Clay County, State of the County Address – 2021 Good morning everyone. On behalf of myself and my fellow commissioners, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year and thank you for entrusting us to serve the citizens of this great County. While 2020 provided us all many challenges, we feel Clay County continues to be in a prepared position to meet the on-going needs of its citizens.

2020 will forever be connected to the COVID-19 world-wide pandemic. It has been a year full of unexpected, once-a-generation obstacles for all of us. Even with the unprecedented events that were faced, this Board remained committed to providing the excellent customer service you have come to expect, even through campus access limitations and department closures. Our employees worked diligently to adjust and adapt to answer that call.

The first department that I wish to acknowledge this year is our Public Health Department. Kathy McKay, the Incident Management Team and Public Health Staff began work in January of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They have partnered with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) infectious disease and emergency preparedness teams, while following vital guidelines established by the National Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Public Health uses all available evidence-based strategies, at the individual and community levels, to break transmission chains and address high levels of community transmission to help reduce illness, hospitalizations, and deaths.

The Public Health Incident Management Team also worked in partnership with the MDH to provide coordination efforts with local K-12 school districts, higher education, congregate care facilities, day cares, worksites, and health care systems to assist in their response efforts. Public Health is also a member of the Red River Valley Task Force which has met weekly to discuss data, response plans, and Public Health mitigation strategies throughout the metro area.

With COVID 19 vaccines now arriving, Public Health will play a critical role in the dispensing in accordance with the phases established by the Federal and State Health agencies.

This Board would like to publicly thank Kathy and her staff for their tireless work during the pandemic. They have done an excellent job responding on behalf of our communities/region. We are grateful for their leadership. Understanding their excellent response efforts will be greatly needed for many months into 2021.

In June of 2020, Walz and State Legislators established a funding program in Minnesota that included $2 billion for State, Counties and Cities in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security funding or CARES dollars. These funds became available through Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund legislation. This board authorized the formation of the Coronavirus Relief Fund Committee, led by Commissioners Campbell and Mongeau to dispense the $7,843,443 allotted. The goal of this committee was to establish funding categories to address areas of highest need, providing monies to areas which were not likely receiving funding or grants from other sources and do so in a time sensitive fashion with the full board’s approval. Highlights of Programs: Funding was provided for business relief with over 160 businesses, non- profits and long-term care facilities utilizing the program. Clay County also invested in new and different ways to safely deliver services such with enhanced technology and infrastructure such as new DMV location and this multi-purpose community meeting space. These investments have provided more efficient ways for business to be conducted and provide an environment that better protects both our citizens and our staff. Dollars were allocated to multiple partner agencies to address community resiliency needs, such as free mental health services, senior and veterans funding. Dollars went to Public Health Outreach & Service in response to COVID-19 and preparation for a mass vaccination. We are thankful to the Federal and State Governments in providing funds.

Human Resources had a very busy year. Along with addressing the on-going needs of it 623 employees, the HR Department also had to adjust its workload to combat the Coronavirus pandemic. Changes to federal and state law required HR to stay up-to-date with new guidelines. COVID-19 also impacted our Clay County workforce. During 2020, roughly 1/3 or 200 employees experienced either quarantine or were isolated due to the COVID-19 virus. Work from home policies were developed to continue to provide seamless and quality services to the citizens and employees of Clay County.

The Technology Services (TS) Department stepped forward in 2020 and played an integral role in establishing a remote work program. When Governor Walz signed Executive Order 20-20 “Directing Minnesotans to Stay at Home” it found the Board asking Tech Services to stand up a program that would allow all County departments to remain open during this order and serve our citizens without issue. This dramatic change in work environment took place virtually overnight and was conducted without interruption of service. Truly a remarkable feat for which we are grateful.

In early 2020, Information Services’ staff along with Recorder’s staff worked with township officials to formally record each township’s roads. The project stalled due to the pandemic, but it is hoped to be revived in 2021. GIS staff participated in multiple census related activities such as Complete Count Committee, in hopes of getting the best possible turnout for the 2020 Census. Staff played important roles with our business relief program and applications, along with lending their creative expertise to campus signage.

At the beginning of 2020, the Clay County site received an average of 44,000 visits each month. After the pandemic began, our web site traffic almost doubled, averaging 77,000 visits each month. Information Services’ staff worked diligently with Public Health and Administration to ensure the information on the website was current and accurate.

Social Services and its 129 full-time employees, covering 9 Divisions, administer over 40 different State and Federal programs for individuals and families in need. They are tasked with responding to concerns of Child Abuse and Neglect, Adult Protection, Substance Abuse, Mental Health Concerns, and Disability and Elderly Services. They administer the Public Assistance Programs on behalf of the State and Federal Government such as food support, health care, housing, and cash grant programs. In addition, they also conduct the licensing activities on behalf of the State for family daycare and adult and child foster homes. Social Services maintains 50 Contracts with various Community partners to help address the needs of our citizens.

2020 brought many additional challenges due to COVID-19. Although limited in serving our citizen’s face to face, the State and Federal Government allowed services to continue under virtual or telephonic means. In addition, many program requirements were waived under the peacetime emergencies allowing services and benefits to continue without interruption. As we move forward in this pandemic, Social Services will continue to address the increase demand for mental health services and supports as individuals and families struggle with employment concerns, distance learning, childcare issues, and general overall stress.

The County Attorney’s Office continues to work toward promoting justice, public safety and effective government. The County Attorney’s Office has 11 assistant county attorneys, along with the County Attorney, who work numerous issues in support of law enforcement, prosecuting crime, assisting victims, and making government function. Additionally, the office has 5 legal assistants, 2 front office staff and 3 victim service assistants that work tirelessly to ensure the county government functions continue to work smoothly throughout the year.

The County Attorney’s Office opened more than 2000 unique cases over the past year enforcing laws from traffic matters, misdemeanor matters, property crimes to more serious personal crimes such as burglary, robbery, serious assaults and murder. The office further works closely with Social Services regarding Child in Need of Protection and Services (CHIPS) cases to ensure that family and children are protected and cared for throughout the community. The Victim Services Office served and assisted over 800 victims with matters from affidavits of loss, victim impact statements and navigating victims through the court system. The County Attorney’s Office continues to work to modernize its computerized system for creating and tracking files to ensure that the office is on the cutting edge of prosecuting and synching up with the Minnesota courts. COVID-19 has impacted how court hearing/trials are being held. Our County Attorney’s office has continued to adjust to meet the everchanging court process. 2020 presented many different challenges for the Sheriff’s Office and each of their divisions. Each division had to make several changes in how they normally operate due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Civil unrestful throughout the country also put a focal point on law enforcement. The demand for assistance continues to be high, with 16,881 calls for service, 489 Transports covering 61,184 Miles and 1,334 Civil Papers Served. Body worn cameras became part of the uniform this fall. The goal of these cameras is to increase transparency and accountability and will work in tandem with the squad cameras to assist with investigations. The Sheriff’s Department continually reviews and adjusts their practices to ensure the safety of personnel and citizens.

Clay County continues to contract with the Minnesota Department of Corrections to provide probation services to all juvenile offenders in Clay County, as well as adult misdemeanor/gross misdemeanor offenders. Caseloads continue to reflect clients who are struggling with chemical dependency and mental health issues, which often leads to other behaviors that cause concern for their safety and/or community safety. Probation is partnering with local judicial teams and the Clay County Correctional Center in an effort to provide pre-trial supervision services in the community. Clients receive on-going supportive services, upcoming court reminders, and drug and alcohol testing.

The West Central Regional Juvenile Centers’ (WCRJC) 2-year remodel and expansion project was completed in the spring (of 2020), allowing the agency to properly serve the needs of Clay County and 10 member counties for the decades to come. In addition to the increase in capacity, the WCRJC continually strives to meet the changing needs of their residents through expanded services and programming to address trauma and additional increased mental health demands. Strong ties continues with Moorhead Public Schools, Lakeland Mental Health, Lutheran Social Services, Psylogics, and many other area providers continue to set them apart from other facilities.

Despite the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020 was a busy year for the Planning and Zoning Department approving 144 building permits, 14 use permits, 15 variances and 38 minor subdivisions. The department also secured funding from the Fargo Moorhead of Governments (FM Metro COG) to develop a new Clay County Comprehensive and Transportation Plan in 2021. The department looks forward to serving residents and guiding development in 2021.

The Assessor Office continues to work to maintain an acceptable level of valuation, meeting the standards given by Department of Revenue and providing proper classification of our taxpayers’ properties. It has another busy year, reviewing 3,417 parcels in the Cities of Barnesville, Comstock, and Glyndon in addition to Kragnes, Moland, Moorhead, and Oakport Townships. COVID-19 required adjustments in business practices also, with all improved parcels visited, but no internal structure tours conducted. Office staff continue to serve our taxpayers through mailings, phone calls and courthouse appointments in addition to addressing the high volume of property transfers in 2020.

Clay County also continued to support a two-year tax abatement program. The abatement program involves several cities and school districts in Clay County. City and County representatives continue to report that this tax abatement has led to new home construction and is good for the growth of our communities. The extension of this program is set to run through 2022.

2020 brought both challenges and successes to the Recorder’s Office. A new recording software program led to many efficiencies in their recording process. The completion of the transition was just in time as this year has seen a sharp increase in the number of real estate recordings and documents that were submitted to be recorded electronically. Staff worked diligently through the challenge of continuing to provide access to the public records through the pandemic. They also worked through legislative changes to be able to continue to issue marriage licenses to the pubic in a safe and convenient manner. The Recorder’s Office has continued to digitize records to improve the process for the public in locating records and limiting face-to-face contact.

The Auditor-Treasure office is responsible for the collection of taxes, distribution of revenues, classifying tax assessments ratings, paying the County’s bills, County payroll and certifying the accounting process to meet the government’s standards of acceptable practices. The Auditor’s Office ensured that the election proves ran smoothly this fall. The Auditor along conducted interviews with businesses with other state agencies for a new payroll system.

The Highway Department continues to maintain over 700 miles of County Roads and another 875 miles of Township roads. Sustaining road conditions due to record snowfall last winter provided challenges. The record snowfall led to the need to prepare for potential spring flooding. The wet conditions of winter and spring also led to the unprecedented soft roads that remained troublesome long into the summer. The Highway Department continued to focus on projects on the 5-year plan, with replacements of 12 aging bridge structures with precast concrete box culverts. Another notable item this year was the replacement of 4,800 Street and Avenue signs in 1,200 locations by our sign department.

Solid Waste has had a very eventful and successful year. A landfill cell expansion, which will give Clay County an additional 5-8 year capacity, along with a new citizen drop-off area were completed in 2020. There were 13 new gas wells added at the landfill which will allow for heating the new landfill building. A new flare also went in to limit the odor. The provided funding for a new Clay County Resource Recovery and Problem Materials Center to be located in Moorhead. This was a culmination of five years of collaborative work with the Solid Waste Department, the City of Moorhead and representatives from this Board. We are also thankful for the efforts of our local legislators: Representatives Marquart and Lien and Senator Eken in helping us secure the funding. Construction is set to begin April 2021.

The Veterans Services Office (VSO) continues to do an outstanding job making themselves available to over 3,700 Clay County veterans. COVID-19 required the VSO be creative in public outreach, holding virtual events in efforts to identify veterans who need assistance. The VSO continues to work with veterans to ensure housing (no known homeless vets in Clay County) and to secure employment (unemployment rate of 0.7% for Clay County Veterans). The Veterans Court program continues as an alternative in keeping veterans from being incarcerated, offering veterans additional supports and accountability, with the goal of helping them get back on the right path.

As our County campus grows, so does the demand on our building maintenance staff and custodial services. They continue to provide excellent customer service to our departments, while maintaining the County campus in which we can be proud. COVID-19 had these departments playing a central role in limiting the spread. They collaborated to clean the campus multiple times per day, so we were able to provide services more safely.

The County Extension Office continues to be available to help county residents with agricultural and horticultural issues. This past year COVID-19 presented new challenges, Extension staff continue to answer citizens questions and deliver virtual educational presentations.

4-H programs continue to offer positive educational programming across the county for our youth. Currently there are 14 4-H clubs in Clay County. With the cancellation of the Clay County Fair, Extension stepped in with virtual judging to ensure that club members received acknowledgement and recognition for their hard work. Lastly, we would like to acknowledge Extension Regional Director Ben Anderson who recently left his role. We “Thank” Ben for his leadership and collaboration and wish him well.

While not a County program, Clay County continues to work closely with the Clay Soil and Water Conservation District, which marked its 75th Anniversary in 2020. The SWCD and Clay County work collaboratively with the County Feedlot Officer’s duties, oversite of Buffer Law compliance, Aquatic Invasive Species programming, and work with representatives of all 30 townships on noxious weed control as part of the County Ag Inspector’s duties, just to highlight a few. Flood protection continues to be an important issue for our County. County Commissioners and personnel continue to be involved with the F-M Diversion Authority and other flood mitigation committees. A Settlement Agreement to resolve all federal and state litigation related to the FM Area Diversion Project was signed October 26, 2020 by leaders of the Metro Flood Diversion Authority and a number of upstream entities. This agreement will pave the way for the F-M Diversion Authority to move the project forward and ensure proper flood protection and economic security for our region.

The Minnesota ’s Office presented its report December 17th, 2020 to the Clay County Administration and County Auditor/Treasure referencing the year ending on December 31, 2019. In the issuance of this Audit Report, the State Auditor has issued an “unqualified opinion” of the County’s financial statements, verifying we conform to the applicable accounting standards. This report will be presented to the full County Board in the near future.

The County Board recently adopted the Annual Operating Budget and Tax Levy for the year 2021. The total expenses for 2021 are estimated to be $110,447,500. The revenue sources necessary to cover these expenses include a $36,685,718 property tax levy, State aids, numerous grants, services, utilization of fund balance, etc. The property tax represents a 4.77% increase over the 2020 tax levy. Clay County witnessed a net growth in the tax base of 1.28% due to new construction, leading to a net levy increase of 3.49% for 2021.

The 2020 election process witnessed three of our County Commissioners up for re-election: Commissioners Gross was re-elected and Commissioners Weyland and Haney made the decision to not seek re-election. On behalf of this Board, I would like to thank Grant and Jim for their distinguished leadership and vision in serving the citizens of Clay County and wish them well in their retirement. We would like to extend our welcome to Commissioners Kahly and Ebinger. I look forward to working with you in the coming years.

I would also like to acknowledge this Board’s on-going appreciation for the personnel at Clay County. You showed dedication, creativity and adaptability in meeting the needs of our citizens. Providing excellent service to our citizens is one of our cornerstone values at Clay County. COVID-19 has provided a challenge that you have met and exceeded. Thank you!

2020 has shown to be a challenging year for all of us. The Clay County Board of Commissioners would like to thank our citizens for their continued support. Our Board is committed to being excellent stewards of your tax dollars, while providing the services you have come to expect in the most efficient, cost-effective and professional manner possible. I also would like to thank my fellow Commissioners for their leadership, dedication and hard work. Your service was greatly appreciated during this unprecedented year. Lastly, we would like to extend our on- going support for those of you directly affected by COVID-19, whether it’s a loss of employment, passing of a loved one or the challenges of maintaining your business in the current climate. We stand with you! Please feel free to contact any of the County Commissioners or County Administration if you would like to share your feedback or suggestions.

Thank you and best wishes for a wonderful 2021.

Frank Gross Clay County Board of Commissioners