Otter Tail County Commissioners hosted an open house community event at New York Mills City Center on Monday, March 18. Residents engaged with commissioners and gained insight into ongoing projects within the New York Mills area.

Employees from several service areas were available to share information and answer questions. Patrick Waletzko, Otter Tail County Emergency Manager, gave updates from the Otter Tail County Emergency Medical Services Task Force. Several partners in the Emergency Medical Services field were also in attendance to share the challenges their agencies face and their work to foster change.

Krysten Foster, County Highway Engineer, presented a brief overview of the upcoming long-range transportation planning effort and shared ways residents can become involved in setting highway and bridge investment priorities for the coming decades. 

“Please reach out to me or anyone on the Advisory Committee if you are interested in expressing your voice and sharing your input in the process,” said Foster. “Focus groups and public open houses will be held, and we look forward to input from our constituents.” 

Public involvement opportunities will be shared through the Highway Department’s webpage and Otter Tail County social media in the coming months.

County Assessor Heather Jacobson gave a brief presentation about the Crop Productivity Index CPI conversion and addressed questions regarding the board of appeal and equalization meetings in April. Information will be found on the upcoming tax statements or visit www.ottertailcounty.gov/appeals-process/ for local meeting dates, times, and locations.

Residents were engaged and asked several questions of the County Commissioners. Board Chair Kurt Mortenson facilitated the meeting as all commissioners answered questions and provided information and updates, 

“We appreciate the opportunity to serve the public. We do our best to address the issues. Thank you for participating in this evening’s event,” he said. 

Commissioner Wayne Johnson invites everyone to the next open house community event in Vergas, which will be held on Monday, June 10, at the Vergas City Event Center.