Our Mission: Providing quality services through responsible leadership, innovation and the cooperation of dedicated people Date: May 7, 2024 Contact: Tina Elam, Communications Manager Phone: 651-430-6004 (office), 651-592-5989 (after hours) E-mail: tina.elam@co.washington.mn.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The following actions were taken at the May 7, 2024, Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting at the Government Center in Stillwater, Minnesota. County holds public hearing on potential bond sale A public hearing was held during the May 7 Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting to consider a potential bond sale. The county is proposing to issue up to $30 million in general obligation Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) bonds to finance the Central Service and License Center and the Central Park improvement projects in Woodbury. Both projects are listed in the 2023-2027 CIP passed by board resolution in December 2022. To fund the projects, the adopted CIP included the issuance of general obligation CIP bonds. The bonds would provide $24.5 million for the Central Service and License Center estimated to cost $30.5 million. The bonds would also provide $4.5 million in county funding for the $41.4 million Central Park building improvement project led by the City of Woodbury. Minnesota State Statutes Chapter 475 and Section 373.40 provide authorities under which the county may issue public debt. Minnesota State Statute Section 373.40 requires a public hearing to issue CIP bonds. The County Board will vote on the resolutions to issue the bonds at its May 14 meeting. Contact: Cat Piepho, Accounting and Finance Director, 651-430-6027 County Board approves 2024-2028 Regional/Local Workforce Development Plan Washington County Workforce Development Division’s 2024-2028 Regional/Local Plan was approved by the Washington County Board of Commissioners May 7. The federal Workforce Investment & Opportunity Act (WIOA) requires Washington County to complete a four-year plan for WIOA-funded provided services. The plans may be requested to be updated every two years. The Regional/Local Plan ensures that Washington County is operating WIOA programs within the guidelines of the Department of Labor. The 2024-2028 Regional/Local plan includes strategies and goals for ensuring that adult, youth, and dislocated worker programs provide services to job seekers in compliance with state and federal policies. It also highlights the partnerships and initiatives in which the Workforce Development Division and Workforce Development Board (WDB) are involved. The Washington County Workforce Development Board is a part of Region 4 – Metro along with the Workforce Development Boards of Ramsey County, the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin-Carver Counties, Dakota-Scott Counties, and Anoka County. Washington County Workforce Development Division is the designated provider of employment and training programs for WIOA Title I Adult, Youth, and Dislocated Worker programs in Local WDA 16. The county used regional and local area data analysis to prepare the plan. The plan was reviewed and approved by the Washington County Local Workforce Development Board on March 20, after which a 30-day public comment period was opened through April 20. It will be submitted to the State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for review and approval, expected in August 2024. Contact: Rick Roy, Workforce and Veteran Services Division Manager, 651-275-8660 County Board accepts donations for the first quarter of 2024 The Washington County Board of Commissioners accepted donations made to the county during the first quarter of 2024 May 7. The Library Department received $1,118.05 in donations from the public during the first quarter. The Parks Division in the Public Works Department accepted $36.23 in donations for parks and trail enhancements and the Living Forest program that contributes to reforestation efforts of native trees throughout the parks.  The Sheriff’s Office received $500 for the K9 unit and an in-kind donation of $160 for its Employee Appreciation Day. Community Corrections received an in-kind donation of $100 in gas gift cards for the Offender Recovery Program. Contact: Tina Elam, Communications Manager, 651-430-6004 (office), 651-592-5989 (after hours) May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Washington County The Washington County Board of Commissioners proclaimed May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the county. The board passed a resolution recognizing the month at its May 7 meeting. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a month-long commemoration of the history and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. Originally recognized as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week in 1978, congress designated the entire month of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in 1992. May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. Most workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants. Contact: Trung Le, Office of Administration Budget/Financial Analyst, 651-430-6028 County Board recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month The Washington County Board of Commissioners proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month in the county. The board passed a resolution proclaiming the month at its May 7 meeting. Mental health challenges affect all people regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or economic status. This year, Washington County has adopted the theme “Where to Start.” During the month, the county aims to promote Mental Health Awareness, offer resources, provide education, and advocate for the mental health and well-being of everyone who lives, works, and plays in Washington County. During May, the Community Services, Public Health and Environment, Library, and Public Works departments will be hosting several events aimed at starting conversations in traditional human services areas as well as non-traditional mental health settings. There will be mental health resources and services available in Washington County libraries throughout May, as well as a Mental Health Awareness book list. More information can be found on the county’s website at https://www.co.washington.mn.us/590/Mental-Health-and-Well-being. Contact: Kathy Mickelson, Community Services Division Manager, 651-430-6532 May 5-11 is National Correctional Officers Week in Washington County The Washington County Board of Commissioners proclaimed the week of May 5-11 as National Correctional Officers Week in the county. The board passed a resolution proclaiming the week at its May 7 meeting. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan announced the first week in May as National Correctional Officers Week. “The important work of Correctional Officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves,” President Reagan said. The week is an opportunity to acknowledge and thank the individuals who work in the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Jail Division. Correctional Officers exemplify professionalism, integrity, and strength in the face of a difficult and often dangerous work environment. These officers play a vital role in the criminal justice system and Washington County extends its appreciation. Contact: Laura Perkins, Law Enforcement Public Information Officer, 651-430-7994 A great place to live, work and play…today and tomorrow Government Center | 14949 62nd Street North | P. O. Box 6 | Stillwater, MN 55082-0006 P: 651-430-6001 | F: 651-430-6017 | TTY: 651-430-6246 www.co.washington.mn.us Washington County is an equal opportunity organization and employer News Release ______________________