Houle sees strong county despite stress

Crow Wing County is "under stress but still strong and getting stronger," Administrator Tim Houle stated in his annual state of the county address.

The stress, he reported, is coming from current economic uncertainties at the same time as there is an increased demand for services and declining state aid and revenue sources.

The county reports human services caseloads are steadily increasing compared to last year. Income maintenance cases are up 11.9 percent. Food stamp cases up 26 percent. Health care cases up 6 percent and Women Infants and Children vouchers are up 17 percent.

Within the last six months, the intake of new cases has risen by 72 percent, Houle said.

Houle, who has been county administrator since July 2008, said despite the rising caseloads, the county's 2009 levy increase was 2.98 percent. He said that is the lowest percentage increase in the levy in more than a decade.

While the economic conditions have challenged the county along with everyone else, Houle said the board has been clear the budget shortfall from state funds will not be made up with property taxes.

Houle also thanked county employees for their work during difficult times and acknowledged support from the county board and the public as "being key to the continued success of county operations."

As for accomplishments, Houle listed:

• Continued investments in technology and increased online access to public data and county services.

Not only does this expand the range of hours that we are available to serve those who are willing and anxious to do as many services as possible from the comfort of their home, it also means that those same people will not be standing in front of those of you who choose not to do business with us in that fashion," Houle said. "It means better response times for those who want services online and for those who don't."

The county also added equipment to broadcast county board meetings on local access cable.

• Department reorganization with land, planning and zoning, surveyors, assessors and solid waste now all under land services and social services, veterans services and public health all under community services.

• Continued reduction in methamphetamine-related crimes. Houle reported there hasn't been a meth lab bust in the county during the last three years.

• Continued emergency preparedness planning efforts particularly in light of a potential pandemic flu outbreak and H1N1 flu virus.

Houle's address is on cable access channels and on the Crow Wing County Web site at www.co.crow-wing.mn.us.

RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.