WHEREAS, the LCHRA is working with Vision, Inc., to build the North Shore Flats apartments in Two Harbors, which will include the new construction of 75 market-rate apartments at an estimated cost of $17.4 million; and
WHEREAS, the North Shore Flats development is intended to help alleviate the region’s shortage of workforce housing and also help free up valuable single-family housing as homeowners choose to sell and reside at the modern Class A apartment building; and
WHEREAS, Vision, Inc., is requesting a $1,000,000 loan from the LCHTF for up to three years at 1% interest; and
WHEREAS, the LCHRA shall enter into a development agreement with Vision, Inc., prior to the transfer of funds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Lake County Board approves the use of up to $1,000,000 in LCHTF financing for up to three (3) years at one percent (1%) interest for the North Shore Flats development. Absent: None
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND HURD: 04 – Adopt the following Resolution Approving Use of Tax Abatement Financing (TAF) for North Shore Flats Development in Two Harbors:
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes 469.1812 through 469.1815 establish the parameters of using Tax Abatement Financing (TAF) for development projects that have public benefits, including, but not limited to, increasing the County’s tax base; increasing the number and diversity of local jobs; and creating affordable or workforce housing opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Vision, Inc., is proposing to build the North Shore Flats apartments in Two Harbors, which will include the new construction of 75 market-rate apartments at an estimated cost of $17.4 million; and
WHEREAS, Vision, Inc., has requested the use of TAF from Lake County, the City of Two Harbors, and the Lake Superior School District, of which 90% of the taxes paid annually would be rebated for the duration of 15 years; and
WHEREAS, Lake County has an adopted Tax Abatement Financing Policy that establishes criteria on the use of TAF along with a list of agreements that shall be made between Lake County and the developer as conditions to the TAF.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Lake County Board approves the use of Tax Abatement Financing for the Vision, Inc., North Shore Flats development in Two Harbors of which 90% of the taxes paid annually would be rebated for the duration of 15 years subject, to the terms and conditions outlined in the required TAF agreement. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HOGENSON: 05 – Approve annual budget proposal by the contractor Lovin Lake County, for the 2026 Event and Visitors Bureau, for a total budget of $1,464,502. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HOGENSON: 06 – Approve the 2026 County Net Levy amount of $13,429,822. Absent: None
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND HURD: 07 – Approve the 2026 County Expenditure Budget of $53,766,955 and County Revenue Budget of $49,889,022. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 08 – Approve the 2026 Tax Levy amount of $25,000 for Unorganized Territory No. 1. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HURD: 09 – Approve the 2026 Expenditure Budget of $31,250 and Revenue Budget of $30,030 for Unorganized Territory No. 1. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HOGENSON: 10 – Approve the 2026 Tax Levy for Unorganized Territory No. 2 in amount of $431,250 (Revenue Fund in the amount of $106,250 and Road and Bridge Fund in the amount of $325,000). Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 11 – Approve the 2026 Expenditure Budget of $437,940 and Revenue Budget of $441,940 for Unorganized Territory No. 2 (including $325,000 for Road and Bridge). Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 12 – Approve the 2026 Tax Levy amount of $635,497 for the Lake County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). Absent: None
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND BALTICH: 13 – Approve the 67-day temporary appointment of Kean Raygor, Snow Plow Operator for the Highway Department, at $24.50 per hour including maximum return incentive effective December 17, 2025. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 14 – Approve the change in employee status of Thomas Oberg, Deputy Sheriff, due to completion of probationary period effective January 6, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 15 – Approve the change in employee status of Hudson Weitzel, Deputy Sheriff, due to completion of probationary period effective January 6, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND HOGENSON: 16 – Adjourn Board meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners at 3:29 p.m. Absent: None
The Lake County Board of Commissioners will convene for the following meeting in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota:
• Regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025
ATTEST:
Laurel D. Buchanan
Clerk of the Board
Rich Sve, Board Chairperson
Lake County Board of Commissioners
Northshore Journal: January 2, 2026
