Cass County public meetings in 2025

County Commissioners

The board will adopt compensation levels for elected officials for 2026 and authorize a citizen per diem. They will also approve the 2026‑2028 labor contract for Teamsters General Local Union No. 346 and adopt a pay plan for non‑union personnel. Additional items include financial reports, waste‑management contracts, and equipment quotes for jail lock upgrades.

• Establish 2026 elected official compensation
• Approve 2026‑2028 Teamsters General Local Union No. 346 labor contract
• Approve MSW and recycling contracts with DemCon/General Waste
• Approve quote from JTA Builders LLC/MDSI for jail locks
• Final payment on Contract 61003

The Cass County Board unanimously approved the regular and consent agendas. It adopted resolutions establishing a $75 per‑day per diem and a $40,403.97 annual salary for commissioners, and set 2026 salaries for the County Attorney ($176,196.80 rising to $181,313.60) and Sheriff ($152,755.20 rising to $157,144.00). The Board also approved per‑diem rates for citizen committees ($75/day) and the Planning Commission ($150/day for monthly meetings). All votes were unanimous or had no dissenting votes.

• Approved Regular Agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 70‑25: commissioner per diem $75/day and salary $40,403.97 (majority vote, no nay)
• Adopted Resolution 71‑25: County Attorney salary $176,196.80/$181,313.60 and Sheriff salary $152,755.20/$157,144.00 (majority vote, no nay)
• Approved 2026 citizen per diem $75/day and Planning Commission per diem $150/day (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Fire Contract for City of Deer River – $14,915.00 (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Fire Contract for City of Remer – $5,692.21 (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Fire Contract for Walker Area Joint Fire Department – $2,501.50 (unanimous)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The district approved a change to hold regular meetings on the second Wednesday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to noon, alternating locations in Backus and Walker. It also approved opening a new $70,000 certificate of deposit for seven months, a $25,000 down payment for a Chevrolet Equinox, and acceptance of the Keep it Clean Grant. The 2026 AIS Management Plan and AIS Budget were approved, and several cost‑share shoreline‑restoration projects received approval.

• Approved change to meeting schedule: second Wednesday 10‑12, alternating Backus and Walker locations (vote 4‑1)
• Approved opening a new CD in the amount of $70,000 for 7 months (unanimous)
• Approved $25,000 down payment for Chevrolet Equinox (unanimous)
• Approved acceptance of Keep it Clean Grant; Dana Gutzmann authorized to sign (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 AIS Management Plan (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 AIS Budget (unanimous)
• Approved lowest‑bid contractor Wood & Stuff for tree planting at Girl Lake Outlet (unanimous)
• Approved multiple Cost Share shoreline‑restoration applications (CS529‑25, CS532‑25, CS533‑25, CS534‑25, CS535‑25, CS537‑25, CS536‑25, CS538‑25) (unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission will consider a reclassification of 43.8 acres from Agricultural Forestry to Rural Residential 10 for a parcel east of 2445 County 63 NE. It will also review several variance requests and conditional use permits, including a small addition near Girl Lake, an expansion near Lower Trelipe Lake, a short‑term rental near Gull Lake, and a peat‑movement project for a wildlife pond. All items are scheduled for discussion at the December 8, 2025 meeting.

• Reclassify 43.8 acres (PID# 08-018-2001) to Rural Residential 10 – Boy River Township
• Variance for an 8’ × 28’ addition at 1008 Sarajac Road NE – Kego Township
• Replacement and expansion of two non‑conforming structures at 5479 Snowball Road NE – Inquadona Township
• Conditional Use Permit for a short‑term rental unit (15 occupants, 6 bedrooms) at 9696 County 77 SW – Fairview Township
• Conditional Use Permit to move ~19,000 yards of peat for a wildlife pond at 4339 24th Street SW – Walden Township

The Planning Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the November 3 meeting and the agenda for the December 8 meeting. It recommended approving a reclassification of 43.8 acres from Agricultural Forestry to Rural Residential 10. The commission approved a variance for an 8‑by‑28‑foot addition at Girl Lake and denied a variance to replace and expand two structures near Lower Trelipe Lake.

• Approved November 3 minutes (7-0)
• Approved December 8 agenda (7-0)
• Recommended approval of 43.8‑acre reclassification (7-0)
• Approved 8’ × 28’ addition variance at 1008 Sarajac Rd NE (7-0)
• Denied variance for replacement/expansion at 5479 Snowball Rd NE (6-1)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board will hold a Truth‑In‑Taxation public hearing on the 2026 budget and discuss fees. Commissioners will vote on a motion to schedule adoption of the 2026 Cass County levy, budget, and fee schedule at the December 16 meeting. A public hearing will consider extending the LOST program through 2046, and a final payment will be made on Contract 25004. The consent agenda includes routine approvals such as holiday office closures and licensing updates.

• Public hearing to extend LOST through 2046
• Final payment on Contract 25004
• Truth‑In‑Taxation public hearing on the 2026 budget
• Motion to schedule adoption of the 2026 Cass County levy, budget and fee schedule
• Consent agenda approvals (e.g., holiday office closing, licensing, opioid settlement funds)

The commissioners unanimously approved the regular and consent agendas. They adopted Resolution 68-25 to grant two gambling exempt permits, and Resolution 67-25 to back the City of Walker’s request for Local Road Improvement Program funding. They also approved Resolution 66-25 to support a LRIP application for County Road 113 and authorized a $3,400 purchase of a utility trailer. All actions were adopted by majority vote with no dissenting votes recorded.

• Approved Regular Agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 68-25 approving two gambling exempt permits (majority vote)
• Adopted Resolution 67-25 supporting Walker LRIP road funding request (majority vote)
• Adopted Resolution 66-25 supporting LRIP application for County Road 113 (majority vote)
• Approved prepayment of $211,349.16 to City of Walker for water, sewer, street improvements
• Approved purchase of a 7x10 utility trailer for $3,400.00
• Approved ARPA Grant activities for medical and mental health providers

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will consider a consent agenda that includes numerous routine approvals and payments. They will vote on authorizing Fund 73 to finance construction of the East Gull Lake Trail on County State‑Aid Highway 70. Additional items include final payments on three highway contracts and approval of a housing support agreement with Burlington Recovery Homes, LLC. The meeting also sets dates for upcoming public hearings and an executive session on labor negotiation strategy.

• Authorize payment from Fund 73 for construction of the East Gull Lake Trail on CSAH 70
• Final payment on Contract 22083
• Final payment on Contract 23116
• Final payment on Contract 64804
• Approve Housing Support Agreement with Burlington Recovery Homes, LLC

The Cass County Board of Commissioners adopted several resolutions and authorizations. They approved gambling permits, sponsored LRIP road improvement applications for Pillager and Sylvan Township, renewed a wireless contract, and authorized funds for trail construction, texting services, ambulance support, and an ARPA health grant.

• Approved Resolution 60-25 granting LG220 gambling permits for Crooked Lake Relief Association and Squaw Lake Ducks Unlimited (ayes: Gaalswyk, Haaland, Kangas, Bruns; none nay; absent Lilyquist)
• Adopted Resolution 63-25 to sponsor City of Pillager’s LRIP road improvement application (ayes: Gaalswyk, Haaland, Kangas, Bruns; none nay; absent Lilyquist)
• Adopted Resolution 64-25 to sponsor Sylvan Township’s LRIP road improvement application (ayes: Gaalswyk, Haaland, Kangas, Bruns; none nay; absent Lilyquist)
• Approved renewal of wireless service contract with Ruckus Wireless via SHI International for $428
• Authorized $96,312.82 from Fund 73 for construction of the East Gull Lake Trail on CSAH 70
• Authorized purchase of a Simple Texting Plan for one year, not to exceed $500
• Authorized $155,500 for 3rd Quarter Longville Ambulance Subordinate Service District
• Approved ARPA Grant Activity for Advanced Correctional Health Care (Jail Mental Health) $4,445.92

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass Soil and Water Conservation District will approve payment vouchers for forest stewardship plans, shoreline restoration, and cover crops, along with contracts for Buxton Road stormwater improvements and a $5,000 culvert engineering agreement with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. The board will also consider accepting a $10,300 grant for a county ag inspector.

• Approval of Buxton Road stormwater contract
• Approval of culvert engineering agreement (up to $5,000)
• Acceptance of $10,300 County Ag Inspector Grant
• Approval of AIS funding requests and invasive plant management grant
• Approval of payment vouchers for WBIF Phase 3 projects

The Cass County Soil & Water Conservation District unanimously approved a contract with Karvakko Engineering to design stormwater best management practices for Buxton Road, not to exceed $15,500. A request to use unused AIS staffing hours for chemical treatment of Eurasian watermilfoil was denied after a 1‑for‑3 vote. Additional items approved unanimously included a $1,000 contribution to a soil‑health event, a $10,300 state agricultural grant, and a $5,000 culvert‑engineering agreement with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.

• Approved Karvakko Engineering contract for Buxton Road stormwater BMP design, max $15,500 (unanimous)
• Denied AIS funding exception for Eurasian watermilfoil chemical treatment (1 for, 3 against)
• Approved $1,000 contribution to SFA Soil Health Event (unanimous)
• Approved $10,300 Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture County Ag Inspector Grant for FY 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 culvert‑engineering agreement with Leech Lake Band‑selected firm (unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for City of Hackensack Re‑Leaf application (unanimous)
• Approved annual NACD membership at $525 (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Crow Wing River Watershed Management Implementation Agreement (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review the 2026 budget and fee schedule and establish a public hearing to extend the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) through 2046. The meeting also includes a closed session for annual department head evaluations.

• Establishment of a public hearing to extend the LOST through 2046
• Review of the 2026 Budget and Fee Schedule
• Approval of Cass County as sponsoring agency for Shingobee Township LRIP applications
• Final payments on contracts 61506 and 80303
• Approval of Microsoft Office 365 contract renewal

The Cass County Board approved the regular agenda and the consent agenda unanimously. It adopted Resolution 54-25, nominating Crow Wing County Commissioner Steve Borrows to the Sourcewell Board of Directors for a four‑year term beginning January 2026. The Board also scheduled the Truth in Taxation public hearing for the 2026 budget and fee schedule on December 2, 2025. Several contracts and expenditures were approved, including a $105,315.48 Microsoft Office 365 renewal and $9,492.00 for MRAP tire replacement.

• Approved regular agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 54-25 nominating Steve Borrows to Sourcewell Board (unanimous)
• Scheduled Truth in Taxation public hearing for 2026 budget, Dec 2, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Microsoft Office 365 contract renewal $105,315.48
• Approved Sierra Wireless AirLink Service contract $1,110.00
• Authorized out‑of‑state travel for Chief Deputy Eric Alger to FBI National Academy
• Authorized replacement of MRAP tires $9,492.00

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment will consider two property reclassifications and seven variance requests. The meeting includes decisions on residential structures and storage facilities near lakes and rivers.

• Reclassify 84.81 acres from Agricultural Forestry to Rural Residential 20 at 7264 37th Avenue SW
• Reclassify 5 acres at 12799 11th Ave SW to Sylvan Commercial
• Variance for a 1,341 sq ft residential structure at 5479 Snowball Road NE
• Variance for a 696 sq ft Accessory Dwelling Unit at 2278 Fahrenholz Road NE
• Conditional Use Permit for a commercial storage facility at 1752 State 84 SW

The Planning Commission approved the meeting minutes and agenda unanimously. It recommended approval of a reclassification request for a parcel at 12799 11th Ave SW. It accepted the withdrawal of a reclassification request for a parcel at 7264 37th Avenue SW. It also approved a variance to reestablish a bluff and add a deck and pergola at 6589 Andresen Bay Drive NE.

• Approved minutes of Oct 13, 2025 meeting (5-0)
• Approved agenda for Nov 3, 2025 meeting (5-0)
• Recommended approval of reclassification of .3 acres Rural Residential 2.5 to Sylvan Commercial and 4.7 acres Shoreland Residential to Sylvan Commercial at 12799 11th Ave SW (5-0)
• Accepted withdrawal of reclassification of 84.81 acres Agricultural Forestry to Rural Residential 20 at 7264 37th Avenue SW (5-0)
• Approved variance to reestablish bluff and add deck/pergola at 6589 Andresen Bay Drive NE (5-0)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will consider approving the transition of the county's probation delivery system to the Community Corrections Act model, awarding a bridge load rating contract, and approving a variety of personnel, contract, and reclassification items. The meeting will also include updates from various county departments and a public comment period for a watershed amendment.

• Approve transition of probation delivery system to CCA model
• Award bridge load rating contract to LHB
• Approve new case aide position for fraud prevention
• Approve website hosting contract renewal with CivicPlus, LLC
• Leech Lake River Watershed Amendment public comment period

The Cass County Board unanimously approved the regular meeting agenda and the consent agenda, with one commissioner abstaining. It also approved a website hosting contract, multiple grant allocations, and a request to obtain short‑term and long‑term plans for the jail facility. Two zoning reclassification applications were approved while one was denied.

• Approved regular meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous; Gaalswyk abstained)
• Approved website hosting contract renewal with CivicPlus, LLC for $5,469.76 (unanimous)
• Approved obtaining proposals for short‑term and long‑term jail facility plans, including exploring Local Option Sales Tax (unanimous)
• Approved Emergency Management Performance Grant $24,207 with matching $24,207 (unanimous)
• Approved ARPA Grant activities totaling $11,255.92 (unanimous)
• Denied zoning reclassification application from Lamont Peterson (May Township)
• Approved zoning reclassification applications for Wildwood Beach Resort (Woodrow Township) and Sharon Owen (Fairview Township) (unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission will consider a final plat for the Makinauk Shores First Addition, a five‑lot residential subdivision on 12.9 acres in Turtle Lake Township. The commission will also review several reclassification applications, including a 150.68‑acre change from Agricultural Forestry to Rural Residential in May Township. Additional items include variances for existing structures, a conditional use permit for a small sauna business, and a request to modify an existing variance width at Ball’s 1st Addition to Gitchee Gumee Beach.

• Final Plat – “Makinauk Shores First Addition”, 5 residential lots, PID# 45‑352‑0170/0171/0180, 12.9 acres, Shoreland Residential zone
• Reclassification – 150.68 acres from Agricultural Forestry to Rural Residential 10, PID# 24‑129‑1101, 11309 61st Ave SW, May Township
• Variance – Wildwood Beach Resort to retain two nonconforming cabins and a basketball court with a 47‑ft lake setback, 5.28 acres, PID# 51‑010‑2215, 4417 Buxton Rd NW
• Conditional Use Permit – small sauna business for up to 4 guests, 1.40 acres, PID# 38‑358‑0110, 6111 Evening Vista Trail NW, Shingobee Township
• Other Business – modify variance VP25‑141‑31‑3 to increase house width from 46 ft to 52 ft, 1.21 acres, PID# 38‑467‑0210, 5143 Boone Point Rd NW

The Planning Commission approved the September 8 meeting minutes and agenda unanimously. It approved the final plat for the five‑lot Makinauk Shores First Addition. It recommended approval of a 52.18‑acre reclassification to Rural Residential 2.5 and a 2.4‑acre reclassification to Shoreland Residential, while recommending denial of a 150.68‑acre reclassification to Rural Residential 10. It also approved a variance to keep two nonconforming cabins and a basketball court at Wildwood Beach Resort.

• Approved September 8 minutes (5‑0)
• Approved September 8 agenda (5‑0)
• Approved final plat for Makinauk Shores First Addition (5‑0)
• Recommended approval of 52.18‑acre reclassification to Rural Residential 2.5 (5‑0)
• Recommended denial of 150.68‑acre reclassification to Rural Residential 10 (5‑0)
• Recommended approval of 2.4‑acre reclassification to Shoreland Residential (5‑0)
• Approved variance to maintain two cabins and a basketball court at Wildwood Beach Resort (5‑0)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners meeting on October 7, 2025 will consider a range of items. Key decisions include approving the 2025 budget amendment, authorizing a tax‑forfeit land sale, and awarding several contracts for road and infrastructure projects. Additional agenda items cover employee recognitions, updates on the Aw‑Gwah‑Ching workforce housing project, and scheduling future meetings.

• Approve 2025 Budget Amendment
• 2025 Tax Forfeit Land Sale
• Award Contract 59811
• Approve MnDOT Agreement 1054931 for CSAH 53 Bridge Replacement
• Approve Purchase of In‑Floor Hoist

The commissioners unanimously approved the regular and consent agendas. They adopted Resolution 44-25, authorizing a $37,900 Toward Zero Death traffic‑safety grant. Additional approvals included a credit‑card limit increase, a business credit line, a Solarwinds contract renewal, and a $650 Beaver dam removal award.

• Approved regular agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 44-25 Toward Zero Death grant, $37,900 (5‑0)
• Approved credit‑card limit increase to $100,000 for county and Highway Department
• Approved business credit agreement with Border States Electric Supply, up to $5,000 per month
• Approved contract renewal with Solarwinds via SHI International for $1,852.90
• Awarded Beaver dam removal contract to Sawyer Enterprises for $650
• Received and filed zoning reclassification applications (Vanvickle & Peterson; Owen; Deegan) and remanded to Planning Commission

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass Soil and Water Conservation District board will approve the consent agenda items, including meeting minutes, an overnight travel request, and several forest stewardship plan filings. It will consider a motion to apply for up to $40,000 from the BWSR Keep It Clean grant program for FY 2025‑2026. The board will also review a motion to approve engineering design work for Edgewater Drive erosion in Woodrow Township using Leech Lake River WBIF Phase 3 funds and a renewal of a certificate of deposit for $37,061.00.

• Approve motion to apply for up to $40,000 BWSR Keep It Clean grant (FY 2025‑2026)
• Approve engineering design contract for Edgewater Drive erosion in Woodrow Township using Leech Lake River WBIF Phase 3 funds
• Approve renewal of certificate of deposit ending in 00X42 with $37,061.00 at best 7‑month rate
• Approve payment voucher CS512-25 for Forest Stewardship Plan from Crow Wing River WBIF Phase 1
• Approve contract amendment A2025-09 for Cost Share Application CS510-25

The Cass Soil & Water Conservation District unanimously approved funding support for a Keep It Clean grant up to $40,000. It also approved engineering design work for Edgewater Drive erosion control and several financial items, while tabling the renewal of a Certificate of Deposit. All motions passed unanimously unless noted otherwise.

• Approved support for Keep It Clean grant up to $40,000 (unanimous)
• Approved engineering design work for Edgewater Drive erosion (unanimous)
• Approved Bank Statement from 9/18/25 (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer's Report and Bills Paid (unanimous)
• Approved ACM and Cass SWCD Girl Lake Rock Arch Rapids Contract (unanimous)
• Approved Contract Amendment A2025-09 for cost‑share application CS510‑25 (unanimous)
• Approved CS522‑25 payment of $5,580 from Leech Lake River Watershed Phase 3 Funding (unanimous)
• Renewal of Certificate of Deposit ending in XXXXXX42 with $37,061.00 (tabled unanimously)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board will hold a public hearing on exchanging and revoking roads within Pine River Township and consider approving a joint powers agreement for that exchange. It will also consider a joint powers agreement with Loon Lake Township. Additional items include reports from the Insurance Committee and the Opioid Settlement Committee, and approval of HHVS and Annex roofing projects.

• Public hearing for the exchange and revocation of roads within Pine River Township
• Approve Joint Powers Agreement for the exchange and revocation of roads within Pine River Township
• Approve Joint Powers Agreement with Loon Lake Township
• Approve HHVS and Annex roofing projects
• Award Contract 65301

The Cass County Board unanimously adopted Resolution 43-25, exchanging County State Aid Highway 27 with Pine River Township and taking ownership of 44th Avenue SW and 4th Street SW. The board also approved the insurance committee’s recommendations to select MetLife as the dental carrier, Pinnacle as the HSA/FSA administrator, and Option 2 for the county medical plan. Additional approvals included ARPA grant payments for jail mental health, opioid settlement fund allocations, a $15,868.57 hot‑water coil replacement, a $117,708.10 road‑cost transfer, and a $9,892.12 SafeAssure service agreement.

• Adopted Resolution 43-25 to exchange/revoke Pine River Township roads (unanimous)
• Approved MetLife as new dental carrier (unanimous)
• Approved Pinnacle as new HSA/FSA/D C B administrator (unanimous)
• Approved Option 2 medical plan design (unanimous)
• Approved ARPA grant payments $4,445.92 and $6,250.00 for jail mental health (unanimous)
• Approved $15,868.57 hot‑water coil replacement in Annex (unanimous)
• Approved $117,708.10 transfer of unorganized township road costs (unanimous)
• Approved 12‑month SafeAssure service agreement $9,892.12 (unanimous)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Soil and Water Conservation District will open bids for the Girl Lake Rock Arch Rapids project. A motion will be considered to approve the lowest responsible bidder, contingent on a review by Houston Engineering and receipt of the DNR work permit. The meeting also includes routine items such as calling the meeting to order, the pledge of allegiance, agenda approval, and adjournment.

• Opening of bids for the Girl Lake Rock Arch Rapids project
• Recommendation to approve the lowest responsible bidder pending Houston Engineering review
• Requirement to obtain DNR work permit before award
• Approval of agenda for discussion

The district approved its agenda without amendment. Members opened bids for the Girl Lake Rock Arch Rapids project and voted to accept the lowest responsible bidder, pending Houston Engineering's review for completeness and DNR permit compliance. Both motions passed unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved opening of bids for Girl Lake Rock Arch Rapids (unanimous)
• Approved accepting lowest responsible bidder pending Houston Engineering review (unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The commission approved the meeting minutes and agenda unanimously. It recommended approval of a reclassification of about 40 acres in Wilson Township from Agricultural Forestry to Rural Residential zones. The board also approved the Makinauk Shores First Addition preliminary plat, creating five residential lots in Turtle Lake Township. Two variance requests were denied: one for a porch and deck expansion in Pine Lake Township and another for a shoreland recreational area on Pleasant Lake.

• Approved August 11, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved September 8, 2025 agenda (6-0)
• Recommended approval of reclassification of 20 acres to Rural Residential 20 and 19.86 acres to Rural Residential 10 (6-0)
• Approved Makinauk Shores First Addition preliminary plat for five lots (6-0)
• Denied variance for porch and deck expansion at 1662 Woodtick Trail NW (3-3)
• Denied variance for 190‑foot shoreland recreational use at 3345 County 45 NW (6-0)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The board approved the agenda and consent agenda unanimously. Financial items including the bank statement, treasurer's report, CD renewal, and a credit‑card limit increase to $4,000 (split $1,000 for Steve Henry and $3,000 for Dana Gutzmann) were also approved unanimously. The request to address Woodrow Township stormwater retrofits was tabled until further interest is gauged.

• Approved agenda (unanimously)
• Approved consent agenda with minute edits (unanimously)
• Approved bank statement from 8/21/25 (unanimously)
• Approved treasurer's report and bills paid (unanimously)
• Tabled Woodrow Township stormwater retrofit request (unanimously)
• Received and filed CD renewal at 4.1% for seven months (unanimously)
• Increased district credit card limit to $4,000, $1,000 for Steve Henry and $3,000 for Dana Gutzmann (unanimously)

County Commissioners

The commissioners unanimously approved the regular agenda and the consent agenda. They also voted unanimously to select UMR as the 2026 third‑party administrator for the county medical plan. By majority vote the board adopted Resolution 40‑25 establishing the 2026 preliminary property tax levy at 11.98%, with a public hearing scheduled for Dec. 2, 2025. Additional approvals included auditor warrants, grant payments and repair quotes.

• Approved Regular Agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous)
• Approved multiple Auditor Warrants (e.g., $242,839.80 on Aug 14 2025) (unanimous)
• Approved ARPA Grant Activity to Mary Mapes – $6,250.00 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Affordable Housing Aid to Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity – $11,707.35 (unanimous)
• Selected UMR as 2026 Third‑Party Administrator for the county medical plan (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 40‑25 establishing 2026 preliminary property tax levy at 11.98% (majority vote)
• Approved REAM FY 2026‑2027 Grant funds – $32,000 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board approved the regular and consent agendas unanimously. It adopted Resolution 37-25, supporting the Sheriff’s Office with a $50,000 impact‑funding application. The Board authorized $155,500 for the Longville Ambulance Subordinate Service District and approved several small purchases and a $2,400 fence contract for the City of Backus recycling area.

• Approved Regular Agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 37-25 supporting $50,000 Sheriff impact‑funding (Ayes: Gaalswyk, Lilyquist, Kangas, Bruns; Absent: Haaland)
• Authorized $155,500 for Longville Ambulance Subordinate Service District
• Authorized $1,000 Minnesota Forest Resource Council sponsorship
• Authorized purchase of printer for County Attorney’s Office for $2,619.00
• Awarded $2,400 chain‑link fence contract to Steve Hoopman for City of Backus recycling area
• Received and filed Initiative Foundation presentation (no vote)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The commission approved the July 14 minutes and the August 11 agenda unanimously. It voted 7‑0 to recommend denial of a request to reclassify about 29.5 acres from Agricultural Forestry to Rural Residential 20. It also voted 7‑0 to approve two variance applications: one for a new 1,748‑sq‑ft residence on 5143 Boone Point Road NW and another for a cabin expansion on 1764 12th Ave NW.

• Approved July 14, 2025 minutes (7‑0)
• Approved August 11, 2025 agenda (7‑0)
• Recommended denial of 29.5‑acre reclassification (7‑0)
• Approved variance for George Brandt – 1,748‑sq‑ft residence at 5143 Boone Point Road NW (7‑0)
• Approved variance for Todd Elison – cabin and accessory structure at 1764 12th Ave NW (7‑0)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The district approved the agenda with three added items and the consent agenda, both unanimously. It also approved the MOSH Education Grant to lower tuition for the Crow Wing River Basin Forage Council Grazing School. Additional unanimous approvals included bank statements, a $23,299.96 CD renewal, the Pine River WBIF Fiscal Agent Agreement, and several cost‑share projects.

• Approved agenda with three additions (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda with two edits (unanimous)
• Approved MOSH Education Grant execution (unanimous)
• Approved bank statements and CD renewal of $23,299.96 (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer's Report and bills paid (unanimous)
• Approved Pine River WBIF Fiscal Agent Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved Leech Lake River Watershed Policy Committee Bylaws (unanimous)
• Approved Cost Share Application CS516-25 shoreline restoration (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board unanimously approved the regular and consent agendas and then approved a series of contracts, grants, and agreements, including a $57,024 Victim Services grant and a law‑enforcement services agreement up to $61,628. It also approved zoning reclassifications for parcels in Powers, Leach Lake, and Fairview Townships, and authorized purchases for a jail camera system and a dispatch power station. Additional approvals included a $190,507 wellness court grant and several service contracts.

• Adopted Resolution 33-25 for Victim Services grant $57,024 (5-0)
• Approved Law Enforcement Services Agreement with Cass Lake Bena School, up to $61,628 (unanimous)
• Approved Zoning Reclassification applications for parcels in Powers, Leach Lake, and Fairview Townships (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of Pro‑Vision Camera System for jail transport vehicle, $5,194 (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of portable power station for Dispatch Emergency Services, $899 (unanimous)
• Approved FY26 Wellness Court Grant application, $190,507 (unanimous)
• Approved Master Client Agreement with Stonebrooke Engineering to evaluate bridges 11509 and 11526 (unanimous)
• Approved propane contract for heating season 2025‑2026 with Northdale Oil, $1.210 per gallon (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The commissioners unanimously approved the regular agenda and the consent agenda, which included numerous auditor warrants, contracts and grant approvals. They unanimously referred the 457(b) deferred‑compensation plan review to the Personnel Committee. A motion was made and seconded to adopt Resolution 32‑25, revoking portions of Ketchum Rd., Sunset Beach Rd., Sucker Bay Rd., Two Points Rd., Two Points Lane NW and Otter Tail Peninsula Rd. to Otter Tail Peninsula Township.

• Approved regular agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items including auditor warrants and contracts (unanimous)
• Referred 457(b) deferred‑compensation plan change request to Personnel Committee (unanimous)
• Motion to adopt Resolution 32‑25 revoking township roads presented (motion by Kangas, seconded by Lilyquist)
• Approved renewal contract with SHI International for $85,618.80 firewall support (unanimous)
• Approved online calendar hosting service to Brown Bear Software for $600 per year (unanimous)
• Approved award of multiple small projects to Ruyak Enterprises and Schrupp Excavating (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of iPhones and laptops for Health, Human & Veteran Services (unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Planning Commission approved the Garage Max 371 preliminary plat, creating 30 commercial storage lots, by a unanimous 7‑0 vote. It also recommended approval of a 6.41‑acre reclassification to Commercial (7‑0), a 72‑acre reclassification to Rural Residential 2.5 (4‑3), and a 10‑acre reclassification to Rural Residential 10 (7‑0). The commission tabled a 29.5‑acre reclassification request for a site visit (7‑0) and approved the June 9 minutes and the July 14 agenda, each by 7‑0 votes.

• Approved preliminary plat for Garage Max 371 (30 lots) – 7/0
• Recommended approval of 6.41‑acre reclassification to Commercial – 7/0
• Recommended approval of 72‑acre reclassification to Rural Residential 2.5 – 4/3
• Recommended approval of 10‑acre reclassification to Rural Residential 10 – 7/0
• Tabled 29.5‑acre reclassification request for site visit – 7/0
• Approved June 9, 2025 meeting minutes – 7/0
• Approved July 14, 2025 agenda (with schedule discussion) – 7/0

Soil and Water Conservation District

The district unanimously approved a series of cost‑share applications, notably CS507‑25 for heavy‑use protection with a $3,000 limit. It also denied two AIS cost‑share requests for chemical treatment of invasive milfoil and pondweed. Membership in the MN Soil Health Coalition was approved, and regular board meetings were moved to 10 a.m. on the August and September dates.

• Denied AIS cost‑share request from Washburn Lake Association for Eurasian watermilfoil (unanimous)
• Denied AIS cost‑share request from Norway Lake Association for curly leaf pondweed (unanimous)
• Approved membership in MN Soil Health Coalition (unanimous)
• Approved CS507‑25 for heavy‑use protection area with Crow Wing WBIF Phase 1 funding at $3,000 maximum (unanimous)
• Approved multiple other cost‑share applications and payment vouchers (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer’s report and bank statement (unanimous)
• Moved regular SWCD board meetings on Aug 7 (Backus) and Sep 4 (Walker) to 10 a.m. (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board unanimously approved the regular agenda amendment to hear a road‑condition request and the consent agenda, which included auditor warrants totaling $12,326,297.03, multiple liquor license renewals, an ARPA grant of $6,250, and opioid settlement fund allocations of $8,355.43. The Board also approved a Joint Powers Agreement to administer the Sanitary Sewage Treatment System program in Hackensack, authorized purchases for the Sheriff’s Office, and received zoning reclassification applications for further review. A motion to keep gates on a private easement was not seconded, so no action was taken.

• Approved regular agenda amendment to hear road‑condition request (unanimous)
• Approved auditor warrants totaling $12,326,297.03 (unanimous)
• Approved 19 liquor license renewals (unanimous)
• Approved ARPA grant activity $6,250.00 (unanimous)
• Approved opioid settlement fund allocations totaling $8,355.43 (unanimous)
• Approved Joint Powers Agreement for Sanitary Sewage Treatment System program in Hackensack (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of Sheriff's Office evidence‑room shelving $6,957.57 and paper tablet $568.99 (unanimous)
• Received and filed zoning reclassification applications for parcels in Fairview, Leech Lake, and Powers Townships; remanded to Planning Commission (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The commissioners adopted Resolution 30‑25, approving the LG220 gambling activity permit for the North Country Chapter of Pheasants Forever at Hunts Point Gun Club. They also adopted Resolution 29‑25 designating Auditor‑Treasurer Lisa Shadick as the Identified Official with Authority for the state education system. Additional actions included approving a $326,000 crime‑intervention grant, a $360,806.85 Chippewa National Forest Fund distribution, and remanding a zoning reclassification request from Richard Beach back to the Planning Commission.

• Approved gambling activity permit for North Country Chapter of Pheasants Forever (Resolution 30‑25) – 5‑0 vote
• Designated Auditor‑Treasurer Lisa Shadick as Identified Official with Authority (Resolution 29‑25) – 5‑0 vote
• Approved $326,000 Community Crime Intervention and Prevention grant application
• Approved distribution of Chippewa National Forest Fund payment $360,806.85
• Approved law enforcement services agreement with Pillager School, up to $61,628
• Approved zoning reclassification application from Dawn Holmberg (PID 24‑132‑3300)
• Remanded Richard Beach zoning reclassification request (PID 03‑020‑4300) back to Planning Commission – unanimous
• Authorized health purchase of workstation parts and standing desks not to exceed $1,236.62

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The commission approved the reclassification of an 82.37‑acre parcel from Agricultural Forestry to Rural Residential 20 by a 7‑0 vote. It denied a similar reclassification request for about 29.5 acres by a 5‑2 vote. The board also approved a variance amendment removing a garage‑removal condition (7‑0) and denied a conditional‑use amendment for a partial fence (3‑4). A variance for a remodel and new garage near Hand Lake was approved by a 7‑0 vote.

• Approved reclassification of 82.37 acres (Holmberg) to Rural Residential 20 (7‑0)
• Denied reclassification of ~29.5 acres (Beach) to Rural Residential 20 (5‑2)
• Approved variance amendment VP24-139-30-3 removing garage‑removal requirement (7‑0)
• Denied CUP amendment CU25-137-29-1 to allow partial fence (3‑4)
• Approved variance for Timothy Beiseker remodel and garage near Hand Lake (7‑0)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass Soil & Water Conservation District approved its agenda and consent agenda, authorized several AIS fund requests ($170 and $1,840), and adopted a series of watershed funding agreements and grant contracts, including a USDA Forest Service grant for the Girl Lake Outlet Modification. Members also voted not to join the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer program, approved an increase in SFA membership fees, and set the July board meeting date.

• Approved agenda with additions (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved AIS fund request $170.00 from Wabedo Little Boy Cooper Rice Lake Association (unanimous)
• Approved AIS fund request $1,840.00 for Roosevelt and Lawrence Area Lakes Association (unanimous)
• Approved grant agreement with USDA Forest Service Region 9 for Girl Lake Outlet Modification (unanimous)
• Approved SFA membership fee increase from $150.00 to $240.00 (unanimous)
• Approved prevailing wage exemption resolution (unanimous)
• Approved move of July SWCD board meeting to July 2, 2025 at 10 am in Walker (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board unanimously approved an Employee Appreciation Day ice‑cream social and the consent agenda, which included auditor warrants and liquor licenses. By majority vote the board adopted Resolution 27‑25, approving three gambling permits for Hunts Point Gun Club, Loaded Loon Bar & Grill, and Sandtrap Golf Course. The board also approved a $16,990 capital‑fund expense for survey equipment and allocated opioid settlement funds of $451.23 and $10,065.90. Several trail‑mowing, brushing and hay‑stumpage contracts were awarded to local contractors.

• Approved Employee Appreciation Day Ice Cream Social (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda items including auditor warrants and liquor licenses (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 27‑25 approving three gambling permits (5‑0 majority)
• Approved 2025 Capital Fund expense for survey equipment $16,990 (unanimous)
• Approved Opioid Settlement Funds: Northwoods Church $451.23, Leech Lake Health & Safety $10,065.90 (unanimous)
• Awarded trail‑mowing contracts to Mutch's Forestry ($2,424, $4,372, $1,209, $1,629) and Schrupp Excavating ($1,000) (unanimous)
• Awarded brushing contracts to Schrupp Excavating for multiple trails totaling $11,000 (unanimous)
• Awarded Hay Stumpage permits to Larry Converse $25, Levi Kuschel $30, Terry Mejdrich $25 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board unanimously approved the regular and consent agendas. It adopted Resolution 24-25, approving five gambling permits and a new on‑sale liquor license for Little Wolf Resort. The board also adopted Resolution 22-25 to support a Sourcewell community‑impact grant and repealed the moratorium on electronic and digital signs. All votes were unanimous except the gambling and grant resolutions, which passed with all present commissioners voting aye.

• Approved regular agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items, including auditor warrants totaling $1,226,221.11 (unanimous)
• Approved on‑sale intoxicating liquor license for Little Wolf Resort (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 24-25 approving five gambling permits (ayes: Lilyquist, Haaland, Kangas, Bruns; absent: Gaalswyk)
• Approved 2025 Capital Fund expenses: Dell server replacements $28,554.52 and Krause Anderson assessments $26,000.00 (unanimous)
• Approved ARPA grant payments: Advanced Correctional Healthcare $4,155.08, Mary Mapes $6,250.00 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 22-25 supporting Sourcewell Region V Children’s Mental Health grant (ayes: Lilyquist, Haaland, Kangas, Bruns; absent: Gaalswyk)
• Repealed moratorium on electronic and digital signs by adopting Ordinance 2025‑02 (unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Planning Commission approved the minutes and agenda for the May 12 meeting by a 6‑0 vote. It tabled the Beach reclassification request for 29.5 acres in Becker Township. It approved two reclassification applications: 19.32 acres at 6565 State 200 NE from Rural Residential 2.5 to Commercial (C‑1), and 40.07 acres at 1706 44th Street SW from Agricultural Forestry to Rural Residential 10, each by a 6‑0 vote. The commission also approved a variance for a residential structure on a riparian lot at 1467 Ossego Road SW on Gull Lake, also by a 6‑0 vote.

• Approved April 14 minutes (6‑0)
• Approved May 12 agenda (6‑0)
• Tabled reclassification of 29.5 acres in Becker Township (6‑0)
• Approved reclassification of 19.32 acres at 6565 State 200 NE to Commercial (C‑1) (6‑0)
• Approved reclassification of 40.07 acres at 1706 44th Street SW to Rural Residential 10 (6‑0)
• Tabled reclassification of 82.37 acres in May Township (6‑0)
• Approved variance for residential structure on 1467 Ossego Road SW, Gull Lake (6‑0)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board unanimously approved the regular agenda and the consent agenda. It adopted a resolution approving the LG220 gambling permit for the Bemidji Lady Ducks (5‑0 vote) and increased the County’s overall credit‑card limit from $50,000 to $95,000. Several zoning reclassifications and a joint powers agreement with the Minnesota DNR were also approved.

• Approved Regular Agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous)
• Approved LG220 gambling permit for Bemidji Lady Ducks (5-0)
• Approved increase of County credit‑card limit to $95,000
• Approved zoning reclassification for Dexter Development, LLC parcel in Leech Lake Township
• Approved zoning reclassification for Calvary Evangelical Free Church parcels in Shingobee Township
• Approved zoning reclassification for Brian Shermock parcels in Trelipe Township
• Approved joint powers agreement with Minnesota DNR Division of Wildlife (effective May 6, 2025)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass Soil & Water Conservation District approved several funding requests and service agreements. Items approved included algae sampling ($1,582.00), Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting ($4,418.00), a grant agreement with the Nature Conservancy, and a $400 workshop funding request. Additional approvals covered a $670 advertising package, a $825 payment voucher, and an amendment to extend a contract.

• Approved $1,582.00 algae sampling funding (4-0-1)
• Approved $4,418.00 Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting funding (unanimous)
• Approved grant agreement with the Nature Conservancy (unanimous)
• Approved $400 SFA Crow Wing Forage Council workshop funding (unanimous)
• Approved $670 KAXE Premier Programming advertising package (4-0-1)
• Approved $825 payment voucher CS485-25 (unanimous)
• Approved amendment A2025-07 to extend contract CS457-24 (1-0-1)
• Approved Crow Wing River Watershed Agreement for Services (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board approved its regular agenda and consent agenda unanimously. It adopted Resolution 17‑25 establishing the 2025 bridge replacement priority list and Resolution 18‑25 authorizing the updated Hazard Mitigation Plan and a sub‑grant agreement. The Board also unanimously approved a $200,000 revolving‑loan fund for a Pine River apartment conversion, a $79,748 boat safety grant, and $243,075 library funding, along with several demolition and grading contracts.

• Approved regular agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items including auditor warrants, appointments, licenses, ARPA grant, opioid settlement funds, UKG contract renewal, affordable housing grant, assessor abatements, travel, opposition letter (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 17‑25 establishing bridge replacement priority list (4‑0, Haaland absent)
• Adopted Resolution 18‑25 authorizing updated hazard mitigation plan and sub‑grant agreement (4‑0, Haaland absent)
• Approved $200,000 revolving‑loan fund for Pine River Apartments project (unanimous)
• Approved Boat and Water Safety Grant contract for $79,748 (unanimous)
• Authorized $243,075 budget support for Kitchigami Regional Library (unanimous)
• Approved demolition contracts: $22,800 to Storlie Construction, $1,845 to DeChantal Excavating, $785 to DeChantal Excavating (unanimous); approved grading contracts totaling $... (unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The commission approved the March 10 minutes and the April 14 agenda unanimously (6‑0 each). It recommended approval of three land‑use reclassifications: 30.53 acres from Rural Residential 5 to Rural Residential 2.5, 188.30 acres from Rural Residential 2.5 to Agricultural Forestry, and several parcels from Shoreland Residential/Rural Residential 2.5 to Commercial. The commission also approved a variance allowing a roof reorientation on a Pleasant Lake property (6‑0).

• Approved March 10, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Approved April 14, 2025 agenda (6-0)
• Recommended approval of 30.53‑acre reclassification to Rural Residential 2.5 (6-0)
• Recommended approval of 188.30‑acre reclassification to Agricultural Forestry (6-0)
• Recommended approval of parcel reclassification to Commercial (6-0)
• Approved variance for roof reorientation on Pleasant Lake property (6-0)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass Soil & Water Conservation District unanimously approved several contracts, cost‑share agreements, and resolutions, including a livestock pipeline grant and a soil health grant. A request for $2,175 chemical‑treatment assistance from RALALA was denied after a split vote. All other items on the agenda passed without opposition.

• Approved WaterGuards Inspection Services Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved Townline AIS 50% cost share up to $1,260 (unanimous)
• Denied RALALA chemical‑treatment funding request up to $2,175 (split vote)
• Approved contract with Hubbard SWCD for DNR Priority Lakes Forestry Fund (unanimous)
• Approved resolutions accepting WCA delegations from Cass Lake, Federal Dam, and Pine River (unanimous)
• Approved MASWCD Area VIII dues (unanimous)
• Approved $300 donation for Envirothon support (unanimous)
• Approved CS493-25 livestock pipeline grant $2,683.61 and Soil Health Delivery Grant $316.39 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board unanimously approved the regular meeting agenda and the consent agenda. It adopted Resolution 15‑25, approving the Outing Gun Club gambling license with a 5‑0 vote. The Board also authorized the sale of parcel 83‑337‑2451 to the City of Bena, approved a $20,000 services agreement with USI to market the 2026 medical plan, and approved several contracts and donations.

• Approved regular meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items (unanimous)
• Approved Outing Gun Club gambling license (5-0)
• Authorized sale of parcel 83-337-2451 to City of Bena for $3,480.89
• Approved USI services agreement for $20,000 (unanimous)
• Awarded well‑sealing contract to Northern Wells and Services for $5,550.00
• Awarded Cass County septic inspection contract to April Thompson at $190 per inspection
• Accepted donation of $300 from Pine Lake Township for Lakes Area Dive Team