Douglas County Board Meeting September 3 2024

A proposed solar farm is now permitted for the Alexandria area. At its September 3 board meeting commissioners voted 4 to 1 to allow the Fern-Roth Solar project. The Planning Advisory Commission had previously recommended approval of the proposed 40-megawatt solar generation facility just south of I-94 and west of Highway 29 in LaGrand and Lake Mary Townships.

The Douglas County Comprehensive Plan sets renewable energy development as a county priority. Specifically, the plan states the county is to create standards for the reasonable capture and use, by households, businesses and property owners, of their solar energy resource and wind energy resource. Land and Resource Management Director Dave Rush said there has been quite a bit of deliberation and research into this proposal which has spanned almost two years.  There were originally 20 requirements on the conditional use permit for the project which will include 240 acres of solar panels. Those panels will generate power to be put into the grid on the north end of the property. Commissioner Charlie Meyer asked to add an additional condition which makes the permit good for 25 years. The project is estimated to generate $102,000 per year in tax revenue for the county. Commissioner Jerry Rapp was the sole no vote. He called the project a big gamble expressing concern over who will monitor that all conditions of the permit are met and the risk to the county if the project does not turn out to be successful.

Sheriff’s Office

The board set the salary for Douglas County Sheriff Troy Wolbersen at $165,000 for the year 2025. Other elected officials’ salaries were set at the last meeting, but the sheriff was not able to attend so his salary was set when he could be there in person. Wolbersen has served 18 years as sheriff. The vote was 4 to 1 with Commissioner Jerry Rapp voting no.  

The sheriff also asked commissioners to approve a $500 donation from an anonymous donor to be used for the Douglas County Honor Guard. In addition, the Garfield Pub did a fundraiser during Garfield Days to raise money for various responders and donated $150 to be used as the sheriff sees fit.

Social Services

Commissioners agreed to a new initiative that provides school-based mental health services for the Osakis Public Schools, Brandon-Evansville Schools and the Alternative Learning Center in Alexandria. The Douglas County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative will pay Lakeland Mental Health Center for services provided by a mental health professional or practitioner.

Public Works

County Engineer and Public Works Director Tim Erickson received approval for a $50,000 contract with Precision Roadway out of Osakis. The contract calls for filling cracks on the Central Lakes Trail from Garfield to Evansville. This is the last section of the trail that hasn’t been filled.

The next board meeting is September 17 at 9 a.m. in the Douglas County Administration Building at 821 Cedar Street.