30

Personnel Committee

Assistive listening devices are available for use in the County Board Room
If you need assistance due to disability or language barrier, please call (651) 430-6000

Washington County is an equal opportunity organization and employer

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
JANUARY 27, 2026
WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CONVENES
The Washington County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. in the
Washington County Government Center, County Board Room.
Present:

Commissioner Fran Miron, District 1
Commissioner Stan Karwoski, District 2
Commissioner Bethany Cox, District 3
Commissioner Karla Bigham, District 4
Commissioner Michelle Clasen, District 5

Also Present: Kevin Corbid, County Administrator
John Ristad, Assistant County Attorney Division Chief
Stephanie Kammerud, Administrative Assistant
The Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Chair Bigham asked for comments from the public; none were heard.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Commissioner Miron moved to approve the County Board meeting agenda for January 27, 2026.
Commissioner Karwoski seconded the motion, and it was adopted 5-0.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Commissioner Cox moved, seconded by Commissioner Miron, to adopt the Consent Calendar as
follows:
1.

Approval of the January 6, 2026, and January 13, 2026, County Board meeting minutes.

2.

Approval of Resolution No. 2026-008 as follows:
2026 DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO MAKE ELECTRONIC
FUNDS TRANSFERS TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCE DEPARTMENT OR THEIR DESIGNEE
WHEREAS, an electronic funds transfer is defined in Minnesota Statutes
471.38 as a process of value exchange via mechanical means without the
use of checks, drafts, or similar negotiable instruments; and
1|January 27, 2026

WHEREAS, a local government is authorized to make electronic funds
transfers if it meets the eligibility requirements in state law; and
WHEREAS, one of the requirements is for the governing body to annually
delegate the authority to make electronic funds transfers to a designated
business administrator or chief financial officer or the officer’s designee;
and
WHEREAS, the county desires to utilize electronic funds transfers as
authorized by statute.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of County
Commissioners of Washington County delegates the authority to make
electronic funds transfers to its Accounting and Finance Director, or their
designee, as allowed under Minnesota Statutes 471.38.
3.

Approval of Resolution No. 2026-009 as follows:
RESOLUTION TO SET ASIDE A PORTION OF THE
ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OF NET REVENUE
FROM FORFEITED LAND SALES
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute Chapter 282 gives the county board the
authority to manage tax forfeited property that is located within Washington
County; and
WHEREAS, the county auditor is to distribute the net revenue in the
county’s tax forfeited sale fund to the local taxing districts after payment of
county administrative expenses, according to one of two prescribed
apportionment plans; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes Section 282.08, Subd. 4 (ii), allows the
county board to set aside up to 20 percent of net proceeds for the acquisition
and maintenance of county parks or recreational areas.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Board of
Commissioners directs the Washington County Department of Property
Records and Taxpayer Services to set aside, as authorized pursuant to
Minnesota Statutes Section 282.08, Subd. 4(ii), 20 percent of the net proceeds
remaining in the tax forfeited sale fund to be used for acquisition and
maintenance of county parks and recreational areas.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this 20 percent set aside shall be
expended under the supervision of the county board.
2|January 27, 2026

4.

Approval of Resolution No. 2026-010 as follows:
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SALE OF TAX FORFEITED
LAND AT PUBLIC AUCTION
WHEREAS, each year, property forfeits for the non-payment of property
taxes, and the Property Records and Taxpayer Services Department, on
behalf of the county board, works with the local municipalities and others to
develop a plan to move the property into public ownership if there is a public
use or purpose for the property, or to sell the property and return it to the tax
rolls; and
WHEREAS, the parcel listed on the #2025-1 Public in-person Sale List as
parcel 08.031.21.41.0013 in the City of Hugo has been identified to be
offered for sale to the public through a public auction, and the attached terms
for the sale have been developed; and
WHEREAS, the property identified is either a residential property with four
or fewer units or is not improved with a structure. The sale of the property
will first be offered for a period of 30 days to individuals who certify that they
intend to own and occupy the property as a residence or to use the property
for non-commercial personal use; and
WHEREAS, during this initial 30-day offering period, any prospective
purchaser must sign a certification form affirming their intended qualifying
use of the property; and
WHEREAS, any such parcels that remain unsold after the 30-day period
shall be reoffered without the intended use certification requirement; and
WHEREAS, the department will publish a notice and advertise the public
auction for at least 30 days as required by law and will notify all adjoining
owners of the lands to be auctioned.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the procedures described
above are hereby adopted and shall govern the offering and sale of the
identified parcel.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the terms of the sale be set forth in the
attached document titled as Terms for the Sale; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the basic sale price of parcel
08.031.21.41.0013 as listed on the #2025-1 Public in person Sale List filed
with Property Records and Taxpayer Services department, is hereby
approved, and the authorization for public sale is granted, pursuant to
Minnesota Statute 282.01; and
3|January 27, 2026

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the sale be held March 6, 2026, at
1:00 p.m., in Conference Room LL13; Washington County Government
Center, Stillwater Minnesota. If the property remains unsold, a second
public sale shall be held on April 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., in Conference Room
LL13, Washington County Government Center, Stillwater Minnesota, and
the sale be for not less than the minimum sale price.
5.

Approve grant agreement with the Washington Conservation District to enhance 15.5 acres
of prairie at Pine Point Regional Park.

6.

Approve Purchase Order No. 28482 with Tenvoorde Ford in the amount of $300,716.08 for
fleet vehicles.

The motion was adopted 5-0 with a Roll Call vote as follows: Ayes, Commissioners Miron,
Karwoski, Cox, Clasen, and Bigham. Nays, none.
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Introduction of Therapy Dog
Washington County Sheriff’s Office Commander Kyle Schenck, Detective Julia Weegman, and
Tom Sweeney from Soldier’s 6, introduced Penny, the new therapy dog in the Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office Coordinated Response Team acquired Penny through a generous donation
from Soldier’s 6 and Franks’ Field & Family Goldens. Penny is being trained to interact with
people of all ages in the community to provide comfort and emotional support in situations that
can be stressful, overwhelming, or traumatic.
OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Recognition of James Honsvall
The County Board recognized and thanked Mr. James Honsvall for his service on the Washington
County Audit Advisory Committee. Mr. Honsvall has served as a citizen member of the Audit
Advisory Committee for the past 15 years.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
2025 4th Quarter Donations
County Administrator Kevin Corbid presented a resolution to accept the 2025 4th quarter donations
in the amount of $6,440.38.

4|January 27, 2026

Commissioner Clasen moved to adopt Resolution No. 2026-011 as follows:
2025 FOURTH QUARTER DONATIONS, GIFTS, AND BEQUESTS
WHEREAS, Washington County gratefully accepts donations, gifts, and
bequests from public and private sources to enhance the programs and
services it provides; and
WHEREAS, any gift, donation, or bequest becomes the property of
Washington County; and
WHEREAS, the Washington County Board of Commissioners is authorized
to approve donations, gifts, and bequests on a quarterly basis.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the
Washington County Board of Commissioners does hereby approve donations
and gifts of $6,440.38 for the fourth quarter of 2025.
Commissioner Karwoski seconded the motion, and it was adopted 5-0 with a Roll Call vote as
follows: Ayes, Commissioners Miron, Karwoski, Cox, Clasen, and Bigham. Nays, none.
Letter to Federal Delegation
Deputy County Administrator Jan Lucke presented two options of draft letters to be sent to the
Congressional delegation regarding ICE operations in Washington County. After review and
discussion, it was decided that staff will combine discussion points of both letters and rewrite into
one letter, and be sent on behalf of the County Board.
County Administrator Kevin Corbid reported that the county has continued to provide additional
guidance to county employees related to the immigration enforcement activities that may occur on
county property or in county buildings.
Water Pipe Break
County Administrator Corbid reported that on Saturday, a water pipe froze and broke in the fire
suppression system on the 2nd floor of the Government Center. The Stillwater Fire Department and
staff from the Sheriff’s Office and the Public Works Department responded and were able to shut
off the water. The water impacted a number of areas in the Government Center and the County
Courthouse. The water was extracted from the building by Sunday morning, and staff led the
cleanup of the county spaces, including removing damaged ceiling tiles. The county was able to
open for normal business hours on Monday morning.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Commissioners reported on meetings and other events they attended. Please see archived
livestreaming of the board meeting for full commissioner reports on the county’s website
washingtoncountymn.gov under “County Board of Commissioners.”
5|January 27, 2026

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE
Board correspondence was received and placed on file.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the County Board, Chair Bigham adjourned the
meeting at 10:15 a.m.
BOARD WORKSHOP WITH PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
The board met in workshop session to discuss Board of Water and Soil Resources funding. Present
for the workshop were Commissioners Miron, Karwoski, Cox, Bigham, and Clasen. Also present
were Kevin Corbid, Jan Lucke, Jennifer Wagenius, outside agencies, and county staff.
BOARD WORKSHOP WITH ADMINISTRATION
The board met in workshop session for a review of Washington County’s 2026 Mandates & Core
Functions. Present for the workshop were Commissioners Miron, Karwoski, Cox, Bigham, and
Clasen. Also present were Kevin Corbid, Jan Lucke, Jennifer Wagenius, and county staff.
Attest:
Kevin Corbid
County Administrator

Karla Bigham
County Board Chair

6|January 27, 2026

Request for Board Action

BOARD MEETING DATE:

Commissioner's Report

AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:

February 10, 2026

4.B

Department Information
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT:

REQUESTOR:

REQUESTOR PHONE:

Information Technology

Danielle Menard, Financial Analyst II

651-430-6038

PRESENTER(S):

MEDIA CONTACT:

Adam Larson 651-430-6421
Agenda Item Details
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR REQUEST:

Approve Amendment No. 3 with HM Cragg Co for the updated Uninterruptable Power Supply
(UPS) and Battery Emergency Maintenance Rates for 2026, which went into effect on January
1, 2026.
AGENDA YOU ARE REQUESTING TIME ON:

Consent

ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A
CONTRACT?

IS THIS MANDATED?

EXPLANATION OF MANDATE:

Yes

ESTIMATED DURATION:

0 minutes

No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:

The IT Department is requesting Board approval of Amendment No. 3 to Contact No. 15199,
which was initially executed under the authority of the Public Works Department, then transferred
to the IT Department due to an operational realignment in 2023.
The contract exceeds the Board approval threshold of $175,000 and therefore requires formal
Board action. The contract was written as not to exceed $99,000 per term and automatically
renews for up to four (4) additional one-year terms, totaling $495,000 for the duration of the fiveyear contract. Although the term amount has allocated $99,000, according to the 2026 Scope of
Work attached to Amendment 3 as Exhibit D, services are expected to be $70,163. The actual
amounts charged for the original contract and all previous amendments are as follows:
Term 1: Contract 15199 - $55,443
Term 2: Amendment 1 to Contract 15199 - $62,392
Term 3: Amendment 2 to Contract 15199 - $65,512
Approval is also requested to authorize the contract rates to be applied retroactively to January 1,
2026, which reflects the intended effective date of services and aligns with budget assumptions and
operational needs.
The contract has been in active use since the contract was finalized on November 7, 2022, and
services have been rendered in good faith under the terms negotiated. No changes to the scope of
work or total contract amount are proposed beyond the previously negotiated terms.
The Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) serves as the County’s backup battery systems, ensuring a
reliable source of short-term power for all mission-critical systems and data centers. These systems
are essential for maintaining operational continuity and safeguarding vital data. The contract is for
annual preventive maintenance to inspect for corrosion, assess battery and circuit board health,
and perform other UPS-related tasks.

Therefore, the IT Department is requesting approval for Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. 15199
with HM Cragg Co for the Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) and Battery Emergency
Maintenance.
PREVIOUS ACTION ON REQUEST/OTHER PARTIES INVOLVED?

Budget Impact
YEAR:

UNBUDGETED AMOUNT:

$
FUNDING DESCRIPTION:

County Technology Fund

Approvals
Adam Larson, Director
John Ristad, County Attorney Civil Division Chief
Jan Lucke, Deputy County Administrator

02/02/2026
02/04/2026
02/05/2026

Request for Board Action

BOARD MEETING DATE:

Commissioner's Report

AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:

February 10, 2026

4.C

Department Information
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT:

REQUESTOR:

Property Records and
Taxpayer Services

Kimberly McCutcheon, Sr. Taxpayer
Services Technician

PRESENTER(S):

MEDIA CONTACT:

REQUESTOR
PHONE:

651-4306180

Amy Stenftenagel 651-430-6182
Agenda Item Details
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR REQUEST:

Adopt a resolution to approve an application for an Exempt Permit of Minnesota Lawful
Gambling received from Disabled Veterans Rest Camp Inc. to conduct a raffle on May 25,
2026, at 11300 180th Street North, in May Township.
AGENDA YOU ARE REQUESTING TIME ON:

Consent

ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A
CONTRACT?

IS THIS MANDATED?

EXPLANATION OF MANDATE:

Yes

MN Statute 349.166 subdivision 2. Exemptions. (a) Lawful
gambling, with the exception of linked bingo games, may be
conducted by an organization without a license and without
complying with sections 349.168, subdivisions 1 and 2; 349.17,
subdivision 4; 349.18, subdivision 1; and 349.19 if:

No

ESTIMATED DURATION:

0 minutes

(1) the organization conducts lawful gambling on five or fewer
days in a calendar year;
(2) the organization does not award more than $50,000 in prizes
for lawful gambling in a calendar year;
(3) the organization submits a board-prescribed application and
pays a fee of $100 to the board for each gambling occasion, and
receives an exempt permit number from the board. If the
application is postmarked or received less than 30 days before
the gambling occasion, the fee is $150 for that application. The
application must include the date and location of the occasion,
the types of lawful gambling to be conducted, and the prizes to
be awarded;
(4) the organization notifies the local government unit 30 days
before the lawful gambling occasion, or 60 days for an occasion
held in a city of the first class
MN Statute 349.213 subdivision 1. Local regulation. (b) A
statutory or home rule city or county may require a permit for
the conduct of gambling exempt from licensing under section
349.166. The fee for a permit issued under section 349.166 may
not exceed $100.
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:

The County Auditor received an application from Disabled Veterans Rest Camp Inc. for an Exempt

Permit of Minnesota Lawful Gambling. The application would allow them to conduct a raffle on May
25, 2026, at 11300 180th Street North, located in May Township.
The application meets the requirements for an exempt gambling permit and the fee has been
provided. The Department recommends approval. If approved by the Washington County Board,
the application will be sent to the State Gambling Board for consideration.
PREVIOUS ACTION ON REQUEST/OTHER PARTIES INVOLVED?

Budget Impact
YEAR:

UNBUDGETED AMOUNT:

$
FUNDING DESCRIPTION:

Approvals
Amy Stenftenagel, Director
John Ristad, County Attorney Civil Division Chief
Jennifer Wagenius, Deputy County Administrator

02/01/2026
02/04/2026
02/04/2026

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
DATE

February 10, 2026

MOTION
BY COMMISSIONER

RESOLUTION NO.

Property Records and Taxpayer
Services

DEPARTMENT
SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER

LAWFUL GAMBLING EXEMPTION RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Disabled Veterans Rest Camp Inc. has made an application to the Minnesota Gambling
Control Board for an exemption from certain requirements as allowed under Minnesota Statute 349.166,
Subd.2, in order to conduct a raffle at 11300 180th Street North, which is located in May Township. The
event will take place on May 25, 2026; and
WHEREAS, May Township has been notified that the organization is applying for an exempted gambling
activity within the township limits; and
WHEREAS, the Gambling Control Board requires acknowledgement by the County for a gambling permit
located in a township.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Washington County Board of Commissioners does not
oppose issuance of exemption consistent with the application and further acknowledges the exempt permit
may be granted with no waiting period.

ATTEST:
YES

NO

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
MIRON
KARWOSKI
COX
BIGHAM
CLASEN
COUNTY BOARD CHAIR

2026

Request for Board Action

BOARD MEETING DATE:

Commissioner's Report

AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:

February 10, 2026

4.D

Department Information
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT:

REQUESTOR:

REQUESTOR PHONE:

Public Works

Rana Campbell-Beams, Administrative Assistant

651-430-4355

PRESENTER(S):

MEDIA CONTACT:

Ryan Hoefs 651-430-4336
Agenda Item Details
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR REQUEST:

Adopt a resolution in support of the City of Cottage Grove’s application to the Better Utilizing
Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program for the County Road (CR) 19A –
100th Street Realignment Project.
AGENDA YOU ARE REQUESTING TIME ON:

Consent

ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A
CONTRACT?

IS THIS MANDATED?

EXPLANATION OF MANDATE:

No

ESTIMATED DURATION:

0 minutes

No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:

Washington County and the City of Cottage Grove completed a study for a southwest arterial
alignment through the City of Cottage Grove in 2020. From this study, a phase 1 project from US
61 to Jamaica Avenue (County Road/CR 19A – 100th Street Realignment Project) was identified as
a priority. This project is identified in the County Capital Improvement Plan as RB-2685.
To date, the project has received $13.667 million dollars in State and Federal grants. The City of
Cottage Grove is planning to submit an application to the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage
Development (BUILD) program for this project to further supplement anticipated construction costs.
The US Department of Transportation has allocated $1.5 billion dollars to fund its BUILD grant
program, which provides funding for surface transportation projects of regional significance. It aims
to improve safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, and environmental sustainability by
supporting roads, transit, bridges, and multi-modal infrastructure.
The City has requested a Resolution of Support from the Washington County Board for the project
and their pursuit of the BUILD grant funds. Washington County is not submitting a BUILD grant for
this year’s solicitation, therefore our support of this project will not be seen as competing against
our own submission.
PREVIOUS ACTION ON REQUEST/OTHER PARTIES INVOLVED?

11/25/2025 – County Board adopted Resolution of Support for Local Road Improvement Program
grant
02/18/2025 – County Board approve Memorandum of Understanding with Cottage Grove
12/17/2024 – County Board adopted the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan that identifies this
project
12/12/2023 – County Board adopted the 2024 – 2028 Capital Improvement Plan that identifies this
project
12/13/2022 – County Board adopted the 2023 – 2027 Capital Improvement Plan that identifies this
project
01/18/2022 – County Board approved contract amendment with Kimley-Horn and Associates

12/14/2021 – County Board adopted the 2022 – 2026 Capital Improvement Plan that identifies this
project
12/15/2020 – County Board adopted the 2021 – 2025 Capital Improvement Plan that identifies this
project
03/26/2019 – County Board approved Contract 12418 with Kimley-Horn and Associates
12/17/2019 – County Board adopted the 2020 – 2024 Capital Improvement Plan that identifies this
project
12/11/2018 – County Board adopted the 2019 – 2024 Capital Improvement Plan that identifies this
project

Budget Impact
YEAR:

UNBUDGETED AMOUNT:

$
FUNDING DESCRIPTION:

Approvals
Wayne Sandberg, Director
John Ristad, County Attorney Civil Division Chief
Jennifer Wagenius, Deputy County Administrator

02/03/2026
02/03/2026
02/03/2026

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
DATE

February 10, 2026

MOTION
BY COMMISSIONER

DEPARTMENT

RESOLUTION NO.

Public Works Department

SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE’S APPLICATION TO
THE BETTER UTILIZING INVESTMENTS TO LEVERAGE DEVELOPMENT (BUILD)
PROGRAM FOR THE COUNTY ROAD (CR) 19A – 100TH STREET
REALIGNMENT PROJECT
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced its latest discretionary funding
opportunity through the FY 2026 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD)
Program, allocating $1.5 billion to fund projects that improve safety, environmental sustainability,
quality of life, mobility, community connectivity, and economic competitiveness consistent with DOT's
strategic goals; and
WHEREAS, the City of Cottage Grove is experiencing incredible growth and modernization; and
WHEREAS, with such rapid growth, it has been a challenge to replace aging infrastructure, address
increasing traffic congestion, and improve safety all while encouraging continued population growth and
job growth; and
WHEREAS, a 2019 study led by Washington County (the “Study”), in partnership with the city,
documented a lack of roadways specifically serving an area of growing industrial and residential
development near Jamaica Avenue and U.S. Highway 61, a pivotal intersection for the community and
region; and
WHEREAS, the Study recommended the solution to congestion and safety concerns is the construction
of a new arterial roadway that would also require the realignment of the existing 100th Street and County
Road 19A, the intersection reconstruction of County Road 19A and U.S. Highway 61, and the
construction of a highway bridge to provide a grade-separated crossing over the CPKC rail line
(hereinafter referred to as the “Southwest Arterial Project”); and
WHEREAS, the Southwest Arterial Project will serve as the main transportation route to U.S. Highway
61 from this growing area of the community by providing a much-needed direct access point to the City’s
Industrial Park; and
WHEREAS, there has already been unprecedented growth in the City’s Industrial Park from industryleading producers and employers such as 3M, Renewal by Anderson, Airgas, and NorthPoint
Development, which has resulted in over 3.5 million square feet of industrial development and is
expected to result in thousands of new jobs; and
WHEREAS, there are significant funding constraints put on the City of Cottage Grove and Washington
County to design and implement the Southwest Arterial Project; and
WHEREAS, $13,600,000 in competitive funding has already been awarded to the project through the
Metropolitan Council’s PROTECT Program, MnDOT’s Minnesota Highway Freight Program, and a
Community Project Funding (federal earmark) allocation with support from Congresswoman Angie
Craig; and
2026

WHEREAS, the Washington County Board of Commissioners has recently approved allocating funds
to the Southwest Arterial Project from the County Transportation Sales Tax, which will be able to support
the project budget as proposed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Washington County supports the City of Cottage
Grove’s pursuit of BUILD funds for the construction of the Southwest Arterial Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Board authorizes county staff to provide the necessary
support throughout project delivery to ensure that program requirements are honored, including the
County’s share of the local match and any unforeseen contingencies, to meet the full funding needs and
obligations within six months of award, as federal coordination capacity allows, ensuring full expenditure
of funds by September 30, 2035.

ATTEST:
YES
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

COUNTY BOARD CHAIR

NO

MIRON
KARWOSKI
COX
BIGHAM
CLASEN

2026

Request for Board Action

BOARD MEETING DATE:

Commissioner's Report

AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:

February 10, 2026

4.E

Department Information
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT:

REQUESTOR:

REQUESTOR PHONE:

Public Works

Rana Campbell-Beams, Administrative Assistant

651-430-4355

PRESENTER(S):

MEDIA CONTACT:

Wayne Sandberg 651-430-4339
Agenda Item Details
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR REQUEST:

Adopt a resolution in support of Chisago County’s application to the Better Utilizing
Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program for the US Highway 8 Reconstruction
Project.
AGENDA YOU ARE REQUESTING TIME ON:

Consent

ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A
CONTRACT?

IS THIS MANDATED?

EXPLANATION OF MANDATE:

No

ESTIMATED DURATION:

0 minutes

No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:

The US Department of Transportation has allocated $1.5 billion dollars to fund its BUILD grant
program, which provides funding for surface transportation projects of regional significance. It aims
to improve safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, and environmental sustainability by
supporting roads, transit, bridges, and multi-modal infrastructure.
Chisago County is working with MnDOT and other partners on the plans for the US Highway 8
Reconstruction project. Chisago County is submitting a BUILD grant for the project. This critical
project reconstructs and expands eight miles of US 8 between Interstate 35 and Karmel Avenue in
the cities of Wyoming, Chisago City, and Forest Lake, Minnesota, as well as constructs 7.4 miles of
the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail.
The corridor is part of the National Highway System and is vital to the local and regional economy.
It connects the region to the Twin Cities metropolitan area, as well as to Wisconsin. The Project will
enhance system performance, improve corridor safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, and
support local/regional economic and community development efforts. This project will greatly
benefit the regional transportation system while meeting the priority objectives of USDOT’s BUILD
program by emphasizing highway safety and improving local and regional economic
competitiveness in a rural area.
The Chisago County has requested a Resolution of Support from the Washington County Board for
the project and their pursuit of the BUILD grant funds. Washington County has no cost share on
this project. Washington County is not submitting a BUILD grant for this year’s solicitation,
therefore our support of this project will not be seen as competing against our own submission.
PREVIOUS ACTION ON REQUEST/OTHER PARTIES INVOLVED?

None

Budget Impact

YEAR:

UNBUDGETED AMOUNT:

$
FUNDING DESCRIPTION:

Approvals
Wayne Sandberg, Director
John Ristad, County Attorney Civil Division Chief
Jennifer Wagenius, Deputy County Administrator

02/03/2026
02/03/2026
02/03/2026

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
DATE

February 10, 2026

MOTION
BY COMMISSIONER

DEPARTMENT

RESOLUTION NO.

Public Works Department

SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF CHISAGO COUNTY’S APPLICATION TO THE BETTER
UTILIZING INVESTMENTS TO LEVERAGE DEVELOPMENT (BUILD) PROGRAM FOR
THE U.S. HIGHWAY 8 RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced its latest discretionary funding
opportunity through the FY 2026 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD)
Program, allocating $1.5 billion to fund projects that improve safety, environmental sustainability,
quality of life, mobility, community connectivity, and economic competitiveness consistent with DOT's
strategic goals; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Highway 8 (US 8) is part of the National Highway System and is vital to the local
and regional economy, connecting the region to the Twin Cities metropolitan area as well as to
Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, the US 8 Reconstruction Project will reconstruct and expand eight miles of US 8 between
Interstate 35 and Karmel Avenue in the cities of Wyoming, Chisago City, and Forest Lake, Minnesota,
as well as construct 7.4 miles of the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail; and
WHEREAS, the Highway 8 Corridor Study has identified critical capacity, access, and safety issues
along the eight-mile segment of US 8, where currently more than 22,000 vehicles per day utilize the
two-lane highway, causing safety and congestion issues and restricting the movement of freight
vehicles within the corridor; and
WHEREAS, the corridor currently lacks bicycle and pedestrian facilities, making it difficult and unsafe
for families to travel outside of a motor vehicle; and
WHEREAS, the US 8 Reconstruction Project will enhance system performance, improve corridor
safety for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, and support local and regional economic and
community development efforts; and
WHEREAS, the US 8 Reconstruction Project will greatly benefit the regional transportation system
while meeting the priority objectives of USDOT’s BUILD program by emphasizing highway safety
and improving local and regional economic competitiveness in a rural area; and
WHEREAS, the US 8 corridor serves Washington County residents and businesses who travel between
Washington County and Chisago County, and improvements to this corridor will benefit the regional
transportation network; and
WHEREAS, while part of the US 8 Reconstruction Project is within county limits, the county has no
cost share of this grant or the project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Washington County supports Chisago County’s
pursuit of BUILD funds for the construction of the US 8 Reconstruction Project.

2026

ATTEST:
YES
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

COUNTY BOARD CHAIR

NO

MIRON
KARWOSKI
COX
BIGHAM
CLASEN

2026

PROJECT BACKGROUND
Highway 8 is an important interregional corridor that serves a variety of transportation needs. It is vital to
sustaining local commerce and energizing future economic growth and vitality.
In recent years, Highway 8 has become increasingly strained due to high levels of daily commuters, large trucks
hauling freight, and spikes in weekend recreational traffic.
A proliferation of secondary roads and private driveways provide direct access to and from Highway 8 which
contribute to safety and mobility issues.

WHY IS THIS PROJECT NEEDED?

225

current
30% increase No
bicycle or
in future traffic

Traffic volumes on
this two-lane highway

already exceeds
22,000 vehicles
per day and are
expected to increase
30-40% by the year
2040.

pedestrian
facilities
This project provides an opportunity for an off-road
pedestrian and
bicycle trail that
could connect
to other regional
trails.

1,084

crashes reported
along TH 8 from
2012-2021

7

fatalities from
2012-2021

12

serious
injuries from
2012-2021

“The project will address
system performance, improve
the safety of the corridor for
motorists and pedestrians, and
supports local and regional
economic and community
development.”
- US Representative Pete
Stauber, MN District 8

Over
access/conflict
points over the
22 mile corridor
including county highways, city
streets and commercial, residential
and agricultural driveways.
Residential and commercial development
along the TH 8 corridor
is continuing to occur
and expected to
increase.

“On a daily basis I see
drivers taking risks, such
as illegally passing on
the shoulder, which often
results in a serious crash.”
- Sheriff Brandon Thyen,
Chisago County Sheriff’s
Office

THE SOLUTION

PROJECT TIMELINE

The solution will likely involve converting Highway 8
to a 4-lane divided roadway with a raised median/
barrier or ditch separating directional traffic. Proper
access management will play a critical part in
improving safety and mobility.

LINDSTROM

HIGHWAY 8
CORRIDOR MAP
36

South
Lindstrom
Lake

80

295th St.

WE ARE HERE
2021

2022

2024

Preliminary
Design

2025

2026

2027-2029

Final Design & Right of Way

Planned
Construction

Advertising & Bidding

8

CENTER
CITY

SHAFER
8

CHISAGO LAKES
HIGH SCHOOL

95
26

Chisago
Lake

2023

21

8

22

Green
Lake

LEGEND

Wyoming Trail

Highway 8 Corridor

23
35

Highway 8 Corridor (WI)

Green Lake Trail

Project Limits (8 miles)
County Leading Fully
Funded RAB Project 2029

61

8

Forest
Lake

County Lead Roundabout
Construction 2020
MnDOT Lead
Improvement Project
1-way pairs 2011/2012

[

35
8

HIGHWAY 8

Safe and Reliable for All

WE ARE ASKING FOR
YOUR SUPPORT

CONTACT
Joe K. Triplett, PE, County Engineer

$170 MILLION
TOTAL PROJECT COST
SECURED FUNDING
$118 MILLION
FUNDING DEFICIT
$52 MILLION

$170 MILLION
$149M

Construction
Right of Way

$13M

Engineering

$8M

This document was last updated February 3, 2026.

651-213-8700 | [email protected]
313 N. Main Street, Rm 400,
Center City, MN 55012
www.chisagocounty.us/1115/Trunk-Highway-8

Trunk Highway 8 Coalition members:
• Chisago County
• Washington
County
• City of Chisago
• City of Wyoming
• City of Forest Lake
• City of Lindstrom
• City of Center City
• City of Shafer
• City of Taylors
Falls
• Chisago Lake
Township
• Franconia
Township

• Shafer Township
• Mndot Metro
District
• TH 8 Taskforce
• Chisago County
Sheriff’s Department
• Lakes Area Police
Department
• Wyoming Police
Department
• Forest Lake Police
Department
• Lakes Area EMS
• Chisago County
HRA/EDA

• Wyoming Chamber of Commerce
• Chisago Lakes
Chamber of
Commerce
• Chisago Lakes
School District
• Forest Lake
School District
• Comfort Lake/
Forest Lake Watershed District
• Chisago County
Lake Improvement
District

Request for Board Action

BOARD MEETING DATE:

Commissioner's Report

AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:

February 10, 2026

4.F

Department Information
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT:

REQUESTOR:

REQUESTOR PHONE:

Sheriff's Office

Jennifer Flores, Sr. Procurement Specialist

PRESENTER(S):

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sheriff Dan Starry
Agenda Item Details
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR REQUEST:

Adopt a resolution to approve a donation to the Sheriff's Office in the amount of $1,000 from
Washington County resident Cynthia Young.
AGENDA YOU ARE REQUESTING TIME ON:

Consent

ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A
CONTRACT?

IS THIS MANDATED?

EXPLANATION OF MANDATE:

No

ESTIMATED DURATION:

0 minutes

No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office responds frequently to medical emergencies in the
community. Deputies, along with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, provide on-scene
support and lifesaving measures.
Cynthia Young, a county resident, has expressed her appreciation for the professionalism and
compassion shown by deputies and has offered a donation to the Sheriff’s Office in the amount of
$1,000. The donation will be used to support employee wellness programs and community
engagement events. The Sheriff's Office would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Ms. Young for
this generous donation.
PREVIOUS ACTION ON REQUEST/OTHER PARTIES INVOLVED?

Budget Impact
YEAR:

UNBUDGETED AMOUNT:

$
FUNDING DESCRIPTION:

Monetary donation

Approvals
Dan Starry, County Sheriff
John Ristad, County Attorney Civil Division Chief
Kevin Corbid, County Administrator

01/30/2026
02/04/2026
02/04/2026

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
DATE

February 10, 2026

MOTION
BY COMMISSIONER

RESOLUTION NO.

Sheriff’s Office

DEPARTMENT
SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER

DONATION FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY RESIDENT CYNTHIA YOUNG
WHEREAS, Washington County gratefully accepts donations, gifts, and bequests from public and private
sources to enhance the programs and services it provides; and
WHEREAS, any gift, donation, or bequest becomes the property of Washington County; and
WHEREAS, the Washington County Board is authorized to approve donations, gifts, and bequests.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Washington County Board of Commissioners does
hereby approve a donation to the Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $1,000.00 from Washington County
resident Cynthia Young to support employee wellness programs and community engagement events.

ATTEST:
YES

NO

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
MIRON
KARWOSKI
COX
BIGHAM
CLASEN
COUNTY BOARD CHAIR

2026

Request for Board Action

BOARD MEETING DATE:

Commissioner's Report

AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:

February 10, 2026

8.A

Department Information
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT:

REQUESTOR:

REQUESTOR PHONE:

Human Resources

Stephanie Kammerud, Administrative Assistant

651-430-6014

PRESENTER(S):

MEDIA CONTACT:

Angie Nalezny

Angie Nalezny 651-430-6075

Agenda Item Details
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR REQUEST:

Executive (closed) session for the purposes of discussing labor relations strategy, per
Minnesota Statute 13D.03.
AGENDA YOU ARE REQUESTING TIME ON:

Executive session

ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A
CONTRACT?

IS THIS MANDATED?

EXPLANATION OF MANDATE:

No

ESTIMATED DURATION:

45 minutes

No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.03, the Office of Administration and the Human Resources
Department are requesting an executive (closed) session with the County Board for an update on
labor negotiations.
PREVIOUS ACTION ON REQUEST/OTHER PARTIES INVOLVED?

Budget Impact
YEAR:

UNBUDGETED AMOUNT:

$
FUNDING DESCRIPTION:

Approvals
Angie Nalezny, Human Resources Director
John Ristad, County Attorney Civil Division Chief
Kevin Corbid, County Administrator

02/02/2026
02/02/2026
02/04/2026

Request for Board Action

BOARD MEETING DATE:

Commissioner's Report

AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:

February 10, 2026

10.A

Department Information
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT:

REQUESTOR:

REQUESTOR PHONE:

Community Services

Stephanie Kammerud, Administrative Assistant

651-430-6014

PRESENTER(S):

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jennifer Castillo

Ryan Selock 651-430-8289

Agenda Item Details
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR REQUEST:

Fraud: Understanding the Headlines and the Impact
AGENDA YOU ARE REQUESTING TIME ON:

Workshop

ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A
CONTRACT?

IS THIS MANDATED?

EXPLANATION OF MANDATE:

No

ESTIMATED DURATION:

60 minutes

No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:

Director Castillo will provide an overview of recent headlines on fraud, waste, and abuse, along with
key recent events and federal actions. The presentation will outline the safeguards Washington
County has in place to prevent fraud and highlight the impacts on the people we serve, providers,
and staff.
PREVIOUS ACTION ON REQUEST/OTHER PARTIES INVOLVED?

Budget Impact
YEAR:

UNBUDGETED AMOUNT:

$
FUNDING DESCRIPTION:

Approvals
Jennifer Castillo, Director
Kevin Corbid, County Administrator

02/03/2026
02/04/2026

Fraud: Understanding the headlines
and their impact
February 17th, 2026

Key Terms
• FRAUD: Intentional deception to get a benefit or payment that someone is not entitled to (or to avoid an
obligation)
• ABUSE: Improper use or misuse of a program, position, or authority that leads to unnecessary cost or
improper benefit
• WASTE: Careless, inefficient, or unnecessary use of resources that drives extra cost, often without intent
to deceive
• ERROR: mistakes and/or non-compliance in how programs are administered. Errors are typically
categorized as client errors, agency administrative errors or fraud
• PROGRAM INTEGRITY: the set of strategies, controls, and activities used to ensure public programs are
administered correctly, so the right people get the right services/benefits, with the right payments,
while preventing/detecting/correcting fraud, waste, and abuse and recovering funds when appropriate

Overview of the County-State Model
FEDERAL AGENCIES

MINNESOTA

•

Provides program oversight

•

Funds large portions of human
service programs to states

• Interprets federal guidance and
applies additional
rules/programming

• Completes the day-to-day
operations of human service
programs

• Provides a layer of oversight

• Complies with both state and
federal regulations and
performance standards

•

Creates and defines
regulations, policies and
guidance to states

• Distributes funding to counties

COUNTY

• Provides critical supports to
eligible people within
Washington County

3

Washington County Program Integrity Safeguards
• Department-wide trainings for fraud, waste,
and abuse
• Fraud Investigation Team
• Regular internal and external audits
• Channels for reporting fraudulent activity
• Office of the Inspector General
• Case reviews and consultations
• Verification checks for applicants
• Stringent competitive procurement and
contract policies

4

A Timeline of Contributing Factors
2004
2011

• Statewide launch of consumer directed supports. Increased flexibility and personal choice

• Provider enrollment for substance use disorder contracts shifted to the state.

• Provider enrollment for waiver services shifted to the state.
2014 • State assumes authority for how disability services are evaluated
• Pandemic response
2020 • Influx of funding from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act
• Compliance concerns
2025 • Media spotlight surrounding human service programs

5

Human Service Programs in the News
FEED OUR FUTURE
•

Pandemic-era relief program

•

No county involvement or responsibility

•

Counties had no role in this program and no role in fraud prevention or investigation

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE-FUNDED PROGRAMS
•

Services under Minnesota’s approved Medicaid-Medical Assistance (MA) plan

•

County role in MA eligibility determination: Case management and service authorization for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)

•
•

Providers enroll with the State; State payments and oversight
Counties have a limited role in identifying and reporting suspicious activities.

CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
•
•
•
•

Existing program with fraud concerns raised in social media
County role in eligibility determination, service authorization, and billing
State enrolls and licenses the corporate providers
County has shared role with state in program integrity

6

Recent Headlines

7

Update on Federal & State Actions on Funding
Federal Funding
Housing and Urban
Development

US Department of
Agriculture Awards

DHS/DCYF Programs

Federal and State Actions

• Housing Stabilization Services

• Summer 2025: DHS requested federal approval to end the
Housing Stabilization Services.
• October 31st, 2025: Last day of Housing Stabilization Services

• SNAP
• SNAP Administration
• SNAP Ed
• SNAP Outreach
• SNAP Employment & Training
• Summer EBT
• Summer EBT Administration & IT
• Grants

• December 16: State of Minnesota received notice of the SNAP
Pilot which would require recertification interviews of all current
cases in Washington County.
• January 8: Minnesota received a letter USDA will suspend
payments on all active and future USDA awards.
• January 12: Minnesota sought a court order in response to the
SNAP Pilot to prevent interruption in SNAP benefit payments.
• January 14: Courts granted a preliminary injunction against
USDA withholding SNAP admin funds in response to a January 14
letter from USDA.
• Current State: USDA is likely appealing the injunction which
could take up to a year to complete the legal process. In the
meantime, MN is operating programs as usual, monitoring for
impacts, and preparing for any potential future
funding interruptions.

8

Update on Federal & State Actions on Funding
Federal Funding

DHS/DCYF Programs

Federal and State Actions

Child Care and
Development Fund
(CCDF)

• MFIP Child Care Assistance (CCAP)
• Basic Sliding Feed Child Care
Assistance (BSF)
• Child Care Development Grants
• Program Administration &
Oversight

• January 6: Federal government announced it would freeze
approximately $10 billion for CCDF, SSBG and TANF to five states
due to fraud concerns.

Social Services Block
Grant (SSBG)

• Vulnerable Child & Adult (VCAA)
county allocation grants
• Program Administration &
Oversight

• Minnesota Family Investment
Program (MFIP)
Temporary Assistance for • MFIP Consolidated Fund Grants
Needy Families (TANF)
• MDH Programs
• Program Administration &
Oversight

• January 8: Minnesota joined four other states in filing an
injunction against funding freezes of approximately $10 billion in
funding for families in five states, including Minnesota.
• January 9: The courts granted a two-week temporary restraining
order preventing ACF from freezing funding or requiring atypical
justifications.
• January 15: Notified of a federal audit for Child Care Assistance.
Waiting for rescheduling by federal staff.
• January 23: The court extended the temporary restraining order
through Feb. 6, preventing ACF from freezing.
• Current State: Minnesota is operating programs as usual,
processing federal draws, monitoring for impacts, and preparing
for any potential future funding interruptions.
9

Update on Federal & State Actions on Funding
Federal Funding

Medicaid

Behavioral Health

DHS/DCYF Programs

Federal and State Actions

• Medical Assistance

• December 5th, 2025: Center for Medicaid Services (CMS) notified
MN of program integrity concerns and directed MN to submit a
Corrective Action Plan(CAP) by end of 2025. MN complied.
• Early January 2026: CMS judged the submitted CAP to be
deficient.
• January 14th, 2026: CMS published a notice finding MN to be out
of compliance. CMS is threatening to withhold $2 billion in
Medicaid funds.
• Current State: MN is working to resubmit a revised CAP. No
funding has been withheld to date. DHS launches MN Revalidate
2026 which will revalidate all providers in the 13 high risk
programs.

• Adult Mental Health Initiative
• Behavioral Health Administration
• Children’s Mental Health
• Alcohol, drug and other addictions

• March 24, 2025: DHS received communications that $27.5
million in funding for mental health and substance use disorder
services was terminated.
• January 2026: SAMHSA attempted to terminate over $2 billion
nationally in mental health funding. Decision was reversed within
a day
• January 2026: Office of Legislative Auditor released a scathing
audit of the State’s behavioral health grants, totaling more than
$425 million.
• Current State: Minnesota is operating programs as usual, but
10
preparing for potential future impacts.

State Response
•

•
•

•

Sept. 17th, Governor Walz
POLICY
signs Executive
Order to
strengthen state agency’s
ability to fight fraud
Ended Housing Stabilization
Services
Moratoriums on childcare
licensing and new HCBS
enrolled providers
Significant changes to 13
high risk services: prepayment review, new provider
enrollment freeze, established
a billing clearinghouse with
an external agency

LEGAL

OPERATIONS

POLICY

•

Appointed a Program Integrity
Director at DHS

•

Coordinating legal actions for
counties

•

Enhanced SNAP error reporting
and a SNAP error reduction plan

•

•

Onsite compliance checks for
childcare providers

Sued the USDA in response to
the SNAP Pilot Project. Judge
approved the temporary
restraining order related to
this pilot.

•

Strategically managing funds
to prepare for federal funding
pauses or cuts

•

•

Moving forward with system
modernization efforts

Filed suit against multiple
funding freezes including
withholding Medicaid,
SSBG/TANF which halted the
freezes until February 6th.

11

Washington County’s Recent Response
• Established a centralized intake unit for Social Service
• Modified service delivery models
• Strengthened coordination with state partners (DCYF and DHS)
• Implemented weekly Metro County Director debriefs and consultation
• Developed a standby Incident Command System (ICS) structure (SNAP Pilot)
• Hired a SNAP Program Manager
• Leveraging Power BI and enhanced data analysis
• Exercising increased fiscal caution

12

Issues in Context

Massive federal program
changes in HR1

Dismal fiscal outlook for
MN’s budget

Highly politicized
landscape

Continued presence of
federal immigration
agents

13

Major impacts
PEOPLE WE SERVE

PROVIDERS

CSD WORKFORCE
• Increased workload and role strain

• Disruptions in Access to Essential
Services

• All providers of being lumped
together as "fraudsters”

• Increased fear and avoidance of
services

• Damaged provider–client
relationships

• Increased strain and stigma on
already fragile households

• Increased administrative burden
and compliance pressure

• Erosion of trust in human services
system

• Staff burnout and workforce
instability

• Hesitation to invest or innovate

• Operational disruptions and
financial strain

• Managing operational shifts for
staff safety concerns

• Moral distress and emotional toll
• Erosion of trust and safety in dayto-day work
• Uncertainty in funding streams and
program continuity

14

Questions/Discussion

15

Request for Board Action

BOARD MEETING DATE:

Commissioner's Report

AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:

February 10, 2026

12.A

Department Information
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT:

REQUESTOR:

REQUESTOR PHONE:

Administration

Stephanie Kammerud, Administrative Assistant

651-430-6014

PRESENTER(S):

MEDIA CONTACT:

Agenda Item Details
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR REQUEST:

Federal Legislative Workshop
AGENDA YOU ARE REQUESTING TIME ON:

Workshop

ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A
CONTRACT?

IS THIS MANDATED?

EXPLANATION OF MANDATE:

No

ESTIMATED DURATION:

minutes

No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:

This workshop is focused on planning the approach to a meeting with each congressmember that
represents Washington County in conjunction with the National Association of Counties (NACo)
Legislative Conference February 21 - 25, 2026. Discussion items include talking points and
handouts, including congressionally directed spending requests.
PREVIOUS ACTION ON REQUEST/OTHER PARTIES INVOLVED?

Budget Impact
YEAR:

UNBUDGETED AMOUNT:

$
FUNDING DESCRIPTION:

Approvals
Jan Lucke, Deputy County Administrator

02/03/2026

Congressionally Directed Spending
Projects (FY2027)
February 10, 2026

Agenda
• Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Background
• Considerations for Requests
• Past submissions and awards
• Review proposed projects for Fiscal Year 2027 CDS requests
• Discussion

2

Background
• Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) also referred
to as 'Community Project Funding' or 'Earmarks'
• Reauthorized for Fiscal Year FY2022
• Typically awarded to near-term 'shovel ready' projects
(FY27-FY29)
• Limited to non-profits and local, state and tribal
governments
• Only certain Federal accounts are open for earmark
requests

• Example: Historic Courthouse is not eligible because it is
not federally listed as a historic site

3

Considerations for a Request
Identify “shovel ready” project
• FY27/FY28/FY29 projects in the Capital
Improvement Plan, Technology Plan, Capital
Equipment and Fleet Plan

Identify the House or Senate member(s)
• Does request fit member-specific values or
initiatives?
• The area or committee the member has advantage
• Identify which Federal account is open for earmarks,
and that the project qualifies for the account

Submit by Member specified deadline
• Include local letters of support

4

Past Submissions (FY25-FY26)
Project

Fiscal Year

Amount Requested

Amount Awarded

19A & 100th St Realignment (Southwest Arterial)
Sheriff - Public Safety Canine Training Facility/Side Scan Sonar/Remote
Operated Vehicle (ROV)

2026

$22.5M

2026

$1.5M

Sheriff's Office - Body Worn and Squad Fleet Camera Integration

2026

$2.5M

TH 120 (Century Ave) from I-694 to CSAH 12 Project

2026

$5M

CSAH 18 and Settlers Ridge Parkway Intersection Improvements

2026

$2M

$250k

CSAH 32 Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project

2026

$9M

$5M

Sheriff's Office - Body Worn and Squad Fleet Camera Integration

2025

$2.5M

CSAH 32 Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project

2025

$4M

TH 120 (Century Ave) from I-694 to CSAH 12 Project

2025

$5M

CSAH 18 and Settlers Ridge Parkway Intersection Improvements

2025

$2M

19A and 100th Street - Intersection Improvements

2025

$4M

$1.031M

5

Past Submissions (FY22-FY24)
Project

Fiscal Year

Amount Requested

19A and 100th St Realignment (Southwest Arterial)

2024

$3M

Public Safety Support (Airboats & Digital Evidence Management System)

2024

$1M

Hardwood Creek Regional Trail Extension

2024

$1.5M

TH 96 / Norell Ave / Stonebridge Trail Roundabout

2024

$2.25M

CSAH 5 (Stonebridge Trail) And Browns Creek State Trail Connection Project

2023

$1M

Historic Courthouse

2023

$1M

Jail (Fall Protection)

2023

$3M

Sheriff (Hybrid Patrol Vehicles and River Patrol Boats)

2023

$1.6M

Mobile Command

2023

$600k

Newport Trail

2023

$500k

Central Greenway Trail

2022

$1M

CR 17/Hwy 36 Interchange

2022

$15M

CSAH 5 (Stonebridge Trail) and Brown's Creek State Trail Connection Project

2022

$1M

Historic Courthouse

2022

$1M

St. Croix Bluffs Boat Launch

2022

$1M

Amount Awarded
$963k
$500k

$1.6M

$1M

6

Proposed Projects for FY2027

7

Transportation, Housing and Urban
Development Appropriations Bill

8

Woodbury - County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 16
(Valley Creek) - $7 million
• CSAH 16 (Valley Creek Rd) is a critical east–west corridor in Woodbury.
• Serves freight, transit, commuters, pedestrians, and regional travel.
• Key segment transferred to Washington County in 2018.
• Corridor study (complete in early 2026) defining a long-range vision.
• $7M in federal funding requested for improvements between Interlachen Pkwy
and Hwy 95.
Proposed Improvements
• Resurface roadway and trail pavement.
• Add turn lanes at key intersections.
• Widen shoulders for safety and multimodal use.
• Upgrade intersections to reduce delay.
• Add trail connections for bikes and pedestrians.
9

Cottage Grove – County Road 19A - $22.5 million
• Constructs a new arterial connecting US Highway 61 to
100th Street South.
• Supports the development of approximately 500 acres.
• Balances regional traffic patterns on US Highway 61.
• Includes new railway grade separation to support
increased freight traffic.
• Enhances safety and mobility in the southeast metro.
• Drives economic growth and development in the
region.

10

Forest Lake - County Road 50/Highway 61 - $2 million
• Key crossing of Highway 61 between County Road 50 and the
Hardwood Creek Regional Trail.
• Currently controlled by side-street stop signs and a HAWK
pedestrian beacon.
• Existing traffic control is inadequate for current pedestrian
and vehicle volumes.
• Safety concerns highlighted by April 2024 incident involving
two pedestrians struck while crossing.
• Funding requested to improve:
• Intersection control and safety.
• Highway drainage and surface water management.
• Pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

11

Commerce, Justice, and Science
Appropriations Bill

12

Fiber Optic Line from Washington County Government
Center to a New Public Safety Facility in Afton - $2 million
• Funding request to expand the County’s fiber optic network for public
safety.
• Fiber provides secure, high-speed, and reliable data transmission for
emergency operations.
• Project adds an active fiber circuit to improve system performance
and redundancy.
• Project connects the Afton public safety facility (purchased in 2025) to
the county fiber network. Potential facility uses include:
• Patrol operations
• Secondary Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
• Backup Emergency Communication Response Center (ECRC) to ensure
continuity of services

13

Drone as a First Responder Program with Real-Time
Information Center - $2 million
• Deploys drones to 911 calls before responders
arrive.
• Provides real-time video to officers and
dispatchers.
• Improves situational awareness and
decision-making.
• Enables faster, more efficient use of resources.
• Successfully used in west metro Twin Cities
communities.
• Expands this proven technology to the east metro.

14

Discussion

15

FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM

2026

Minnesota counties work every day to meet the unique
needs of their communities. Sudden federal policy shifts such
as funding delays, cost shifts, and new eligibility requirements
make this work harder and more costly.
Counties are adapting in real time by updating processes,
helping residents navigate benefit changes, and absorbing
added administrative burdens and costs without additional
resources, which contributes to property tax increases.
Despite these challenges, counties remain committed to
effective, efficient service delivery. We value our federal
partnership and stand ready to work with the delegation to
deliver the best outcomes for Minnesotans.

FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES 2026
MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT
EXPANSION
AMC supports
easing
Medicaid’s
Institutes of
Mental Disease
(IMD) Exclusion.

Implemented as part of the
“deinstitutionalization movement,” the
federal Medicaid IMD exclusion currently
limits Medicaid reimbursement for
treatment in mental health facilities
with more than 16 beds, creating
significant barriers to adding additional
capacity to provide adequate care for
individuals with serious mental health
conditions.

JAIL HEALTHCARE
Federal law requires Minnesota counties to provide essential
health services to incarcerated individuals, many of whom
have significant mental health and substance use needs.
Individuals with these conditions are more likely to return to
jail if they do not receive appropriate care. Expanding access
to federal health benefits for incarcerated individuals would
help break this cycle, improve public safety, and reduce
recidivism.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services has
submitted a Medicaid 1115 waiver to allow a pilot program
that would provide Medicaid coverage for inmates in a

This well-intentioned federal policy, often referred to as
the IMD exclusion, was created in the 1960s to reduce the
reliance on large institutional-based care models, but it no
longer works in the modern health care landscape. AMC
joins the National Association of Counties (NACo) in support
of amending the IMD exclusion to allow up to 15 days of
hospital-based care and up to 90 days of communitybased mental health and substance abuse care per year
in a facility with more than 16 beds. This would allow
for expanded and enhanced mental health treatment
infrastructure, ensuring that more individuals receive timely
and appropriate care in inpatient settings.

limited number of county jails during the 90 days prior

For this reason, AMC supports of H.R. 5944, the Restoring
Inpatient Mental Health Access Act of 2025, introduced by
U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN-01). This policy change would
assist in addressing the workforce and service pressures
faced by counties, local hospitals, emergency rooms, and
jails, while also providing more specialized care tailored to
the needs of individuals in crisis.

efforts. Allowing coverage during

to release. AMC supports approval of this waiver as an
important first step and supports expanding the pilot to all
county jails.
More broadly, AMC joins NACo in supporting legislation to
restore Medicaid and other federal benefits for individuals
during pre-trial incarceration and in the 30 days prior to
release from jail or prison. The current Medicaid Inmate
Exclusion Policy limits access to
needed care and shifts costs to
counties, undermining rehabilitation
pre-trial custody and prior to release
would expand access to mental
health and addiction services, reduce
recidivism, improve health outcomes,
and ensure a safer transition back
into the community.

AMC supports
legislative efforts
to restore benefits
under the Social
Security Act for
incarcerated
individuals.

SIMPLIFIED REASSESSMENTS FOR HOME AND
COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES
AMC supports
streamlining federal
reassessment
requirements for
individuals receiving
home and communitybased services,
particularly those
whose condition does
not change year to year.

MnCHOICES is a person-centered assessment to help people
with long-term and chronic-care needs make decisions
and select support and services options in their homes,
group homes, or elderly living facilities. This assessment
is comprehensive and conducted by county staff. Current
state statute and guidance in Minnesota requires a full
MnCHOICES assessment or reassessment each year to verify
eligibility.
Minnesota counties recommend that the State of
Minnesota develop a shorter, less time intensive process
for reassessments to review and determine if a person’s
condition is stable and unchanged. If no change, and the
person agrees, the focus would be on the support plan and
reauthorization of services for the next plan year.

Individuals on waiver programs all have case managers. Some individuals have relatively
stable conditions with little or no functional change on an annual basis. The State of
Minnesota has been reluctant to pursue a shortened reassessment, citing federal law
§1915(c) Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Waiver federal requirements that the level
of care being received must be re-evaluated no less frequently than annually. They point
to the full MnCHOICES reassessment as necessary for confirmation that the individual
continues to require the level of care specified in the waiver, including the continuing need
for the provision of waiver services.
Counties support amendments to the federal requirements, or confirmation that simplified
re-assessment meets the current federal requirements, to renew HCBS services for an
individual whose condition does not change. We believe amending this process is in
the best interest of both property tax payers and the people receiving services. A pared
down reassessment would support informed choices for people using services, help
counties better meet statutory timelines, and will ease the workload (and cost) on county
workforce/infrastructure. This would allow MnCHOICES assessors to better manage their
workload and to be more responsive in other areas such as initial assessments.

AMC supports
legislation and
rulemaking
that ensures
reasonable
and successful
implementation
of the SNAP
provisions in
H.R. 1, including
protecting
counties from
financial
penalties due to
delays in federal
policy guidance
or the inability for
state technology
systems to be
modified to the
new rules.

SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Minnesota counties administer the federal Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to approximately 454,000
Minnesotans, assisting low-income households experiencing
food insecurity. Minnesota is one of nine states in which counties
also fund the non-federal share of local costs for administering
this program. H.R.1, the July 2025 federal budget reconciliation
package, fundamentally changed policies and funding related to
the SNAP program. The state’s Department of Children, Youth and
Families (DCYF), along with Minnesota counties, are tasked with
implementing new policy and funding changes with the hope of
minimizing negative impacts to Minnesotans.
H.R.1 cuts the federal share of administrative reimbursements from
50% to 25%, leaving approximately $39 million in new costs for
the state and/or the counties. It also requires states to partially
fund the cost of SNAP benefits if payment error rates are above
a 6% threshold. Work requirements are expanded to a greater
population of recipients, and it modifies the eligibility requirements
for certain populations. These policies take effect on different
timelines, and recent federal policy changes have not included
the usual 120-day implementation period. Instead, the state
and counties have sometimes been given as little as 24 hours
to respond. These shortened timelines increase the risk of errors,
which in turn raises the likelihood of higher error-rate penalties.

Association of Minnesota Counties

FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE
ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS 2026
TRANSPORTATION &
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
Act (IIJA) delivered much needed federal
investments in both transportation
and broadband. While this funding
was pivotal for infrastructure – roads,
bridges, transit, broadband, and
beyond – there is still much work to do
to rebuild America’s infrastructure. With
IIJA set to expire in October 2026, AMC
supports efforts through NACo and our
partners at the state and federal level
on the next surface transportation
reauthorization bill. AMC supports the
following priorities: increase access
to formula dollars; preserve and
improve discretionary grants; reform
permitting; support locally led safety
work; work with local governments
during regulatory processes; and invest
in technical assistance and capacity
building.

CHILD WELLBEING
AMC supports federal efforts to assist
states and counties to make the
needed reforms in all areas related
to the federal Family First Prevention
Services Act (FFPSA). Working in
conjunction with broader state and
local family strengthening efforts,
the FFPSA is intended to transform
child welfare systems into systems
that support children and families in
community, reducing the need for out
of home placement. Counties seeking
to prevent or respond to abuse and
neglect and to support families in
preventing children from entering
foster care have been challenged
by strains on workforce, program
and service availability and the
mental health needs of residents.
As jurisdictions continue to work
towards implementation of FFPSA,
AMC supports efforts to increase
administrative flexibility, bolster the
Title IVE Clearinghouse to increase
programming, expand access to
culturally relevant and responsive
programs, and increase funding
and supports (including workforce
and mental health supports) aimed
at assisting counties making the
transition. AMC supports a waiver
for Qualified Residential Treatment
Programs (QRTPs) to be considered
Institutions of Mental Diseases (IMDs),
to ensure federally funded health care
and treatment are available to eligible
children in these placements.

MEDICAID
AMC supports legislation
and rulemaking that protects
health care access and shields
counties from increased
administrative burdens and
costs related to the Medicaid
provisions in H.R. 1.

ELECTION INFRASTRUCTURE
Minnesota counties determine the eligibility
and provide the administration of Medicaid
in Minnesota's state-supervised, countyadministered model. Minnesota counties fund
the non-federal share of the administrative
costs at the local level via property tax dollars.
Policy changes to the federal Medicaid program
through H.R.1 will have significant impacts on
Minnesotans who rely on Medicaid, the health
care delivery system, and on counties who
administer the benefit.

Examples of Medicaid policy changes include: reduction or removal of tax credits,
reduction of retroactive Medicaid coverage, requiring adults without children to renew
their coverage every six (6) months instead of 12, new work requirements, cost-sharing
for some adults, changes in provider taxes, and elimination of a waiver under the
Payment Error Rate Measurement (PERM) which may result in a substantial reduction
in federal funds in future years.
Minnesota's two technology systems that manage health care programs were built
decades ago and are unlikely to be configured to fully automate the new policy
requirements, which will require extensive manual processing by county eligibility
staff. Without modernized technology, these changes will substantially increase county
workloads and costs.
Additionally, proposed changes to Medicaid could significantly affect areas where
hospitals and clinics are already at risk of closing. Loss of Medicaid coverage for
thousands of residents will reduce access to primary and preventive care and drive
more emergency care use. Further, local health departments rely on Medicaid
reimbursements to deliver essential services including immunizations, home visiting,
WIC-adjacent supports, case management, and other direct clinical services. Any major
disruption or reduction in Medicaid enrollment or reimbursement rates would shift
costs to counties and health care providers and result in substantial uncompensated
care, especially as local governments are often expected to fill critical access gaps when
coverage lapses.

WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND
OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA)
REAUTHORIZATION
A strong federal workforce system supports economic growth, addresses workforce
shortages, and ensures that all jobseekers have the opportunity to be successful in
the labor market. AMC supports the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (WIOA) which has been up for reauthorization since 2020. WIOA is
designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support
services to access jobs in high-demand fields and match employers with the skilled
workers they need to compete in the global economy. AMC and the Minnesota
Association of Workforce Boards (MAWB)
support increasing funding for core WIOA
AMC supports the
workforce grants to at least $15 billion annually
and providing flexibility for local workforce
reauthorization of the WIOA
boards to develop strategies and programs
to assist jobseekers and
that meet the need of local communities and
employers while modifying
economies, including removing funding caps and
the program to ensure
percentage restrictions. Now more than ever,
effectiveness and broad
we need strong and widely available workforce
service
delivery to meet the
development programming to address critical
workforce challenges. After nearly two decades
needs of a rapidly evolving
of disinvestment, the economy needs significant
economy.
new investment.

Counties play a major role in
administering Minnesota’s elections. From
election preparation (printing ballots,
purchasing/testing election equipment,
processing voter registration applications,
training election judges) to administering
and issuing absentee mail balloting,
running voting sites on and before
election day, submitting election results,
and running canvassing boards, counties
are the frontline of Minnesota’s election
system -- making sure the election process
runs orderly and professionally. Elections
serve as the pillar of democracy and thus,
counties support ongoing federal support
to local governments for purchasing new
equipment, supporting the staffing and
operations of elections, and investing in
infrastructure to respond to increasing
cybersecurity threats. Federal funding
should be direct to counties and other
local governments.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER RESTORATION
AND RESILIENCE INITIATIVE
As the headwaters state of the nation’s
most famous river, Minnesota values its
unique position and role as a steward and
protector of the Mississippi River natural
resources area. As such, AMC supports
the Mississippi River Restoration and
Resilience Initiative (MRRRI), which will
create a new, non-regulatory, geographic
grant program to provide federal planning
and funding supports to enhance river
restoration, resilience projects and
program activities in the Mississippi
River states. AMC believes the passage
of the MRRRI will complement ongoing
state and local efforts by providing
additional federal resources to ensure
this vital resource is available for future
generations.

PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES
(PILT) / SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS
(SRS)
A considerable percentage of land in
Minnesota is owned by the federal
government, as such, AMC shares the
priority of NACo to support restoring the
full mandatory funding for the Payments
in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which
compensates counties for tax-exempt
federal land within their boundaries. AMC
and NACo also support extending the
Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program as
a transitional funding mechanism until
the federal government fully implements
a sustainable long-term forest
management program with adequate
revenue sharing for forest counties and
schools.

PERMITTING REFORM
AMC supports comprehensive reform to
the federal permitting process that limits
preemption of local authority and requires
meaningful consultation and updates with
local governments from the inception of
critical infrastructure and fuel management
projects that require a federal permit.
Reforms should eliminate duplicative
reviews and develop efficient and consistent
permitting processes across agencies and
allow flexibility needed to respond to urgent
infrastructure needs such as addressing
natural disasters.

PFAS REGULATIONS
AMC supports federal regulators working
closely with state and local governments
and recognizing their status as passive
receivers of PFAS contamination rather than
producers or users of PFAS. The U.S. Congress,
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and
other federal agencies have taken several
steps to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS) compounds. AMC
supports federal efforts to study the health
and environmental impacts of PFAS. AMC
supports liability protection for passive
receivers that holds polluters accountable
through the “polluter pays” principle as
well as consistent federal funding for PFAS
mitigation efforts.

PREDICTABLE AND TIMELY RELEASE
OF APPROPRIATED FUNDS
Counties work closely with state and federal
partners to ensure that programs we
administer are as efficient and effective as
possible. This year, delays in the release of
appropriated funds in various service and
program areas have led to real impacts at
the local level. Counties have experienced
more complex and delayed interactions with
both grant and formula funds appropriated
by Congress. These issues make financing
our day-to-day operations unpredictable
and can lead to stops and starts of services
that impact service quality for residents. For
example, the closure of five Administration
for Children and Families’ program offices
has resulted in delays for state agency
partners in seeking approval for amended
state plans and other administrative
functions, ultimately having adverse impacts
on county systems and counties’ ability to
receiving important reimbursements. AMC
advocates for the timely and predictable
release of appropriated funding needed
to administer programs we are mandated
to provide. When counties have access to
predictable funding, our operations see
increased efficiency which ultimately results
in better outcomes.

Association of Minnesota Counties

FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE
ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS 2026
PREEMPTION
AMC firmly believes in the importance of
local control and community-driven decision
making. State and national efforts to
“preempt” local governments from making
critical decisions or policy changes for their
constituents are contrary to the principles of
federalism and directly impact community
sustainability.

PRESERVE TAX EXEMPT STATUS OF
MUNICIPAL BONDS
Counties strongly support the tax-exempt
status of municipal bonds which allow local
governments an ability to finance vital
infrastructure and capital projects while
also limiting additional property tax burden
to residents because of favorable interest
rates. Across the state, counties and local
government partners have been increasingly
taking on more active financing of “core”
government functions and infrastructure
needs. Municipal bonds offer taxpayers a
cost-effective way to finance important, and
often mandated, infrastructure projects. AMC
is grateful for Congress’ work to preserve
this important finance and economic
development tool during summer of 2025.

PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
Responding to disasters and emergencies
— whether health-centric or not — is a core
responsibility of Minnesota’s local public
health departments. In Minnesota, federal
Public Health Emergency Preparedness
and Response (PHEP) funding goes to
the state and is passed through to locals.
Past proposals to redistribute PHEP funds
and a series of funding cuts highlight
the vulnerability of federal funding
and compromised local public health’s
ability to respond to emergency events,
such as infectious disease outbreaks or
natural disasters. PHEP remains up for
reauthorization in 2026 and ongoing funding
will be key to responding to emergencies
into the future. AMC supports adequate,
sustained funding for local public health
emergency planning and response to
support ongoing training and equipment
needs and alignment of grant expectations
with funding levels.

RURAL HEALTHCARE
Counties play a critical role in providing
healthcare services to citizens across the
entire state of Minnesota, including those
that live in rural parts of the state. In some
rural Minnesota counties, there are very
limited options that exist for healthcare
plans and a lack of access to care. For
example, rural hospitals across the country
are closing which is directly impacting access
to obstetric care and other key services
that protect the health of communities.
AMC supports federal efforts to broaden
healthcare access and options throughout
the entire state of Minnesota. Policy
and funding reforms should provide cost
containment while enhancing quality care
choices and grant the maximum amount of
decision-making authority and flexibility as
possible to the local level.

SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS &
FAMILIES
Counties are on the front line in maintaining
the safety net for those unable to work
and encouraging the achievement of
self-sufficiency for those who can. AMC
supports increasing federal funding for
and alignment among programs that
assist those most in need and encourages
the maximum amount of efficiency and
flexibility possible at the local level. Key
federal programs that assist counties in
tackling poverty include the Social Services
Block Grant, Community Services Block
Grant, Community Development Block Grant,
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act,
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,
and Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families. Recent federal action to freeze
or delay some of these programs directly
impacts county operations.

TELEMEDICINE FLEXIBILITY
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, local
public health and human services agencies
started delivering services in new ways,
including via telemedicine (both phone and
video). This change allowed for increased
flexibility, creating opportunities for counties
to better meet clients’ needs. For example,
during the COVID-19 pandemic, waivers were
put in place at the federal level to allow
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) visits
to happen via phone or video. Allowing
televisits for WIC enabled local public health
to reach more clients in need, increase
efficiency of staff by allowing them to see
more clients and spend less time traveling,
and has reduced barriers for clients. AMC
supports funding and policy to expand
the availability of telemedicine services to
provide flexibility, create efficiencies, and
ensure client convenience in how services are
delivered.

For more information, please contact Julie Ring, AMC Executive Director, at 651-789-4330 or [email protected].

Washington County Addendum to AMC Federal Priorities
2026 Community Services State Legislative Priorities

Washington County affirms the following policy statements, which were adopted by the Association of Minnesota
Counties (AMC) in December 2025 to help mitigate local impacts of H.R. 1 “One Big Beautiful Bill”.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
AMC supports legislation and rulemaking that ensures reasonable and successful implementation of the SNAP
provisions in H.R. 1, including protecting counties from financial penalties due to delays in federal policy guidance or
the inability for state technology systems to be modified to the new rules.
Minnesota counties administer the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to approximately
454,000 Minnesotans, assisting low-income households experiencing food insecurity. Minnesota is one of nine states
in which counties also fund the non-federal share of local costs for administering this program. H.R.1, the July 2025
federal budget reconciliation package, fundamentally changed policies and funding related to the SNAP program.
The state’s Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), along with Minnesota counties, are tasked with
implementing new policy and funding changes with the hope of minimizing negative impacts to Minnesotans.
H.R.1 cuts the federal share of administrative reimbursements from 50% to 25%, leaving approximately $39 million
in new costs for the state and/or the counties. It also requires states to partially fund the cost of SNAP benefits if
payment error rates are above a 6% threshold. Work requirements are expanded to a greater population of recipients,
and it modifies the eligibility requirements for certain populations. These policies take effect on different timelines,
and recent federal policy changes have not included the usual 120-day implementation period. Instead, the state and
counties have sometimes been given as little as 24 hours to respond. These shortened timelines increase the risk of
errors, which in turn raises the likelihood of higher error-rate penalties.

Impacts to Washington County
Washington County
SNAP Enrollees
New Cost-Share
Requirements For
SNAP Benefits

• 10,366 individuals (5,473 cases) in Washington County use SNAP benefits.
• $2,984,655* – The possible new cost-share responsibility for Washington County as a result of new
policy changes.
o States with payment error rates above 6% must pay a portion of benefits, up to a 15% cost-share.
Currently, states – and therefore counties – pay 0% of SNAP benefits.
o Minnesota’s Payment Error Rate is currently 11.41%, which would require 15% match.
* Based on 2025 benefits and Minnesota’s current Payment Error Rate.

Expanded Work
Requirements &
Additional
Administrative
Burden

• 400 additional cases require a higher level of case management and oversight as they have been
added to the time-limited SNAP recipient (TLR) populations.
• Estimates suggest each TLR case will demand approximately 2 more hours each year than these cases
took last year.
• Staff must update each TLR case every month and provide additional overviews of SNAP policies to
these customers.

Reduced
Administrative
Reimbursement for
SNAP

• $2,850,000 – Washington County’s current Annual SNAP Administrative Expenses
• $1,425,000 – Current Washington County cost share (50%)
• $2,137,500 – Future (Oct. 2026) County cost share (75%), an increase of $712,500

Medicaid
AMC supports legislation and rulemaking that protects health care access and shields counties from increased
administrative burdens and costs related to the Medicaid provisions in H.R. 1.
Minnesota counties determine the eligibility and provide the administration of Medicaid in Minnesota’s statesupervised, county administered model. Minnesota counties fund the non-federal share of the administrative costs
at the local level via property tax dollars. Policy changes to the federal Medicaid program through H.R.1 will have
significant impacts on Minnesotans who rely on Medicaid, the health care delivery system, and on counties who
administer the benefit.
Examples of Medicaid policy changes include: reduction or removal of tax credits, reduction of retroactive Medicaid
coverage, requiring adults without children to renew their coverage every six (6) months instead of 12, new work
requirements, cost-sharing for some adults, changes in provider taxes, and elimination of a waiver under the Payment
Error Rate Measurement (PERM) which may result in a substantial reduction in federal funds in future years.
Minnesota’s two technology systems that manage health care programs were built decades ago and are unlikely to be
configured to fully automate the new policy requirements, which will require extensive manual processing by county
eligibility staff. Without modernized technology, these changes will substantially increase county workloads and costs.
Additionally, proposed changes to Medicaid could significantly affect areas where hospitals and clinics are already at
risk of closing. Loss of Medicaid coverage for thousands of residents will reduce access to primary and preventive care
and drive more emergency care use. Further, local health departments rely on Medicaid reimbursements to deliver
essential services including immunizations, home visiting, WIC-adjacent supports, case management, and other direct
clinical services. Any major disruption or reduction in Medicaid enrollment or reimbursement rates would shift costs
to counties and health care providers and result in substantial uncompensated care, especially as local governments
are often expected to fill critical access gaps when coverage lapses.

Impacts to Washington County
Washington County
Medical Assistance
(MA) Enrollees
More Frequent
Renewals

• 38,025 individuals (22,155 cases) in Washington County are covered by Medicaid, known as Medical
Assistance (MA) in Minnesota.
• 22% of County MA enrollees, or 6,900 individuals, will require an additional review every year starting
1/1/2027.
• With more frequent renewals, there is an anticipated increase in customers who lose coverage even
though they meet eligibility requirements.
o Eligible customers lose MA if the customer or agency has not completed all actions before their
certification period ends.
o The eligibility system is unable to reopen closed cases. Re-entry of closed cases leads to gaps in
coverage or health plan enrollment.
• This new requirement increases county workload by 1 FTE Eligibility Specialist

New Work
• 22% of Washington County MA enrollees, or 6,900 individuals, will need to verify they meet work
Requirements
requirements to maintain MA enrollment starting 1/1/2027.
& Additional
•This will add unknown administrative burdens on the state, county, and customers as this new
Administrative
requirement is not accounted for in the existing system.
Burden
Limits on Retroactive • Residents who apply for retroactive coverage have incurred unpaid medical expenses. Limiting the
Coverage
retroactive period will negatively impact individuals and health care systems. MA decreases the cost
of uncompensated care that can threaten a clinic or hospital’s sustainability.