Members of the Morrison County Board and Deb Gruber, County Administrator, met in St. Paul with Senator Paul Koering, Senator Lisa Fobbe, Representative Gail Kulick-Jackson and Representative Al Doty.

Green Acres, local control and unfunded mandates were just a few of the issues on the minds of the Morrison County Commissioners.

“So much of what we do is driven by decisions made at the State level,” stated Commissioner Duane Johnson. “If we don’t stay in touch with legislators about how their decisions affect our organization and taxpayers, we won’t make headway on important issues facing Morrison County.”

Representative Doty and the board discussed the fact that cuts in government spending must occur to balance the state budget. “It’s important when we do necessary cuts to spending that we know exactly how those cuts will affect our area,” commented Doty. “I greatly appreciate the time and the information from the board and administrator to make that work.”

Senator Fobbe, representing the eastern portion of Morrison County, discussed how the actions of state legislators often impact the operation of county government. Fobbe indicated, “It is so important for local officials on the front lines of our communities to stay in close communication with those in St. Paul, my door is always open.”

Representative Kulick-Jackson empathized with the board and their frustrations with unfunded mandates imposed on county government. “The citizens of Morrison County benefit greatly from the excellent working relationship which the commissioners and administration have with their state legislators,” stated Jackson. “We listen when they bring us local government concerns and we work together to solve them.”

Senator Koering was appreciative that the county board took time out their schedule to meet with law makers. Koering stated, “I wouldn’t be able to do the job that I am doing without the cooperation and relationship that the Morrison County Board continues to foster with area legislators, it is beneficial to all Morrison County residents. In the eight years that I have served in Minnesota Senate, I have greatly valued a good working relationship with Morrison County. I look forward to continue working closely with the board into the future.”

For more information about the above information, contact Deb Gruber in the Morrison County Administrator’s office at 320-632-0295.