The Polk County Commissioners met on Tuesday at the Polk County Government Center.
The commissioners heard from Polk County Sheriff James Tadman, who was seeking approval from the board to accept the 2024 State of Minnesota County Boat and Water Safety Grant contract funds. “These funds are used for our boat and water program,” said Tadman. “So when they go out and are on the lakes in Polk County, they can use it for overtime (wages) and also maintenance of the boats. It’s also split up for supplies and expenses. The board ultimately approved The Polk County Sheriff’s Office to receive $10,318, which can be used through June 30, 2025, for the Polk County Boat and Water program.
The board next approved the recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which will take place from April 14 to 20. Tadman informed the board that this is a great opportunity to appreciate and acknowledge all the work the telecommunicators do within the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and nationwide. “There always are the ones that start the whole process and are behind the scenes,” said Tadman, “But they are never seen because they’re in their office. They’re taking the 911 calls and informing our first responders, police, fire, and emergency services to help people and assist them.”
K9 Jax paid a visit to the commissioners to thank Polk County Commissioner Joan Lee and her husband, Mark Lee, for the generous donation. The Lees, in conjunction with the Vested Interest in K9’s organization, donated a bulletproof vest to K9 Jax, which was valued at $1,800. “Joan and Mark Lee, of McIntosh, sponsored a $1,000 check towards that vest,” said Tadman, “And the organization Vested Interest in K9’s supported the rest of that vest. Thank you to Joan and Mark Lee; this is the second vest they have sponsored through K9 Vested Interest.”
EAST GRAND FORKS OFFERS TAX ABATEMENT PROGRAM
The commissioners continued the meeting by opening a public hearing regarding the Housing Incentive and Tax Abatement program for the city of East Grand Forks.
Like Crookston, East Grand Forks is offering the Housing Incentive Program, where applicants apply to the city to help offset the tax dollars property owners pay during the first two years after new construction. “This program has to be voted on by the city council first,” said Polk County Deputy of Property Records Annalee Jones. “The city council and respective cities will continue to offer the program. The county collects all of the tax dollars and distributes them throughout the year. Since we’re the ones that collect the tax dollars, we go through the abatement process and distribute the reduction to the list of applicants.” Last year, the commissioners accepted the abatement distribution to three applicants who constructed new homes; so far this year, twelve applicants are looking for the abatement.
The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from the previous commissioner meeting on March 19. It also included the approval of bills and disbursements in the amount of $6,781.58. The Polk County Commissioners will meet again on Tuesday, April 16, at 9:30 a.m. at the Polk County Government Center.
