Beltrami County

The regular session included the election of 2026 Board Officers, with Commissioner Winger appointed as Chair and Commissioner Sumner as Vice-Chair. The agenda was approved with an amendment to add MRC Membership discussion. Consent items approved included various warrant payment listings, payment of bills, a Tobacco License Application, a Public Defender Contract for Ellen Thoren, the Pay Equity Implementation Report submission, and the resolution setting minimum salaries for the County Auditor-Treasurer, County Sheriff, and County Attorney for the next term. Under the regular agenda, the Sheriff's Administrative Assistant Contract with Danielle Johnson was approved. The Board also approved the 2026 AMC Policy Committee Appointments and voting delegate appointments. A vote was taken regarding MRC Membership renewal, resulting in the motion to renew membership carrying. Commissioners provided committee updates, and the next meeting schedule was reviewed.

The meeting included the approval of agenda amendments, which moved the 2026 Legislative Lobbyist Contract and the Red Lake Watershed District Manager Appointment to the Regular Agenda. Consent items approved included the 2026 Legal Newspaper Designation, the 2025-2027 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Management Plan, the three-year renewal of the Esri GIS Enterprise Agreement, and various warrant payment listings and licenses for Health & Human Services. The Board also approved the 2027 Recreational Trail Sponsorship Resolution, an amendment to the Spruce Grove Township Road Maintenance Agreement, temporary easements for a MnDOT/City project, and detour agreements. Grant agreements were approved for the 2026-2027 MN DNR Snowmobile and ATV/OHV programs. A resolution was passed to enroll a Deputy in the PERA Police & Fire Plan, and a contract for medical examiners was approved. Under the Regular Agenda, the Board approved the amended Region 2 Adult Mental Health Initiative and Crisis Response Services Joint Powers Agreement. Significant discussion centered on the Jail project financing, resulting in the adoption of the resolution authorizing the issuance of $35,730,000 in General Obligation Jail Bonds, Series 2026A, and the approval of the MPFA Credit Enhancement Program Agreement. The Board also approved the 2026 Commissioner Salary Resolution and amended the 2026 Commissioner Committee List & Per Diem Rates. Finally, participation in the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance (MNEA) was approved, the 2026 Government Relations Proposal from Flaherty & Hood was approved, and Brian Dwight was re-appointed to the Red Lake Watershed District Board of Managers.

The meeting included a segment for citizens addressing the board on items not on the agenda, limited to five minutes per speaker. Multiple citizens spoke regarding funding for the library, emphasizing its importance for literacy, economic mobility, and support for low-income families and children. Specific concerns raised included the need to secure external funding offers (like $81,000 from KRLS) to prevent service reductions, such as reduced hours or eliminating the children's librarian position. One resident also detailed long-standing concerns regarding an unpermitted, unregulated commercial ice fishing resort operation next door and the county's lack of responsiveness and enforcement despite prior assurances and subsequent legal correspondence.

The Beltrami County Board of Commissioners convened to discuss various matters, including the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items such as warrant payments, ditch benefit percentages, business license renewals, unorganized township levies, and appointments to the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment. The board also reviewed and discussed the County Safety Action Plan, the 2026 Board meeting schedule, and Commissioner Committee Assignments. Additionally, they addressed the 2026 Property Tax Levy and Budget, the 2026 County Fee Schedule, and the Transportation Improvement Plan.

The meeting included a pledge of allegiance and a section for citizens to address the board, with a request to avoid repeating previous comments due to a public hearing following the session. Speakers addressed the board regarding a proposed 40% cut to the Bumiji Public Library, its potential impact on services, and the importance of the library to the community. The board also conducted a public hearing regarding a proposed increase in liquor license fees for 2026.