Unofficial Minutes
Call to Order by Chair Katy Overtoom at 9:00 am.
Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation was provided by Katy Overtoom.
Roll Call was taken with 20 townships present, establishing a quorum.
Speakers:
Jeff Dotseth (State Rep District 11A) – Discussed some outcomes of the 2025
Legislative Session. Goals were to protect taxpayers from increase in taxes, ensure local communities get share of tax revenue, and prevent cuts to town aid. Approximately $86.5M obtained for township roads/bridges/crossings; $2.6M for clean water; increase funding for law enforcement and first responders; and increase audit threshold to $1M.
Steve Hallan (County Commissioner) – The County Levy was set at 2.6% consequently, to balance the budget there will be differences in how the county is run to reduce costs. New personnel hired for the County Administrator, Treasurer/Auditor, and Zoning. Cell phone service will be next in line following Broadband.
Roger Nelson (County Commissioner) – Discussed the Budget, keeping taxes in line, 0% increase in Health Insurance (self-funded program), and given the revenue stream the requirement to reduce expenditures. The effect of the Federal Shut Down on the County Health and Human Services programs to include SNAP, WIC and Medicaid.
Reese Fredrickson (County Attorney) – Since March 2025 there have been a few hundred sentencings. He gave a few examples of sexual assaults within the County and resulting sentences, stressing that the County has predators and the need to be informed and protect your children/grandchildren. The sex offender notification levels
were detailed.
Scott Grice (County Sheriff, Chief Deputy) – Discussed the Drug Task Force and because Pine County is known for arresting those involved, the illegal drug trend is
decreasing with the success of getting drugs off the street.
Lorri Houtsma (County Assessor) – Not present however a Link to presentation on local board of appeal and equalization schedule was provided.
Barb Fischer (Hospital Board) – Updates are provided quarterly in the Evergreen. Discussed available forgivable grants for health care education, schedule of services, the Elder Voice Advocate Organization, and the 2025 Best of Businesses/Services in
Pine County.
Gabriel Soriano (DNR Conservation Officer) – Discussed deer hunting season (future shot gun restrictions), no talk of increasing turkey hunting; small/largemouth season is continuous; the DNR is mostly staffed, and the decrease trend in wolf depredations.
Tammy Carlson ( MAT District #7 Director) – Discussed changes to the Open Meeting
Law enabling officers to be off-site as long as they are seen and heard by the public, and the MN Paid Leave requirements, support provided through DEED, and the effort to rescind. Also detailed the numerous resolutions developed at the District #7 meeting.
Business Meeting:
Reviewed the Roll Call, no additions.
The Treasurer’s Fall 2025 Financial Report was read, and a motion was made to approve and seconded. The treasurer’s report was approved.
A motion was made to read the Spring 2025 meeting minutes and seconded. The motion was not passed.
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting and seconded. The motion was passed and the meeting adjourned at 10:15 am.