Attorney Russ Conrow met with the Lake County Board of Commissioners at their May 23rd meeting to give an annual update on the work of the County Attorney’s office. The office handles criminal, mental health, child support, tax appeals and Child In Need of Protective Custody (CHIPS) cases. One of the challenges that personnel at the Attorney’s office are facing is the fact that they are currently understaffed. In addition to Mr. Conrow, there is one additional attorney and one staff member who works directly with witnesses and victims. Subsequently, the folks who serve Lake County citizens in the prosecutorial capacity have their hands full. One of the areas where the County Attorney’s office has seen an increase in activity is in cases related to mental health issues. Mental health has become more of a concern across the country and Lake County is not immune to that reality. Often, a sticking point for this can be between the needs of the county to get people into treatment and the space available in State facilities to accommodate patients. The staff of the Lake County Attorney’s office is looking to hire additional staff as they continue to work to meet the needs of our local citizens.
Tom Suppes, Risk Management Consultant with the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust (MCIT), was on hand to talk with commissioners about the relationship that exists between MCIT and the county. MCIT is a public joint powers entity that is dedicated in helping members manage risks so that they can carry out their public service mission to citizens. MCIT offers awareness and prevention materials and training and facilitates access to employee assistance programs, among other services.
Several people were appointed to the Planning Commission at Tuesday’s meeting. Brock Ernest, Tyler Ellefson and Joseph Ernest will each serve terms running until December 31st of 2025. Scott Shelerud will serve as an alternate member of the Planning Commission until December 31st of 2024. Beth Hippert and Mike Hoops Sr. were appointed to the Board of Adjustment. Both will serve three year terms.
Finally, the Commissioners approved the recruitment of one full time Assistant Veterans Services Officer, one full-time female Dispatcher/Jailer and one full-time Appraiser. They also authorized the Board Chair to sign the labor agreement between Lake County and Teamsters Local 320. This agreement will cover Courthouse employees for 2023 – 2025.
The next County Board meeting is scheduled for June 6th at 2:00 p.m.
