Updates: County finances, Law enforcement community outreach, New landfill cell, Retiring flags, Community united event, And Age friendly in Olmsted County!

Olmsted’s Finances Are Managed Well

Olmsted County received good audit with “no significant deficiencies” from Baker Tilly US accounting firm for managing the county’s money.  As a steward of the County’s tax dollars, I work hard to insure that the county is being efficient and responsible with tax dollars.  Some of the Strengths listed by Baker Tilly include:

  • Olmsted is only using 16% of its debt limit
  • We have a strong fund balance
  • We have excellent positioning in our self-insurance fund available for good risk management
  • Olmsted has the highest bond ratings from both Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s
  • Tax levy per capita is below average. 0% change for 2021 levy.

If you wish to see the County’s Financial Report, please use this link:  https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/government/county-departments/finance/financial-statements


Community Outreach Collaborates with Law Enforcement

The Olmsted County Human Rights Commission hosted a Question and Answer session with the Rochester Police Chief and the County Sheriff.  Among the responses from both officials was praise for the County’s program of employee Community Outreach personnel in cooperation with law enforcement to answer many 911 calls that involve issues that do not rise to level of needing an armed response.  I have supported this Community Response program because it has proven to be very successful.  Currently, there are four Community Outreach employees; there is not 24/7 coverage yet but it is a goal to reach this coverage.  For more information see:  https://www.postbulletin.com/news/government-and-politics/7069350-Sheriff-police-chief-see-need-for-community-collaboration

 

Creating Efficiencies and Reaching More Clients

Olmsted County Health, Housing, and Human Services will be installing computer stations (Kiosks) at sites that partner with Olmsted services.  Through the kiosks (computer stations), Olmsted residents can get help with Olmsted County services as well as Legal Assistance of Olmsted County, RentHelpMN, and State of Minnesota benefits information.  Sites where the kiosks will be installed include:  Channel One, Family Service Rochester, Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association, Olmsted County government Buildings, Rochester Public Library, Stewartville Public Library, The Salvation Army social services building, RCTC Heintz Center, and Zumbro Valley Health Center.

 

Landfill Cell

An additional landfill cell is being constructed for Olmsted County trash and waste.  The cost of construction is $1,451,173.

Because Olmsted County burns garbage and household waste we can reduce the number of future cells that will be needed which will reduce costs for Olmsted County.

 

Tattered Old Glory?

Olmsted County Property Records and Licensing Department (PRL) has two locations where you can retire your United States Flag that has become tattered or faded.  There is a drop box located by the entrance to the Elections Office at 2122 Campus Drive SE

and at the Information Desk at the Government Center at 151 4th St. SE

Retired flags will be taken to the American Legion and or VFW for proper disposal.

 

“A Community United” event sponsored by Olmsted County

Olmsted County recognized the Community Partners who worked with Olmsted County Public Health to defeat COVID-19.

Speakers included: Stephanie Podulke, Olmsted County Chair; Jan Malcom, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Health; and representatives from Mayo and Olmsted Medical Center.  For more information see:

https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/government/county-news-events/county-news/olmsted-county-recognizes-pandemic-partnerships-community-united-event

 

Age Friendly in Olmsted County Report Available

Olmsted County Sponsored the Age Friendly Olmsted County committee.  I supported the work of the committee and using the information on Olmsted’s Community Health Improvement Plan.  The Committee worked with AARP to craft a survey of the older and retired person in the county.  The results will be used by agencies to help Olmsted County become more “Age Friendly.”  You can view the entire report here:

http://familyservicerochester.org/age-friendly-olmsted-county/

 

On July 29, from 10 to Noon, at 125 Live, you can hear the AFOC committee deliver a summary of the report and ask questions.

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