Here we are in the heart of summer. Rain and heat have been the norm as we round second base. Dad would always say, “The days are getting shorter,” but we didn’t want to hear the truth. Marlene, the boys, and I continue to enjoy being a part of all the summer activities throughout Stearns County and District 3. I can’t believe the Stearns County Fair is already here.
As always, there is a lot of action within the County. The major issue we will continue to discuss is the Justice Center. The Board approved getting bids for the full project schematic design to see where things land. We also approved the language which will appear on the ballot asking the voter approval of using sales tax, instead of property tax, to fund the project. I was adamant that we say “up to” the full dollar amount because I keep reminding everyone, we don’t need to spend the entire $325 million dollar authorization. If it’s sales tax or property tax, it’s still a tax. There will be a lot of public engagement and I hope you share your thoughts with me, and at several of the many meetings that will provide information on this project. I want and need your input.
Work has been on-going on the 2025 County Budget. Like many other businesses, health insurance is a factor with the budget. All union contracts are being negotiated beyond 2024, when they expire. We had our first Board discussion on both issues the end of July.
Road construction continues a very aggressive pace. A lot of needed road projects are taking place and will continue during our short, fifth season, ROAD CONSTUCTION! The County has 970 miles of roads and all but 52 miles are tarred, with a few miles of concrete. We are responsible to inspect 226 bridges, with almost half on County roads. On one of the projects, Xcel Energy is charging the County more than $54,000 PER POST to move them only a few feet out of the road right-of-way. So much for cooperation from a utility. I am pursuing options on what we can charge for on requests they have made to the County. That is truly unfortunate.
We placed a moratorium on any marijuana activity within the County. I firmly believe with so little known about this state legislation, we need to have our ducks in a row so outside interest aren’t allowed to make Stearns County the wild west with uncontrolled marijuana production, sales, and use. This is going to create problems, in my opinion, that no one saw coming.
University of Minnesota Extension services within Stearns County, which we need to partially fund, will increase by 12%. We had minimum control over that increase. The Extension service is a great resource to County residents, but it does come at a cost.
The Stearns County History Museum celebrated their 40th anniversary and I was honored to share a few comments at the ceremony commemorating that anniversary. Marlene and Jacob joined me for the event. Winston Churchill once said, “The farther back you can look, the more forward you are likely to see.” The Museum is a wonderful asset for the area.
As the filings for offices, Primary and General Election and the election activities in general are upon us, we are all getting prepared for this process. I for one, want to guarantee it is a legal and fair process for everyone. Please prepare yourselves to be an informed voter. Most importantly, PLEASE VOTE!
Enjoy the rest of the summer. As always, please keep in touch. You can email me at Jeff.Bertram@co.stearns.mn.us or call me at (320) 250-6999. Thank you for the honor of serving as your Stearns County Commissioner.
Jeff Bertram, Commissioner Stearns County – District 3