CDA recommends letting property tax rebate program to expire
News | Published on September 10, 2024 at 3:49pm GMT+0000 | Author: Tucker Henderson
0OTC to move forward with nursing position
By Tom Hintgen
Otter Tail County Correspondent
County Community Development Agency (CDA) Director Amy Baldwin updated county board members concerning the single-family tax rebate program. The CDA board recommends allowing the program to expire as currently structured with the application submission deadline of Dec. 31, 2024.
Otter Tail County has, for several months, coordinated The Big Build program to encourage new housing investment. Included in the initiative is a program to spur the construction of single and two-family homes.
If requested by city partners, it is recommended that Otter Tail County offer a property tax rebate in those cities that wish to continue to offer this program in their community. Formal approval of a city-specific tax rebate program will be brought forward for the county board’s consideration as they are requested.
County nursing
position approved
County commissioners, on Aug. 27, approved a full-time equivalent Public Health Nurse/Registered Nurse position to work with the Family Health team. This person will support Otter Tail County’s prenatal and early childhood preventative interventions.
The new hire will also work with the Parent Support Outreach Program within the Health and Wellness team. This position will be funded through multiple funding sources.
County Public Health
issues annual report
Otter Tail County Public Health Director Jody Lien and Assistant Public Health Director Kristi Goos presented their annual report to county commissioners on Aug. 27.
This county department has close to 40 employees across six programs: Administration, Family Health, Environmental Health, Community Health, Disease Prevention and Long-Term Services.
The annual budget of $4.6 million includes local, state, federal and fee-based funds, with local tax levy funds accounting for 23 percent of total revenue.
The Lake Region Takes Root Community Garden, through the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP), shared nearly 15,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables with Fergus Falls, Battle Lake and Pelican Rapids Food Shelves, along with the Fergus Falls Salvation Army.
Otter Tail Power
solar permits approved
Conditional Use Permits for Otter Tail Power Company solar panel installations were approved by county board members on Aug. 27.
Locations include Aurdal Township (northeast of Fergus Falls), Dane Prairie Township (north of Dalton and southwest of Underwood) and Friberg Township (east of Elizabeth).
Hoot Lake Solar, east of Fergus Falls, is currently operational by Otter Tail Power Company.