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County Board Operating Procedures 2 documents
CAT:728
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This handbook offers examples of county board operating procedures for county boards reviewing or developing their own operating procedures. The handbook includes example language for provisions on broadcasting and virtual meeting debate, conduct of debate, public participation, Robert’s Rules implementation, consent agendas, agenda preparation, and “stay in your lane” provisions.
document _recordid 729
file:729
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This matrix provides an overview of different policy provisions each county includes in their board operating procedures. The matrix catalogs the policy provisions of 39 different county board operation procedures.
document _recordid 730
file:730
County Government Structure and Budget 4 documents
CAT:259
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This document gives a general overview of county government structure, including management systems used in Minnesota counties.
document _recordid 260
file:260
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document _recordid 262
file:262
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document _recordid 263
file:263
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document _recordid 264
file:264

Also see COUNTY PROGRAM AID and PROPERTY TAXES sections below. No documents

sub:265
County Meetings 4 documents
CAT:206
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Find more information and resources from our partners at the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust.
document _recordid 207
file:207
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document _recordid 208
file:208
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document _recordid 209
file:209
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This is an introductory video about Minnesota's open meeting law which regulates public meetings held by counties and other government bodies. The video explains when the open meeting law applies and rules about special and closed meetings.
document _recordid 283
file:283
County Officers 8 documents
CAT:111
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This fact sheet outlines the duties and responsibilities for county commissioners. It highlights a commissioner's role as a representative of constituents and the county and the responsibility of commissioners in county management and budgeting.
document _recordid 112
file:112
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This information brief describes the process for changing certain county government offices from elected to appointed positions and explains which county offices may be combined. It also summarizes which counties have implemented these changes and if a county used general or special law.
document _recordid 113
file:113
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This fact sheet lists the basic duties of a County Auditor. The fact sheet comes from the Auditor/Treasurer Manual published by the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
document _recordid 114
file:114
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This fact sheet reviews the basic duties of a County Assessor. It also outlines the Assessor's code of conduct and ethics and the three reasons a county board may terminate the term of an Assessor. The fact sheet comes from the Auditor/Treasurer Manual published by the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
document _recordid 115
file:115
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This fact sheet lists the basic duties of a County Recorder. The fact sheet comes from the Auditor/Treasurer Manual published by the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
document _recordid 116
file:116
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This fact sheet lists the basic duties of a County Treasurer. The fact sheet comes from the Auditor/Treasurer Manual published by the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
document _recordid 117
file:117
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document _recordid 203
file:203
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This video describes the role of the county attorney and the diverse areas of law in which a county attorney works. 
document _recordid 279
file:279
County Program Aid 6 documents
CAT:131
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This webinar from October 2013 discusses trends in County Program Aid (CPA).
document _recordid 132
file:132
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This fact sheet details the new County Program Aid formula proposed by AMC's County Program Aid Work Group. The fact sheet also describes the current formula, its volatile funding over the past ten years, and the inequitable distribution of aid to counties across the state.
document _recordid 139
file:139
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This presentation by the Minnesota Department of Revenue explains the history and calculation of the current county program aid formula.  The presentation details how changes in a county's land value and demographics have impacted the aid's distribution over the past ten years.
document _recordid 181
file:181
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This chart lists, county-by-county, the 2016 County Program Aid distribution.
document _recordid 182
file:182
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This policy brief by House Research explains the origins of County Program Aid and clearly outlines the formula used to distribute aid.
document _recordid 183
file:183
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document _recordid 361
file:361
Cybersecurity 6 documents
CAT:662
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This report analyzes the results of a statewide survey of Minnesota county cybersecurity experiences and preparedness. The survey was conducted in the summer of 2022.
document _recordid 664
file:664
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This two-page brief highlights important basic information local governments should understand about cybersecurity. The brief notes why local governments are targets, common attacks, the lifecycle of an attack, and examples of recent cyber breaches in Minnesota.
document _recordid 665
file:665
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This primer was created so that every official and county employee, regardless of technical background, can work in a unified approach with their IT leaders. The primer raises awareness and understanding of cybersecurity, cyber preparedness, and the local government leader's role in cyber risk management and incident response.
document _recordid 666
file:666
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This starter kit from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency provides guidance for organizations and their leaders for improving their cybersecurity. The document includes six toolkits for the leader of the organization and IT staff to build a culture of cyber readiness within the workforce. These toolkits advise actions for the leader and IT staff to take to build this culture, and they also provide additional resources for taking action.
document _recordid 667
file:667
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This document gives a brief overview of the importance of cybersecurity measures in counties. The document provides a list of best policies that counties should consider based on the practice’s cost, cybersecurity defense impact, and implementation effort.
document _recordid 668
file:668
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This document is meant to serve as a call to action, encouraging county policymakers, administrators, and IT leadership to engage with each other on the development of county-wide cybersecurity policies, procedures, and infrastructure, to meet the rising threat of cyberattack.
document _recordid 727
file:727
Economic Development for Counties 7 documents
CAT:742
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A short document that summarizes the role of Economic Development Authorities (EDA) in counties. Information about the purpose of an EDA and formation is included, as well as a brief description of typical programs offered by EDAs. This document serves as a short synopsis on what an EDA may do, helping counties decide if it is the proper course of action for their economic development initiatives.
document _recordid 744
file:744
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A resource that explains the role of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (HRA) in the State of MN. Information about the purpose of an HRA and the conditions that must be present to form one are included, as well as a brief description of typical programs offered by HRAs. This document serves as a short synopsis on what an HRA may do to help counties decide if it is the proper course of action to increase housing opportunities. 
document _recordid 745
file:745
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This study published by UMN Extension outlines different structural models of county economic development initiatives. Following a survey of the counties, the study describes major trends in how counties are involved with economic development. Brief descriptions and examples of five organizational models for counties are provided. The surveys provide useful insight on how active counties across the states are in developing local economies to find a model that fits your needs.
document _recordid 746
file:746
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An introductory document on the concept of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) with examples from two different Minnesota counties. ABCD utilizes the existing strengths in a community to build connections, expand services, and recruit residents. This resource provides background on ABCD and steps on how to incorporate ABCD into your community development strategy.
document _recordid 747
file:747
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A handbook created for Minnesota local governments seeking to form an Economic Development Authority. Included in the handbook are comparisons of EDAs to other public development agencies, a summary of relevant powers and restrictions on EDAs, a glossary of relevant terms, and a checklist for new EDAs. The final portion of the handbook includes sample language of enabling resolutions, meeting agenda and minutes, bylaws, and establishment proposals.
document _recordid 748
file:748
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Sample language of a resolution establishing an Economic Development Authority and bylaws of an EDA. Language should be adjusted to meet specific authority needs but can be a starting point for new authorities or provide examples of organizational structure of an EDA.
document _recordid 749
file:749
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Sample language of a resolution establishing a Housing and Redevelopment Authority and bylaws of an HRA. Language should be adjusted to meet specific authority needs but can be a starting point for new authorities or provide examples of organizational structure of an HRA.
document _recordid 750
file:750
Essential Records and Records Emergency Planning 2 documents
CAT:125
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The Essential Records course will prepare participants to: Identify an agency's essential records; Analyze potential risks to records; Identify and prioritize protection strategies; Develop procedures to ensure access to essential records. 
document _recordid 126
file:126
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The Records Emergency Planning and Response course will prepare participants to: Prepare and maintain a Records Emergency Action Plan (REAP) and Respond to and recover from records emergencies.
document _recordid 127
file:127
Joint Power Agreements 7 documents
CAT:654
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This is a one-page reference document outlining what was determined from various sources to be the best practices for Joint Powers Agreements/Authorities and Joint Powers Entities. It includes a section on the requirements of JPA’s given by Minnesota statute, a section on top priorities when forming and running joint powers entities, general best practices, and the most commonly asked resources for new commissioners when joining joint powers boards.
document _recordid 655
file:655
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This document includes the joint power agreements of three different entities that work in public health, solid waste, and watershed management. The agreements are annotated with notations that highlight required language and best practices. These are intended to show what language successful joint powers use in their agreements.
document _recordid 656
file:656
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Taken from Chapter 16 of the League of Minnesota Cities’ Handbook for Minnesota Cities, this packet gives a detailed description of intergovernmental relationships, including a section on the Joint Powers Act. It also includes sections on land use planning and regional development, and banding with others in local government associations.
document _recordid 657
file:657
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Published by the League of Minnesota Cities, this document details the different forms of government cooperation, including mutual aid agreements, joint powers, service contracts, and contracts for shared resources or personal. It also includes common pitfalls and recommended provisions for minimizing claims and managing liability risks. It additionally includes sample hold-harmless contract language and links to model agreements.
document _recordid 658
file:658
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Coming from the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor, this guidebook dives into the best practices of initiating, building, and maintaining governmental relationships.
document _recordid 659
file:659
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Coming from the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor, this guidebook was written for local officials highlighting the best practices for fostering, crafting, and implementing cooperative agreements among local governments.
document _recordid 660
file:660
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This guidebook builds on the other two intergovernmental relations guidebooks and gives a comprehensive and practical guide to local government contracting and procurement.
document _recordid 661
file:661
Local Government Sales Tax Exemption 2 documents
CAT:135
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This webinar explains the legislative history of the new sales tax law, the procedures that city and county officials will need to follow to secure the exemption, and what to do during the transitional period.
document _recordid 136
file:136
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This fact sheet explains when sales to federal, state or local governments in Minnesota are taxable what exemptions are available.
document _recordid 138
file:138
Property Taxes 11 documents
CAT:140
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This document identifies 14 reasons why property taxes may change from year to year.
document _recordid 142
file:142
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This webinar provides an overview of the property tax system in Minnesota.
document _recordid 143
file:143
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This policy brief outlines the process used to determine a community's net tax capacity and how a local taxing jurisdiction sets its levy. The brief also includes an example of how to calculate the tax for an individual property.
document _recordid 184
file:184
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This policy brief outlines the roles of county officials in property tax administration. It includes a timeline for the property tax process and an explanation for how property owners may appeal the assessor's valuation of their property.
document _recordid 185
file:185
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This policy brief explains why taxes vary by type of property and includes a chart comparing property taxes for several property types. 
document _recordid 186
file:186
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The Minnesota Tax Handbook is published biennially, with a smaller Supplement published in the intervening years. The first section provides a profile of each state tax including tax base, rates, collection amounts, and legislative history. The second section profiles each local tax in a similar manner. The last section contains state and local tax collections for the two most recent years.
document _recordid 187
file:187
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This policy brief reviews the property tax system including: who pays, how much property taxes raise, recent changes to the system, and major credits, refunds, and aids.
document _recordid 188
file:188
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This course provides instruction on how property taxes are calculated for taxes payable in 2016. It provides a concise introduction to the basic terms and methodology for calculating property taxes, and provides examples and problems that give thorough instruction on the step-by-step computations.
document _recordid 189
file:189
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This AMC document provides an overview of Minnesota's property tax system. The document maps the property assessment process and the steps to appeal an over-assessed property.  It also includes the current property tax classifications and a glossary of property tax related terms.
document _recordid 196
file:196
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Webinar presentation from March 2015.
document _recordid 202
file:202
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The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, has recognized Anoka County's "Pie, With a Side of Property Taxes" video as part of the 2017 Bright Ideas in Government initiative. What does a pie have to do with your property taxes? Learn what 2 things directly affect how much you pay.
document _recordid 235
file:235
Record and Data Retention 7 documents
CAT:731
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A guide created by AMC for Minnesota counties that outlines five aspects of updating a record retention schedule. The guide includes guidance from the Minnesota Historical Society, examples from other counties, and sample language for adding modern record types to a record retention schedule.
document _recordid 735
file:735
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A short breakdown of the history and statutes surrounding record retention schedule in Minnesota. This fact sheet includes instructions on adopting a record retention schedule, storing, and disposing of records, as well as background on the Records Disposition Panel. This serves as a short, informative, introductory document for county officials unfamiliar with records management. 
document _recordid 736
file:736
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This one-pager from the State of Minnesota provides a summary of the Data Practices Act. Outlining public access restrictions for government agencies, it describes who must comply, how a request is made, the agency’s response, and how you may charge for copies of government records. Understanding the act should inform a records management plan on ensuring statutory compliance.
document _recordid 737
file:737
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A compiled list of blank forms provided by the State Archives for use by county agencies. Includes the forms for: record retention schedule outline, inventory lists for electronic and physical records, blank destruction records, an application to dispose of records not on a county’s general schedule, and applications to transfer electronic and physical records to the Archives. 
document _recordid 738
file:738
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This three-page fact sheet from the Information Policy Analysis Division (IPAD) summarizes how government agencies should approach the retention of emails as official records. Includes guidelines for what emails to retain or delete, and advisory opinions from relevant court cases that apply to email retention. This serves as a useful resource deciding how to draft a county’s email policy.
document _recordid 739
file:739
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A comprehensive guide from the State Archives that covers all topics in records management for Minnesota agencies. Detailed instructions are provided for all topics, including record inventory, retention schedules, and preservation and disposal of records. This guide expands upon the fact sheet and practices guide provided by AMC and is a useful resource for understanding how the Archives governs records retention.
document _recordid 740
file:740
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A detailed guide for developing a data practice policy in accordance with the Minnesota Data Practices Act. Released by the Department of Administration, it provides clear insight on how to develop a data management procedure for your county that meets statutory requirements and is administratively feasible.
document _recordid 741
file:741
Social Media and County Government 2 documents
CAT:128
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You do not have to know how to tweet to enjoy this webinar but you will learn how Twitter and other social media techniques are being used in county government.
document _recordid 129
file:129
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Meg Knodl, Hennepin County Online Community Manager, will help you be better informed when staff and constituents request county government to be more involved in new communication options.
document _recordid 130
file:130
Statement of Economic Interest 4 documents
CAT:248
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All Minnesota county commissioners and some elected or appointed officials in metropolitan counties must periodically disclose certain financial interests. This one-page brief answers questions about the Statement of Economic Interest requirement, including: who needs to file, what information is asked, and where and when it needs to be filed.
document _recordid 249
file:249
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The Public and Local Officials Handbook by the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board gives detailed answers on public disclosure policies that impact county commissioners and other county elected positions. This handbook provides assistance on completing sections of the Statement of Economic Interest form and includes information on conflict of interest notices and gift bans.
document _recordid 251
file:251
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This video is produced by the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board and explains how to complete the Board's online Statement of Economic Interest form. The video also provides details on what type of information should be included in the Statement. 
document _recordid 252
file:252
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This is a blank form of the Statement of Economic Interest for County Commissioners. Commissioners may submit their Statement of Economic Interest either through this form or through the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board's website.
document _recordid 253
file:253
Census 2020 5 documents
CAT:266
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This one pager outlines concerns that Minnesota will lose a congressional seat after the 2020 Census and suggests efforts counties can undertake to give the state the best opportunity to retain all eight U.S. Representative seats.
document _recordid 267
file:267
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This flyer summarizes basic information about the Local Update of Census Addresses Operation (LUCA) and how local governments can participate.
document _recordid 268
file:268
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This guide prepares local governments to participate in the Local Update of Census Addresses Operation (LUCA). The guide includes a detailed checklist for participating local governments, sample forms, and the LUCA schedule.
document _recordid 269
file:269
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This document answers 31 common questions about the Local Update of Census Addresses Operation (LUCA) including questions about the program, why local governments should participate, and technical requirements.
document _recordid 270
file:270
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This NACo report explains how counties can help in an effective roll-out of the 2020 Census by working with states and the federal government. Along with the American Community Survey (ACS), the data is critical in deciding factors such as representation apportionment amongst the general population, and allocating approximately $600 billion dollars in federal funding every year. The report outlines key takeaways which enable counties to maximize the benefits from the 2020 Census.
document _recordid 284
file:284