Innovation Provides for Better Service Delivery

Integrating information between departments increases efficiency and provides for delivery of better services for the families that Olmsted County serves.  Here is more information on collaboration between Family Services and Public Health:  https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/government/county-news-events/county-news/strengthening-families-how-child-family-services-and-public-health-services-work-together?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

Community Service Providers and Clients Put in Jeopardy by Recently DHS Actions

The statewide Medicaid provider revalidation and disenrollment process had put legitimate community service providers and the clients they serve in financial jeopardy.  (This process was initiated by the Federal Government.)  Service providers were disenrolled and then required to submit revalidation documentations in order to be reenrolled.  Even though proper documentation has been submitted, the Minnesota Department of Human Services has not provided revalidation; furthermore, service providers were notified that payments are suspended.

Olmsted County partners with community services providers.  Clients depend on these services providers for food (Meals on Wheels) and assistance with household chores (Neighbors Helping Neighbors).  Provides depend on revenue to pay for salaries and supplies in order to serve qualified clients.  Without the Medicaid funding the Provider cannot provide services which puts clients at risk.

Materials Recovery Ground Breaking

On June 9, the County Board, State Representatives and Senators held the ground breaking event for the construction of the Materials Recovery Facility at the Waste to Energy facility.  The new 49,000 square foot addition will sort recyclable materials from the waste stream.  This will provide valuable material which can be sold and reduce the amount of material that goes into the combustion chambers.   For more information to:

https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/news/olmsted-county-breaks-ground-new-materials-recovery-facility?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

5,120 Housing Units Added

According to the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing 2025 report, 5,120 new units have been added since 2020.  Demand for affordable rental homes decreased by 1,248 units.  There are over 2,500 units currently in process or near completion which include homes across income levels, household sizes and housing types.  I continue to support Olmsted County’s housing efforts through successful modeling of modest size homes, supporting Olmsted Housing and Redevelopment Authority in its efforts to provide subsidized and low-income housing, and through support for the Housing Coalition.  Although much progress has been made, the cost of housing has outpaced the income of many households.  I will continue to develop strategies to provide more housing opportunities.

$38,581.000

Olmsted County does not have the final figures on the 2027 cost to the county of changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicare.  This cost is due to the Federal Reduction of food assistance.  The Association of Minnesota Counties has estimated the total cost for all Minnesota Counties at $38,580,000.

• $24,972,00 Administrative Cost Share
• $10,662,000 Benefit Cost Share
• $2,947,000 6-month Medicaid renewal

If the reductions to SNAP and Medicare do not change, it will have a great impact to the 2027 county budget.

Homes for Veterans

I supported the transfer of county property to the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) for the purpose of building and operating housing for low-income veterans and families.  MACV will combine the donated property with two other properties purchased by MACV to build up to 14 housing units.

Briefs:

• Any Path Home – a community program to reduce homelessness – has hired a program manager who will start June 29. Olmsted County is a member of the Any Path Home organization.
• Clean Audit for the Housing and Redevelop Authority:  The HRA completed an Audit of its finances and practices.  The audit showed that the County HRA is well managed and financially sound.
• The Annual Comprehensive Audit Report (December, 2025) showed a reduction in debt per capita.  The Baker-Tilly audit confirmed the county is well managed and gave high praise to the county’s financial well-being.  For more information see:  https://www.postbulletin.com/news/local/olmsted-county-finnical-report-in

Steam

The waste to energy facility produces about 880,000,000 pounds of steam per year.  About 300,000,000 pounds is used to heat and cool buildings.  The remaining steam is used to produce electricity which is sold to Rochester Public Utilities.

Low-Risk Auditee

Olmsted County received the highest level of assurance available from the independent auditors indicating that the County’s financial statements are accurate and received an unmodified (clean) audit opinion.  In addition, the County qualified as a Low-Risk- Auditee, a designation earned by only organizations with a strong history of financial management, compliance, and audit performance

Veteran Health Care and Benefits

Accessing benefits for which veterans and their dependents may be eligible is a complicated and generally frustrating process.  Olmsted County Veteran Services works with veterans to help them navigate the complicated process.  If you know of a veteran who is in need of services please have them contact our Veteran Services office.  I honor our veterans by supporting the county’s veteran services.  The office is located in the Public Health building.  For more information see:  https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/residents/services-individuals-families/veterans

Primary Elections

Several State, City and County elections have primaries.  Mail in voting has started.  Voting early in person starts soon.  The best source of information on voting is to contact the Olmsted County Elections office.  https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/residents/elections-and-voting ;

Here is some information on ways to vote; contact the website for complete information,

507-328-7659

Beginning Friday, June 26, 2026, eligible voters in Minnesota can vote absentee for the August 11, 2026, primary election. Absentee ballots can be requested through the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State.  

 

There are several ways you can vote.  Of course you can always vote on elections day at your polling place.  Here are other ways to vote:

• Absentee by Mail
  To vote absentee by mail, you will need a witness. A witness may be:
  • A U.S. citizen who is at least 18 years old.
  • A notary public. 
  • A person authorized to administer oaths. 

Completed ballots may be returned by mail or delivered in person to the Olmsted County Elections Office at 2122 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 300, Rochester, Minnesota 55904. Ballots must be received by 5 p.m. if returned in person or by 8 p.m. if returned by mail on Election Day to be counted. 

• Absentee in person 
  You can also submit your absentee ballot in person at the Olmsted County Elections Office, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, the office will be open on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
• Early voting  
  Early voting, which allows voters to submit their ballots directly into a tabulator or use absentee envelopes, will be available 18 days before the primary election at the Olmsted County Elections Office:  Early voting allows you to vote in person and put your ballot into the tabulator. 

Location: 2122 Campus Drive SE, Rochester  Suite 300

Dates:  July 24, 2026 to August 10, 2026

Hours:  Monday through Friday 8 AM – 5 PM.  Saturday August 8, 9 AM – 3 PM

More information can obtained from the Elections Office:  https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/residents/elections-and-voting

507-328-7650