June 16, 2026 Minutes

Board of Commissioners Meeting · 2026-06-16 · minutes

The Clay County Board of Commissioners approved the renewal of the contract with Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. (ACH) for inmate medical services. The renewal includes a 5.66% price increase, bringing the annual contract to $841,152.91. ACH provides comprehensive services including medical care, officer training, and substance abuse counseling. The increase is attributed to wage and benefit adjustments, and higher insurance costs. The county is experiencing higher than budgeted costs for inmate medications, projected to be 30% over budget for 2026. A change in state law effective August 1, 2026, will allow for the use of generic medications, which may lead to cost savings. The Clay County Board of Commissioners approved the application for the Crisis Intervention & Behavioral Health Grant for the West Central Regional Juvenile Center. This federal grant, overseen by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, is a two-year grant that would support stabilization of the Non-Secure Unit by covering up to $250,000 of Variable Hour (VH) salaries. No new staff will be hired; funds will cover VH coverage for 1:1 care on high-needs cases. The Clay County Board of Commissioners approved the application for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Recycling Grant for the Solid Waste Department. The grant aims to increase wood material recycling by adding equipment to sort usable wood from dumpsters and the Demolition Landfill. The application is for $149,961.60 with a $25,000 County match, to be used for purchasing a mini excavator, a tracked skid steer, and a trailer. The County match funds will come from the Solid Waste Internal Service Fund. [Wall Street Bridge (CSAH 22), CSAH 12 Bridge (60th Ave S)] The Clay County Board of Commissioners approved the Bridge Maintenance Agreement with the City of Fargo. This agreement updates language required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and covers maintenance for the Wall Street Bridge (CSAH 22) and the CSAH 12 Bridge (60th Ave S). The agreement does not change existing responsibilities or operational procedures. The Clay County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase and application of Axon Justice Software for the County Attorney's Office. This software manages video evidence, offering unlimited storage and significant time savings for legal assistants by reducing data downloading tasks from hours to minutes. The initial purchase cost for July-December 2026 is $12,999.60, to be funded by Clay County Attorney Forfeiture Funds, with future costs to be budgeted. [case Resolution 2026-12] The Clay County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2026-12 for the continuation of the Performance Measurement Program. This program involves collecting data from July 1 to December 31 annually, with reports submitted to the State Auditor by July 1 of the following year. Clay County received $9,359 in December 2025 for participation in 2024. The resolution confirms continued participation for 2026. The Clay County Board of Commissioners approved sending a Letter of Support to the Minnesota Federal Senator Delegation requesting a delay in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Administrative and Benefit Cost Shifts enacted by H.R. 1 (P.L. 119-21). The letter highlights that SNAP provides critical assistance to 7,704 Clay County residents and that the new federal requirements will impose significant costs on the county's eligibility workforce for technology upgrades, training, outreach, and staffing. [Heartland Trail (from Park Rapids, MN to Cass Lake, MN)] The Clay County Board of Commissioners approved designating the Heartland Trail as a State Trail. Commissioners expressed concerns about the financial burden and operational responsibilities that a regional trail designation would place on the county, noting Clay County lacks a dedicated parks and trails department. The decision favors the state system for the 49-mile paved shared-use path.