There is a process to Budgeting

If you would like to learn more about the careful process Olmsted uses when creating its budget go to:  https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/government/county-news-events/county-news/olmsted-county-budget-careful-planning-process?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

 

Homeless/Housing Stability/Any Path Home

Olmsted’s Housing Stability Team coordinates a community effort which brings together all community agencies working with people who experience homelessness.  In the past, agencies acted independently and could only offer partial services.  Now the housing team has created a data base shared by all partners so that individuals seeking assistance can have access to all services.  This coordinated and unified approach is seeing much greater success and efficiency in providing appropriate assistance.  Currently the outreach team includes 7 organizations.  With this unique system, the team and the unified approach has helped an average of 10 people per month find housing.  The program also provides targeted case management and support for people experiencing homelessness.  This collaborative will continue to add community agencies and resources.  Its success and unique collaboration has drawn national attention.

 

Operation Green Light

Olmsted county will again participate in Operation Green Light, from November 4 to 11.  Operation Green Light honors our veterans for their services and sacrifices.  County residents can participate by using a Green Light to illuminate their front door and yards.

 

A Clubhouse for Better Mental Health

Olmsted is moving closer to establishing a program to alleviate mental health issues.  The program is based on the  International Clubhouse model.  Learn more about this evidence based model at https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/government/county-news-events/county-news/olmsted-countys-international-clubhouse-plans-advance-0?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

This program is grant funded and will work with community volunteers.

 

Census Changes

The Olmsted County Board opposed the proposed changes to the next Census process and rules.  The Board used the comment period to send a letter in opposition to the proposed changes.  I supported the opposition for the following reasons:

1. The proposed changes would make budgeting more difficult because the accuracy of the count is jeopardized by the methodology used. If Minnesota’s count is less because of the changes it would result in huge losses of Federal dollars.
2. The proposed change creates unnecessary fear which would discourage some populations from participating. This would add to an inaccurate count which would affect federal aid and make it more difficult for counties to provide mandated services
3. The proposed changes would count people based where they are January 3 – April 1. This would put Minnesota and other northern states at a disadvantage because of the “Snowbird” affect.  Minnesota would have a reduced count.  This would also reduce the number of Federal Representatives in northern states and increase the number in Southern states.
4. The way the proposed change is structured would probably result in an undercount of populations including: people in low-income households, college students, people who do not file taxes, and children.
5. The proposed elimination of race and ethnicity would make it more difficult for government agencies to address disparities.
6. In the last census, Minnesota almost lost one seat in the House of Representatives. If the proposed changes to the census are enacted, Minnesota’s number of Representatives will again be in jeopardy.

 

44/14

The Board accepted the bid of about $76,176,984.79 from Mathiowetz Construction Company to construct the 44/14 interchange. Construction will begin this November.  The projected completion of the project will be about Oct/Nov 2028.  In addition to improving the traffic safety, this project will open up commercial and housing developments along county road 44 (60^th Ave. NW).

 

Library Funding

The Board provided a 2.8% increase to the libraries in Olmsted County.  There has been no decrease in funding since 2013. The Rochester Library Board (not the Olmsted County Board) made the decision to not provide digital services to people outside of Rochester.  However, people outside of Rochester can still access digital services through SELCO.  This will require a SELCO library card.  People outside of Rochester can still use the Rochester Library Services such as story time and access to books and materials in the Rochester Library collection.