Natasha Brunell

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. The primary discussion centered on the appointment of a county board supervisor for District Two, which was ultimately withdrawn due to politicization, leaving the seat vacant until the next election. Public comments were heard, including concerns regarding solar projects and potential trespass, and a general expression of thanks for the board's work. The consent agenda was approved. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation by the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation regarding a housing study. Key findings highlighted population growth projections, an aging population, a decrease in average household size, increasing housing costs relative to income, low rental vacancy rates (1.4%), and a substantial projected need for 4,300 to 4,600 new housing units by 2050.

Key discussions during the meeting included updates on the new courtrooms, which are scheduled to be operational on May 19, offering secure access for defendants from the jail and including new chambers, jury rooms, and judicial assistant areas. Concerns were raised regarding the smaller size of the new courtrooms, prompting a discussion about potentially combining existing courtrooms to create a larger space or incorporating secure pods for defendants in proceedings. Updates were provided on the TAD grant financials, noting the approval of the Q4 2024 report and potential upcoming legislative changes regarding TAD funding structure, shifting it from competitive grants to a formula-based system under the court system. The Justice Support Services update covered a sequential intercept model mapping exercise scheduled for June to identify system gaps, utilizing SAMHSA guidance. Furthermore, a pilot program for a Court Navigator role focused on criminal intake court was detailed, aiming to provide guidance to out-of-custody persons and their families, with initial anecdotal success noted in assisting with navigation and connecting families to resources like detox options. Substance testing updates confirmed continued testing operations, and consideration is being given to assist Pierce County with their testing needs. Finally, updates on diversion cases, specifically regarding operating after revocation charges, were briefly mentioned.

The meeting included a review of the December 2025 financial report, noting ongoing purchase service costs related to children/out-of-home care and adult emergency placements, specifically mentioning Winnebago facility usage and the anticipation of a state Medicaid waiver that could provide reimbursement. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Family Treatment Court update, detailing the program's design, protocols, finalization, unanimous approval by the CJCC, and the successful kickoff event on January 15th, with the first court session scheduled for February 5th. Behavioral health transition and program updates were also presented, highlighting that emergency detentions are at a five-year low due to co-responder success, but placement options remain strained with defaults to Winnebago due to limitations at other facilities like Amory and Mayo. Data regarding the 865 purchased bed days at Winnebago in 2025 was reviewed, along with projections concerning the upcoming Rogers behavioral health unit in April 2027. Furthermore, Adult Protective Services referrals showed a substantial increase between 2021 and 2025, expected to grow with upcoming law enforcement training under a new grant. Finally, an update on the integrated clinic detailed service delivery, including mental health/substance use assessments and the discontinuation of Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP) certification, with alternative resources being utilized instead. The transition of behavioral health leadership to Becky Kerr was also discussed.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming all supervisors were present or accounted for, noting one vacant district and one supervisor joining virtually. Following a lack of public comment cards, the board moved to the consent agenda, unanimously approving the minutes from the previous meeting. Presentations included recognitions for outgoing supervisors (Rambragg, Lyn, and McCarthy) and closing remarks from the County Administrator regarding the close of the current board term and appreciation for the supervisors' work. The County Administrator also provided a positive financial report update for 2025, noting departments were on track and revenue estimates were strong. A significant update was provided regarding the addition of a fifth circuit court branch, which passed the state assembly and was anticipated to be signed by the governor, with a fiscal impact projected for 2028. Business items included the unanimous approval of an ordinance repealing and recreating Chapter 14 of the County Code, relating to non-metallic mining reclamation, to comply with state administrative code NR135 while retaining more restrictive local zoning standards. Following this, the board addressed the ordinance repealing and recreating Chapter 15 (Zoning), which included limiting major home occupations to one per parcel, incorporating the Chapter 14 non-metallic mining standards, and clarifying provisions regarding farmland preservation and ensuring only one dwelling per parcel.

The meeting commenced with the approval of previous minutes and the closing of public comment. Key business discussions focused heavily on financial reports for Fiscal Year 2025, detailing balances across various departments such as Circuit Court, Clerk of Courts (noting unexpected revenue increases), Medical Examiner, Justice Support Services, District Attorney, Child Support, Law Enforcement, and Corrections. The Emergency Management department showed a negative balance due to non-fixed asset purchases, while Emergency Communications reported a surplus. There was an extended discussion regarding the disposition of excess fund balances, policy regarding fund reserves (35% +/- 3%), and options for utilizing surplus funds, such as reducing debt or buying down the tax levy. Furthermore, the committee discussed the relocation plan for the communications antenna from the Hammond Tower, which will involve building a new tower as part of the 2027 Capital Improvement Program (KIP). The Sheriff provided an update on jail capacity, noting current population levels were in the lower hundreds (105-110) against a capacity of 184, though special needs and receiving cells were full. The committee discussed projections for needing outside housing if populations reach the 140-150 range, potentially around 2029-2030, referencing the planned 2027 jail project. Finally, the Director of CASA presented an annual report highlighting a $13,000 profit, exceeding service targets by serving 56 children, and reporting 29 advocates with high retention rates. The CASA director also provided a positive update on the new Family Treatment Court model.