Proposed Commissioner Amendments to 2021 Budget

TO BE DISCUSSED AND VOTED ON THURSDAY 12/3/20 AT 1:00PM

We are dedicated to transparent governance and welcome dialogue with constituents. Commissioner Amendments are part of the broader 2021 budget process. The proposed 2021 budget will be considered for final approval on Tuesday 12/15/20 at 1:30pm. 

On Tuesday 12/1/20, amendments were distributed for review. On Thursday 12/3/20 at 1:00pm, the Administration, Libraries, and Budget (ALB) Committee will convene to discuss the Proposed 2021 Commissioner Budget Amendments (PDF). Each item will be voted on, with the resulting options: (i) Passes and is included in the 2021 budget, (ii) Fails and is excluded in the 2021 budget. 

The table below summarizes every proposed amendment, who introduced it, and how I will vote. Our office welcomes your thoughts and feedback. Please reach out to Bill Emory in my office at: bill.emory@hennepin.us or 612-348-3526.

Amendment
Description

Irene's
Vote


CALLISON: CREATE EDUCATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

This amendment creates a new Education and Support Services department in 2021 with a budget of $1,804,100 and 15 Full-Time Equivalent employees. The amendment also directs staff to find federal, state, or other external funding for this effort, and if any funding is secured, then the 2021 Contingency Fund will be replenished with funding from this amendment as is practical.

Earlier in 2020, using Federal CARES funding, Hennepin created an Education and Support Services program to support students negatively impacted by COVID-19. This amendment creates a formal department within the County to permanently do this work as part of our commitment to reducing education disparities and achieving equitable academic outcomes across racial and cultural groups.

Will vote: Yes


CONLEY: ADDRESS THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC

This amendment allocates $500,000 to continue the implementation of the Opioid Strategic Framework, and to support prevention, response, and treatment efforts needed to curb this deadly epidemic.

One of the deadly outcomes of COVID-19 is a further increase of opioid-related deaths in Hennepin County.

Will vote: Yes


FERNANDO: CONTINUE FUNDING PARTNERSHIP WITH AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MUSEUM AND GALLERY

This amendment will contribute $125,000 to the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery.

The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery is a Minnesota nonprofit organization that was founded in 2018. The Museum’s purpose is to preserve, record, and highlight the achievements, contributions, and experiences of African Americans in Minnesota- made possible through art exhibitions, youth programs, and social issue research.

Will vote: Yes

I introduced this amendment because Hennepin County’s existing funding expires in 2020. This amendment will continue our partnership for 2021, for this important community asset located in District 2.

GOETTEL: INCORPORATE GREEN STREETS STRATEGIES INTO COMPLETE STREETS POLICY

This amendment directs Hennepin County staff in Public Works to formally incorporate Green Streets strategies into the updated Completes Streets policy.

Green Streets is a set of strategies used to capture rainwater where it falls instead of directing it into overburdened roadway storm sewer systems. Green Streets incorporate vegetation, including trees, shrubs and perennials; amended soils; engineered systems, such as permeable pavement and specialty drainage structures; and filtration/infiltration ponds (rain gardens) to slow, filter, and clean stormwater runoff. Green Streets can also support goals in temperature mitigation, improved air quality and increased carbon sequestration.

Will vote: Yes

GREENE 1: REDUCE CONTRIBUTION TO GREATER MSP

This amendment reduces Hennepin County’s contribution to Greater MSP by $125,000.

Hennepin will remain a member of Greater MSP, and this amendment also directs the Chair’s office to work with County staff and Greater MSP to establish a mutual understanding of the value of membership for Hennepin County.

Will vote: Yes

GREENE 2: EXTEND AND INCREASE AMOUNT FOR CONTRACT WITH MID-MINNESOTA LEGAL AID

This amendment extends Hennepin County’s contract with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid to December 31, 2021, and increases the amount by $150,000 for a new total of $700,000.

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid provides representation to individuals facing deportation proceedings after being placed in custody at the Hennepin County jail.

Will vote: Yes