Dakota County, MN

General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole

Board of Commissioners

General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole

Board of Commissioners

Community Services Committee of the Whole

Physical Development Committee of the Whole

General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole

Regional Railroad Authority

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the 2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, then consider a consent agenda covering numerous contracts, budget amendments, and right-of-way acquisitions. The regular agenda includes adopting the 2027 certified maximum proposed tax levy. Several items authorize quick-take condemnation for trail and road projects.

• Public hearing on Program Year 2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report
• Adoption of 2027 certified maximum proposed tax levy
• Approval of 2027 medical, dental, and disability insurance plans and rates
• Quick-take condemnation for Lebanon Hills Greenway trail (Eagan) and 70th Street reconstruction (Inver Grove Heights)
• Contracts with Kimley-Horn for County Road 63 reconstruction and Pilot Knob Road visioning study

General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole

The Dakota County General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss and recommend action on several items, including a legislative update, an IT system update for advisory committee applicants, and revisions to Policy 2255 on credit card and electronic payment acceptance. Any action taken by this committee is a recommendation to the full County Board. The agenda also includes routine items like approval of minutes and future agenda planning.

• Approval of revisions to Policy 2255 Credit Card and Electronic Payment Acceptance
• Update on AdvisoryGov for advisory committee applicants and administration
• Legislative update from Communications and Public Affairs
• Approval of minutes from September 1, 2026 meeting

Regional Railroad Authority

The Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority will consider approving minutes, receiving findings on an at-grade railroad crossing improvement plan, authorizing release of the draft 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program, and certifying the maximum proposed 2027 property tax levy. These are regular administrative and planning actions, with no public hearings listed. The meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2026, in Hastings, MN.

• Findings of at-grade railroad crossing improvement plan
• Release of draft 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program
• Certification of maximum proposed 2027 property tax levy
• Approval of minutes from January 6, 2026 meeting

Physical Development Committee of the Whole

The Dakota County Physical Development Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss and provide direction on transportation cost policy updates. The committee may also approve the minutes from the August 18, 2026 meeting. Any action taken is a recommendation to the County Board.

• Discussion and direction on transportation cost policy updates
• Approval of minutes from August 18, 2026 meeting

Community Services Committee of the Whole

The Dakota County Community Services Committee of the Whole will meet to receive an update from the Dakota-Scott Counties Workforce Development Board. The agenda is otherwise procedural, including approval of the previous meeting's minutes. Any action taken by this committee is a recommendation to the County Board.

• Dakota-Scott Counties Workforce Development Board update
• Approval of minutes from August 18, 2026 meeting

Board Work Session

The Dakota County Board is holding a work session to review the financial planning environment and fiscal pressures shaping the 2027 budget. The agenda includes a 2027 Budget and Levy Update, with no decisions or votes listed.

• 2027 Budget and Levy Update discussion

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider several contract amendments using opioid settlement funds for public health recovery resources. The meeting also includes discussions on transportation improvements, park plans, and scheduling a public hearing for 2027 recommended fee schedules.

• Contract amendments with Thrive! Family Recovery Resources, Minnesota Recovery Connection, Lionheart Wellness and Recovery, and Wayside House, Inc. using opioid settlement funds
• Public hearing for Dakota County 2027 Recommended Fee Schedules
• Engineering services contract with Alliant Engineering, Inc. for CSAH 50 and CSAH 60 intersection in Lakeville
• Joint Powers Agreement for 179th Street West roadway construction in Lakeville
• Pedestrian safety improvement engineering services for CSAH 14 in South St. Paul

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners approved a series of opioid settlement fund contract amendments totaling $357,707 in new spending, extending terms through 2028. The board certified a $1,090,798 levy for the Dakota County portion of the Vermillion River Watershed Management Tax District for taxes payable in 2027. Multiple transportation and parks contracts were authorized, including $403,276 for a railroad crossing agreement and $277,500 for a Lake Byllesby crossing improvement. All resolutions passed 7-0, with Commissioner Halverson abstaining on the Wayside House contract due to a board membership conflict.

• Approved $93,707 contract amendment with Thrive! Family Recovery Resources using opioid settlement funds (7-0)
• Approved $89,000 contract amendment with Minnesota Recovery Connection using opioid settlement funds (7-0)
• Approved $75,000 contract amendment with Lionheart Wellness and Recovery using opioid settlement funds (7-0)
• Approved contract amendment with Wayside House, Inc. extending term through 2028 (7-0, Halverson abstained)
• Certified $1,090,798 levy for Dakota County portion of Vermillion River Watershed Management Tax District for 2027 (7-0)
• Authorized $403,276 three-way agreement with Union Pacific and Inver Grove Heights for 105th Street crossing (7-0)
• Rescinded Resolution 26-332 and authorized up to $277,500 for Byllesby Bluff railroad crossing improvements (7-0)
• Approved sale of excess property in South St. Paul to CDA for $178,000 (7-0)

General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole

The General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole will review routine administrative items, including the approval of previous minutes. The primary substantive actions involve authorizing vendors and rates for 2027 employee benefits, specifically short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, FMLA, vision, and dental plans. The committee will also approve 2027 medical plans and premium rates. All actions taken by this committee constitute recommendations to the full County Board.

• Authorization to approve vendors and rates for 2027 Group Short-term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, FMLA, and Vision
• Authorization to execute contract with Delta Dental of Minnesota for 2027 Dental Plan
• Approval of 2027 Medical Plans and Premium Rates
• Legislative Update from Communications and Public Affairs

The General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole approved its agenda and the August 4, 2026 minutes on 7-0 votes. It approved and recommended to the full Board 2027 insurance contracts with Standard Insurance Company and VSP Vision Care, a 2027 dental plan contract with Delta Dental of Minnesota, and 2027 medical plans and premium rates including a 9.10% aggregate self-funded increase. All items were approved 7-0 and recommended for Board action on 9/22/2026; a legislative update was informational only.

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved minutes of August 4, 2026 meeting (7-0)
• Approved and recommended 2027-2029 life, FMLA, short-term and long-term disability contracts with Standard Insurance Company (7-0)
• Approved and recommended VSP Vision Care contract for 2027-2031 vision benefits (7-0)
• Approved and recommended 2027 dental plan contract with Delta Dental of Minnesota (7-0)
• Approved and recommended 2027 medical plans and rates: 9.10% aggregate increase; Dakota Advantage +11%, Dakota Select +7.25%, Dakota HSA +5.25% (7-0)
• Approved HSA deductible increase to $1750 single/$3500 family, raising County annual HSA contribution to $875 single/$1750 family (7-0)
• Adjourned at 11:52 a.m. (unanimous)

Physical Development Committee of the Whole

The Dakota County Physical Development Committee of the Whole will review and provide direction on the METRO G Line terminal station at the Northern Service Center in West St. Paul, and will consider several parks-related actions, including releasing a draft Natural Systems Plan for public comment, transferring environmental legacy funds from the Veterans Memorial Greenway project, and applying for a state conservation grant. The committee's actions are recommendations to the County Board.

• Update and direction on METRO G Line terminal station at Northern Service Center, West St. Paul
• Authorization to release draft Natural Systems Plan for public review and comment
• Authorization to release and transfer Environmental Legacy Funds from Veterans Memorial Greenway Project P00147 to other eligible capital projects
• Authorization to apply for Minnesota DNR Conservation Partners Legacy Grant funds

The committee approved the release of a draft Natural Systems Plan for a 30-day public comment period starting September 1, 2026. The committee also authorized transferring up to $2.35 million in environmental legacy funds from the Veterans Memorial Greenway project to other eligible projects and approved applying for up to $650,000 in DNR grant funds.

• Approved agenda unanimously (5-0)
• Approved July 14, 2026 meeting minutes unanimously (5-0)
• Authorized release of draft Natural Systems Plan for 30-day public review starting Sept. 1, 2026 (6-0)
• Authorized transfer of up to $2.35M in environmental legacy funds from Veterans Memorial Greenway to other projects (6-0)
• Authorized application for up to $650,000 in DNR Conservation Partners Legacy grant funds (6-0)

Community Services Committee of the Whole

The Community Services Committee of the Whole will discuss and recommend actions on opioid settlement fund usage, including contract amendments with four recovery organizations and a budget amendment. They will also receive updates on the opioid settlement response, overdose awareness month, and the county's substance use services continuum. Any actions taken are recommendations to the County Board.

• Contract amendment with Thrive! Family Recovery Resources using opioid settlement funds
• Contract amendment with Minnesota Recovery Connection using opioid settlement funds
• Contract amendment with Lionheart Wellness and Recovery using opioid settlement funds
• Contract amendment with Wayside House, Inc. using opioid settlement funds
• Proclamation of August as Overdose Awareness Month in Dakota County

The Community Services Committee recommended several contract amendments using opioid settlement funds to extend services through 2028. The committee also recommended a proclamation for August as Overdose Awareness Month. These recommendations are subject to Board of Commissioners action on September 1, 2026.

• Recommended August as Overdose Awareness Month (6-0)
• Recommended Thrive! Family Recovery Resources contract amendment to $187,414 total (6-0)
• Recommended Minnesota Recovery Connection contract amendment to $178,000 total (6-0)
• Recommended Lionheart Wellness and Recovery contract amendment to $150,000 total (6-0)
• Recommended Wayside House, Inc. contract term extension through 2028 (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

This is a special meeting of the Dakota County Board of Commissioners held solely to enter a closed executive session to discuss labor negotiations strategy. No other business is scheduled; the agenda consists of procedural items and the closed session, followed by adjournment.

• Closed executive session to discuss labor negotiations strategy

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners met on August 18, 2026, and approved its agenda. The Board then approved a closed executive session to discuss labor negotiations strategy, recessing at 11:56 a.m. and reconvening at 12:25 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 12:26 p.m. No substantive policy decisions were made in open session; the labor discussions occurred in closed session and no details were recorded.

• Approved agenda (6 ayes)
• Approved closed executive session on labor negotiations strategy (6 ayes)
• Adjourned meeting (6 ayes)

Board Work Session

The Dakota County Board is holding a work session to review the proposed 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), the proposed Capital Equipment Program (CEP), and proposed updates to the 2027 fee schedule. This is a discussion and overview session, not a final decision-making meeting. The agenda includes only these items and adjournment, with no other business listed.

• Proposed 2027 fee schedule overview
• 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) overview
• 2027-2031 Capital Equipment Program (CEP) overview

Board of Commissioners

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting at the Dakota County Fairgrounds. The agenda consists of procedural items (call to order, pledge, public comment) and recognitions of local agricultural groups, including the University of Minnesota Extension's 2026 Farm Family of the Year, Century and Sesquicentennial Farms, and 4-H updates. No policy decisions, ordinances, or contracts are listed.

• Recognition of University of Minnesota Extension Services 2026 Farm Family of the Year
• Recognition of Dakota County Farm Bureau 2026 Century and Sesquicentennial Farms
• Dakota County 4-H updates and highlights
• Public comment limited to five minutes; email required by 7:30am

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners met in a special session at the County Fairgrounds, but took no substantive actions. The agenda consisted entirely of informational items: recognizing the 2026 Farm Family of the Year, Century and Sesquicentennial Farms, and 4-H program updates. The board approved the agenda and adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Board Work Session

The Dakota County Board will hold a work session to discuss the 2027 budget, focusing on levy priorities and financial planning. The meeting is primarily procedural, with no major decisions expected. The board will review fiscal pressures and the budget development environment. The work session is open to the public and will be held in-person.

General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole

The General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole will meet to review financial reports and legislative updates. Actions taken by this committee serve as recommendations to the County Board.

• Report on budget amendments and contracts
• Update on Second Quarter Dakota County Investment Portfolio 2026
• Legislative update from Communications and Public Affairs

The Dakota County General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole met on August 4, 2026, and approved the consent agenda and the minutes from the July 7, 2026 meeting. All other items were informational only, including budget amendments, investment portfolio updates, and legislative updates. No substantive policy decisions were made.

• Approved consent agenda (7-0)
• Approved minutes of July 7, 2026 meeting (7-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners is deciding on various agreements, contracts, and grants at this meeting. They will discuss public hearings for a park ordinance and revenue obligations for a 360 Communities project. The board will also consider authorizations for contracts, agreements, and budget amendments for several departments, including Parks, Public Services, and Social Services.

• Public hearing for amended Park Ordinance 107
• Authorization to execute contract with Short-Elliott-Hendrickson for Greenway Trail design
• Grant funds from Minnesota Historical Society for Heroes and Heritage Interpretive Trail
• Authorization to amend Joint Powers Agreement for Local Affordable Housing Aid
• Authorization to execute contract with Dakota Electric Association for Broadband Network Agreement

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners approved host approval for the City of Lilydale to issue up to $8,000,000 in revenue obligations for the 360 Communities Lewis House project in Eagan, with no public comments received. The board also adopted amended Park Ordinance 107, effective September 1, 2026, and approved a $992,000 contract amendment for Veterans Memorial Greenway design services (5-2). Numerous other resolutions were approved, including grant acceptances, joint powers agreements, and right-of-way acquisitions.

• Approved host approval for $8M Lilydale revenue obligations for 360 Communities project (7-0)
• Adopted amended Park Ordinance 107, effective Sept 1, 2026 (7-0)
• Approved $992,000 contract amendment for Veterans Memorial Greenway design (5-2)
• Approved $300,000 grant from Minnesota Historical Society for Heroes and Heritage Trail signage (7-0)
• Authorized $743,045 Homeland Security grant acceptance (7-0)
• Approved $1,598,694 in 3M PFAS Settlement grants for Spring Lake and Mississippi River projects (7-0)
• Authorized quick-take condemnation for Highway 42 intersection improvements (7-0)
• Approved $2,831,374 equipment lease/purchase agreement with Banc of America (7-0)

Board Workshop

Regional Railroad Authority

This meeting has been officially canceled. No business will be conducted by the Board.

General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole

This scheduled committee meeting has been canceled. No business will be conducted by the body at this time.

Board of Commissioners

This meeting has been canceled. No business will be conducted by the Board of Commissioners on this date.

Physical Development Committee of the Whole

The Physical Development Committee of the Whole will review transportation safety updates and a contract amendment for Greenway Trail design. The committee will also receive an update on the excess property disposition process.

• Safety and operations mitigation update for County State Aid Highway 50 and 60 intersection in Lakeville
• Contract amendment five with Short-Elliott-Hendrickson, Incorporated for Veterans Memorial Greenway design in Inver Grove Heights and Eagan
• Update on excess property disposition process

The Physical Development Committee approved a $992,000 contract amendment with Short-Elliott-Hendrickson, Incorporated for additional engineering services on the Veterans Memorial Greenway project, bringing the total contract to $5,302,025. The vote was 5-2, with Commissioners Workman and Holberg dissenting. The committee also received updates on safety mitigations at the CSAH 50/60 intersection in Lakeville and the excess property disposition process, but took no action on those items.

• Approved $992,000 contract amendment for Veterans Memorial Greenway design (5-2)
• Approved consent agenda including June 16, 2026 minutes (7-0)
• Approved agenda unanimously (6-0, 1 excused)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:07 a.m. (7-0)

Community Services Committee of the Whole

The Dakota County Community Services Committee of the Whole met on July 14, 2026, and approved the agenda and consent agenda unanimously. The only regular agenda item was an informational update on the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act, with no action taken. The meeting adjourned without any substantive decisions or policy changes.

• Approved agenda unanimously (6-0, 1 excused)
• Approved consent agenda unanimously, including minutes of May 12, 2026 meeting
• Received informational update on Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act; no action taken
• Adjourned at 2:14 p.m. (7-0)

Board Work Session

The Board will review the current financial outlook and levy forecasts. The session includes discussions on potential reduction scenarios for the upcoming fiscal year.

• 2027 budget overview
• Levy forecast discussion
• Budget reduction scenarios

General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole

The committee will review a grant agreement for wayfinding signage on the Heroes and Heritage Interpretive Trail Loop. Members will also receive updates on 2025 audit results, second quarter board priorities, and legislative matters.

• Grant agreement with Minnesota Historical Society
• Subrecipient agreement with Dakota County Historical Society for trail signage
• 2025 Audit Results update
• 2026 Board Priorities Second Quarter Update

The committee approved Resolution 26-314, authorizing acceptance of a $300,000 Minnesota Historical Society grant and a subrecipient agreement with the Dakota County Historical Society for wayfinding and interpretive signage on the Heroes and Heritage Interpretive Trail Loop. The resolution was amended to include reimbursement for county staff time managing the grant. The committee also directed staff to send a comment letter to the Office of Management and Budget regarding proposed federal grant rules. Other agenda items were informational only.

• Approved Resolution 26-314 accepting $300,000 grant for trail signage (7-0)
• Amended resolution to include staff reimbursement for grant management
• Directed staff to send comment letter to OMB on federal grant rule changes
• Approved consent agenda including June 23, 2026 minutes (7-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board will consider several physical development items including road condemnations, library renovations, and park contracts. They will also discuss a closed executive session regarding property interests in Randolph Township.

• Quick-take condemnation for County State Aid Highway 42 in Apple Valley
• Budget amendment for Burnhaven Library Renovation
• Contract with Native Resource Preservation, LLC for West Lebanon Hills Regional Park restoration
• Consultant contract for Mill Towns State Trail alignment study
• Engineering services amendment for Veterans Memorial Greenway in Inver Grove Heights and Eagan

The Dakota County Board approved a resolution authorizing the County Attorney's Office to initiate quick-take condemnation of up to 93 private property parcels for the reconstruction of County State Aid Highway 42 in Apple Valley, if direct negotiations fail, to meet a spring 2027 construction start. The vote was 6-1, with Commissioner Mary Hamann-Roland dissenting. The board also approved a consent agenda including a $972,160 contract extension for the CIBERLaw case management system, a $1,375,050 grant amendment for mobile crisis services, and a $2,028,059 contract for the West Lebanon Hills Regional Park restoration.

• Authorized quick-take condemnation for CSAH 42 project (6-1)
• Approved $972,160 CIBERLaw software contract extension (7-0)
• Approved $1,375,050 mobile crisis services grant amendment (7-0)
• Approved $2,028,059 West Lebanon Hills restoration contract (7-0)
• Approved $313,685 Waste Management contract for South Zone (7-0)
• Approved $269,090 Mill Towns State Trail alignment study (7-0)
• Approved $200,000 budget amendment for Burnhaven Library roof (7-0)
• Approved Lakeville Lions off-site gambling permit (7-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners will vote on routine administrative matters, including insurance renewals, policy revisions, and grant authorizations. A key decision involves increasing the annual wheelage tax from $10 to $20 per year. The board will also approve final plats, authorize multiple transportation and parks construction contracts, and accept new grant funding for youth and workforce programs.

• Increase annual wheelage tax from $10 to $20 per year
• Approve final plats recommended by the Plat Commission
• Authorize contracts for CSAH 38 retaining walls, CSAH 28/56 improvements, and Bridge 19578 reconstruction
• Award construction contracts for West Lake Byllesby and Lake Byllesby park improvements
• Accept grant funding for Minnesota Youth Program 2027 and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act services

The Board of Commissioners approved several insurance renewals and policy revisions. Most significantly, they authorized an increase in the annual motor vehicle wheelage tax effective January 1, 2027.

• Approved June 9, 2026 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Reappointed members to the Disability Advisory Council for two-year terms (7-0)
• Renewed automobile insurance with Travelers Insurance for $451,830 (7-0)
• Renewed property insurance with Affiliated FM for $429,516 (7-0)
• Purchased property insurance for Byllesby Dam Powerhouse from HSB Insurance Company for $186,266.49 (7-0)
• Adopted revisions to Policy 2003 Fund Balance and Unrestricted Net Position (7-0)
• Increased annual wheelage tax from $10 to $20 effective January 1, 2027 (5-2)
• Designated Commissioner Slavik as voting delegate for the 2026 NACo conference (7-0)

General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole

The Dakota County General Government and Policy Committee meets to discuss routine items including approval of minutes, a legislative update, and an update on artificial intelligence. No ordinances, contracts, or rezonings are on the agenda; the meeting is largely informational and procedural.

• Legislative update from Communications and Public Affairs
• Update on Artificial Intelligence (AI) from Central Operations

The committee received a state legislative session overview and an update on artificial intelligence policies and initiatives. No substantive actions or votes were taken during the meeting.

• Approved June 9, 2026, meeting minutes (7-0)
• Received legislative session overview for informational purposes
• Received artificial intelligence policy and initiative update for informational purposes

Community Services Committee of the Whole

This agenda contains only a cancellation notice for the Community Services Committee of the Whole meeting. It is procedural boilerplate with no substantive items, policy discussions, or public hearings scheduled. Residents should contact the county for updates on rescheduled dates.

Board Work Session

The Dakota County Board Work Session focuses on financial planning for the 2027 budget. Key discussions include a fund balance forecast and policy update, levy forecast, a potential wheelage tax increase, and local affordable housing aid. No formal votes are expected; this is a preparatory session.

• Fund Balance Forecast and Policy Update
• Levy Forecast for 2027
• Wheelage Tax Increase Discussion
• Local Affordable Housing Aid Discussion