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Give Kids a Smile
On February 5 and 6, 2010, some dentists will provide free services in the annual "Give Kids a Smile" event to help children (up to age 18) who need dental care and do not have insurance. Call the United Way at 1-800-543-7709 to find a participating dentist. Children must have an appointment, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Roy and Cindy Schneider Family Honored by U of M’s 2009 Farm Family Program
The Roy and Cindy Schneider family of Foley has been named Benton County’s “2009 Farm Family of the Year” by the University of Minnesota. The award was presented to the Schneider family at Benton County Fair 4H Livestock Auction on August 5. More >>
University of Minnesota Extension Recruits for Extension Educator
Foley Evening Meeting Canceled;Truth In Taxation Meeting Set for December 1st
09/15/2009 - Benton County Commissioners have canceled a planned evening meeting on September 29th in Foley due to insufficient agenda items. The County Board has scheduled the annual Truth in Taxation Hearing for December 1st at 7:00 p.m. in Foley, making the hearing part of the regular County Board meeting for the first Tuesday in December. In addition to taking public testimony on the proposed 2010 budget and levy, the County Board will also address other routine County business at this regular meeting. County Board meetings start off with an “open forum” segment, where members of the public can address the Board about any topic. The Board urges those who had planned to attend the September evening meeting in Foley to consider attending the December 1st evening meeting.
Public Notice: Benton County Mental Health Advisory Council
Notice is hereby given that the Benton County Human Services Board will be selecting
members for the Benton County Mental Health Advisory Council. Read More >>
County Board Adopts Proposed 2010 Levy and Budget
Levy and Budget Resolutions
Budget Summary
2009 Minnesota WorkForce Center - St. Cloud Annual Report
brought to you by Stearns-Benton Employment and Training
Notice of Public Hearing
The Benton County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on October 6, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. in the Benton County Boardroom, 531 Dewey Street, Foley, for the purpose of taking public testimony on possible changes to the Benton County fee schedule. The proposed changes include revised land use fees, new Internet access fees for Recorder documents and an increased Jail booking fee. All persons interested may appear and be heard at the time and place set forth above. Individuals unable to attend the public hearing can make written comment by writing to the Benton County Administrator, Benton County Courthouse, 531 Dewey Street, Box 129, Foley, Minnesota 56329. Written comments must be received prior to the public hearing. A copy of the current fee schedule and proposed changes can be obtained from the Benton County website or by calling the Benton County Administrator’s Office at 968-5000. Current Fee Schedule | Proposed Changes
Human Services Public Notice
Benton County Human Services is currently in the process of developing an integrated
Biennial Service Agreement for the Minnesota Family Investment Program and Children
and Community Services Act Consolidated Fund Plan and the Social Services Block
Grant (Title XX) Fund. Citizen participation and public comment are being invited in the
development of this biennial service agreement. More >>
Salary Compliance Notice
Minnesota Statutes §471.701 requires cities or counties with a population of more than 15,000 people to annually publish the position titles and base salaries of their three highest paid employees (does not include Elected Officials). View Notice >>
Electronic Waste Recycling Event
United Cerebral Palsy is holding an electronic waste recycling event on Tuesday, September 15th at the Crossroads Center Parking Lot in St. Cloud from 9AM to 6PM. More Information >>
Benton County Seeks Requests for Proposals for 2010 Life Insurance
07/28/2009 - Notice is hereby given that Benton County will receive sealed proposals for Group Life Insurance according to written specifications and conditions. Proposals shall be submitted in form and manner contained in the specifications.
Proposals must be received in Benton County’s Human Resources Office no later than Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. A sealed copy of all quotations should also be sent to Ochs, Inc., agent of record. No formal opening of proposals will occur.
The County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to make an award which is deemed most favorable and advantageous to the employees and the County regardless of whether or not such quotation is lowest.
Proposal specifications may be obtained from OCHS, Inc. (651) 665-3789.
Ordinance 440
Proposed revisions to the Benton County Development Code. View >>
2009 K-9 Golf Tournament
Benton County and the City of Sauk Rapids are holding the 3rd Annual K9 Golf Tournament Benefit on Sunday, August 30, 2009.
H1N1 Novel Influenza Camp Guidelines Released
6/12/09 - The Minnesota Department of Health has released guidelines for camps related to H1N1 Novel Influenza. Please consider these guidelines when sending your child to day or overnight programs. The recommendations for disease prevention are the same. The guidelines can be found here.
Please feel free to contact the Benton County Public Health Department if you have any questions about H1N1 or other communicable diseases (320) 968-5087.
New Law Protects Older Children
Foley, MN – May 21, 2009 – On Friday May 15th, Governor Tim Pawlenty signed into
law a bill that requires every motor vehicle operator, when transporting a child who is
both under the age of eight and shorter than four feet nine inches on the streets and
highways of this state in a motor vehicle equipped with factory-installed seat belts, shall
equip and install for use in the motor vehicle, according to the manufacturer's
instructions, a child passenger restraint system meeting federal motor vehicle safety
standards. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 1.7 Subd. 5. View full press release >>
Benton County Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
05/19/09 - Emergency Management is seeking input from the citizens of Benton County. This survey will ask specific questions relating to possible hazards (natural and man-made) that the County may be at risk for at some time in the future. Click here to take the survey now.
New Community Information Service
05/14/2009 - Benton County Emergency Management has launched a new Community Information Service designed to deliver important and timely information to residents in our area using the latest technology. This service, Nixle, delivers trustworthy and important neighborhood-level public safety and community event notifications instantly sent to you by cell phone text message, email, and web. Please visit the Emergency Management page for more information.
H1N1 Novel Influenza
Updated 05/11/2009
Benton County Implements GIS
04/21/2009 - Benton County announces the release of a new Geographic Information System, or GIS, on its website today. Access to the system is free. Users will find a wide assortment of information presented in graphical form, known as GIS map layers. Examples of map layers include roads, city and township boundaries, wetlands, zoning districts, and property parcels. In addition to viewing map layers, users can view aerial photos of the County from 2006 and 2008. High resolution, low altitude photos can also be accessed through the GIS application, taking advantage of the County’s agreement with Pictometry. At the parcel level, users can access basic property tax and valuation data drawn from the County’s tax and assessment systems. Access to detailed property valuation data can be obtained through a paid subscription to the County Assessor’s system.
Benton County’s GIS application was developed by County staff in the Public Works and Information Services Departments, using a free application known as GeoMoose. Questions about the GIS application can be directed to Heather Wirth, Benton County GIS Specialist at (320) 968-5168. Official News Release
Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)
Funding To Go Toward Foreclosed Homes
A grant application submitted by the St. Cloud Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) has been approved for the Neighborhood Stabilization
Program (NSP). Benton County along with parts of Stearns and Sherburne
County and cities within the counties collaborated on a regional application. Read More >>
2009 Household Hazardous Waste
Collection Day
Free Collection of Household (No Business/Commercial) Hazardous Waste
For All County Residents to take place on Saturday, August 15th. More Information >>
Take a Day Off on the Mississippi River
Benton County will be co-sponsoring an event with Stearns County for a recreational and educational family experience on August 8, 2009. Tours of Bend in the River Regional Park will be a part of the activities. Tours will start at the park around 11 AM. Bus transportation will be available from Stearns County Mississippi River Park.
Community Health Assessment Released
06/30/2009 - Benton County Human Services, Public Health Unit has released their 2008 Community Health Assessment and Action Plan.
Ordinance #439
This ordinance clarifies and updates portions of the shoreland zoning in Watab and Langola Townships.
Ordinance #437
Clarification of the existing zoning districts and rezone portions of the areas known as North Benton, Duelm, Mayhew and Oak Park.
Benton County Recognizes National Police Week
2009 Rural Amnesty Days
Get rid of your household waste for little or no charge at any of 2 County drop-off sites to help with your summer clean-up activities. The event will be held on May 30th at the Gilman Ballpark and June 6th at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. Event Details >>
May 1st Electronic Waste Recycling Event
The UCP of Central MN is hosting an electronic waste recycling event in St. Cloud on May 1st. More Information >>
Flood Concerns
County residents who have flooding concerns should contact their City Emergency Manager if they live within a City and the County Emergency Manager (968-8105) if they live in the unincorporated parts of the County. More Information >>
3/26/09 - Protect Your Health in Potential Flood Update (Tetanus Vaccination, Flood Information for Non-English Speaking Populations)
3/24/09 - Protect Your Health in Potential Flood (Well Water Contamination, MDH Fact Sheets)
Proposed Ronneby Comprehensive Plan and Rezoning Amendments
The Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning for Ronneby public hearing will be 7:25PM for the Planning Commission and 10:05AM for the County Board. Both meetings will be in the Commissioner's Room at 531 Dewey Street in Foley. Written testimony can be submitted to the Department of Development.
Proposed SSTS Revisions
The SSTS (Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems) ordinance is being proposed to be modified. The Planning Commission public hearing is 4/2 at 7:25PM and the Board's public hearing is 4/7 at 10:05AM. Both meetings will be in the Commissioner's room at 531 Dewey Street in Foley. Written testimony can also be submitted to the Department of Development.
Benton County Board to Hold Evening Meeting in Sauk Rapids
Benton County Commissioners will hold a regular Board meeting at 7:00 p.m. on March 31st in the City of Sauk Rapids council chamber. Read More >>
Peanut Butter Recall
Peanut butter from King Nut companies was confirmed to be the root of the Salmonella outbreak after laboratory analysis were conducted. This outbreak has affected over thirty people in Minnesota and nearly four hundred across the country. Read More >>
Benton County Mental Health Advisory Council Notice
is hereby given that the Benton County Human Services Board will be selecting
members for the Benton County Mental Health Advisory Council. Download Application
Enforcement of State Building Code
12/19/2008 - In July of 2008 the County Board passed Ordinance #430 establishing enforcement of the State Building Code in Benton County effective January 2, 2009. The State Building Code provides minimum standards to safeguard life, limb, health, property, and public welfare by regulating and controlling design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location, and maintenance of all structures and equipment specifically covered by the code in Benton County. Read More >>
Benton County Recognized for Bond Rating Upgrade
Terri Heaton from Springsted, Inc. was in attendance to present the County Board with a plaque recognizing the County’s achievement in obtaining a bond rating upgrade by Moody’s from A2 to A1 which occurred in May of 2008. Read More >>
Winter Park Uses
With summer at an end the camping area and Lakeview Center has closed at Benton Beach. However, the parks remain open and for use all throughout the winter. Read More >>
Public Health Unit Survey Results
The Benton County Human Services Public Health Unit recently conducted a survey about current health concerns in our community. View the preliminary results.
Benton Beach Disc Golf Course
The disc golf course at Benton Beach is complete. The course features concrete pads, tee signs and a challenging layout. The 18 hole course was the location of the 2008 Minnesota Disc Golf Championship on July 20th. Maps of the course are available on-site and here.
Crime Victim Notification Service Available
The Minnesota State Victim Notification Service (VINE) is a service through which victims of crime can use the telephone or internet to search for information regarding their offender's custody status and register to receive telephone and email notification when their offender's custody status changes. This service is brought to you by the Benton County Sheriff's Office. The VINE Toll Free Number for MN VINE is 877-664-8463. Visit MN Vine.
Certified Building Official RFP
Benton County seeks proposals from firms interested in performing Certified Building Official/Inspector duties for the County of Benton, which adopted the State of Minnesota Building Code
and Fee Schedule, see Appendix A, effective January 2, 2009. View RFP >>
Draft Septic Code
The County is considering revising their septic ordinance in accordance with the requirements of the State. The draft language is available for review. Comments should be directed to the Department of Development.
Benton Beach Campground Closed For the Season
The Benton Beach campground has been closed for the season. The closing affects only the campground. The disc golf course and lake access will remain open.
Benton County Road Projects Underway
Summer road work is in full swing in Benton County, even more so this year with additional road bonding approved by the Benton County Board. Read More >>
Moody's Upgrades to A1 from A2 the Rating on Benton County's (MN) $18.9 Million of Outstanding Go Debt
NEW YORK, May 30, 2008 - Moody's Investors Service has assigned an A1 rating to Benton County's (MN) $4.3 million General Obligation Bonds, Series 2008A. Concurrently, Moody's has upgraded to A1 from A2 the rating on the county's outstanding general obligation debt. Benton County has $18.9 million in total general obligation debt, including the current offering. Read More >>
Comprehensive Local Water Plan Draft Available
The current draft of the Benton County Comprehensive Local Water Plan is available for public viewing and comment. A public hearing is scheduled for May 6 at 10:00 am (County Board Rm in Administration Bldg) to gather public input. A water plan addresses all aspects of surface and groundwater management in the County, priority concerns selected to focus on include: feedlots and nutrient management, development, and groundwater quality and quantity. The water plan sets a course for water resource management activities that Benton County will pursue in the next 10 years.
Staff Report Draft Mining Ordinance
Benton County Releases Solid Waste Newspaper
In April all Benton County households will receive a new publication devoted to useful information on solid waste and recycling. The newspaper is produced by the Benton County Department of Development, with guidance from the County’s Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Funding for the “Rubbish Review” will come from the County’s Solid Waste Service fee. The first issue will be mailed to about 11,000 Benton County households, with a second issue coming out this Fall. View the full news release.
Property Information Available from Assessors Office
The Benton County Assessors Office is now offering a Public Access level (free access) to the Assessment Tax Roll information as well as an Advanced Level of service enabling you to search and display on all assessment information available (e.g. sales, land and building detailed information). This Advanced Level is offered through a Subscription Service of $5.00 per day or a one year subscription for $250. Any incomplete value records are a work in progress and will be updated as soon as the information is made available to the Assessors Office. City of St. Cloud property information is currently not available.
2008 Budget and Property Tax Levy
On December 18, 2007, the Benton County Board adopted the final 2008 budget and property tax levy. Click here for more information.
First-in-the-Nation, Non-Partisan Precinct Caucus Finder
Available Online for Benton County Residents
Benton County Auditor-Treasurer Joan Neyssen is encouraging Benton County residents to use a new, free, online tool to identify the times and locations of the upcoming February 5 political party caucuses. The Precinct Caucus Finder was recently launched by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office which worked with political parties in Minnesota to create the one-stop, easy-to-use online search tool. Click here to visit the Precinct Caucus Finder.
 10/16/07 - Jim McDermott, Benton County Emergency Management Director, was presented a Certificate of Achievement for completing all training requirements for certification as an Emergency Manager in the State of Minnesota.
Northstar Commuter Rail Public Opinion Survey Results
Salary Compliance Notice (2007)
911 Hangup Calls
Help reduce the number of unintentional 911 calls.
Benton County Website Improvements
Find out more about Benton County's new website.
Get Connected in Benton County
This innovative program seeks to connect Benton County residents and businesses though broadband access.
Foster Care Opportunity
Have you ever considered opening your heart and your home to
either adults with a disability or children with difficulties? Benton
County Human Services is currently in need of both adult and child
foster homes.
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