Scott County Board Workshop June 23, 2026

The Scott County Board Workshop held on June 23, 2026, focused extensively on solid waste management policy, school attendance programs, mental health services in schools, and fire dispatch staffing and funding. The board discussed drafting a public comment letter to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) regarding a state resource management report, emphasizing concerns about the report's treatment of waste-to-energy as disposal and its potential policy implications. They planned to finalize and submit this letter by July 7, 2026. Additionally, the board reviewed options for continuing school attendance prevention programs, including funding through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process, with a recommendation to authorize contracts in July to maintain services for the upcoming school year. Mental health services, particularly the school-based Connect program, were discussed in terms of billing changes under the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, with projections for 2027 budget impacts and contract adjustments with school districts. The workshop also addressed fire dispatch staffing needs driven by increased call volumes and changes in dispatch protocols, including potential cost-sharing discussions with cities requesting dedicated fire dispatchers. Historical budget and levy data were reviewed to understand cost drivers in health and human services and criminal justice, highlighting ongoing fiscal pressures and the need for strategic financial planning.