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   BACKUS—Cass County Health, Human and Veterans Services Director Brian Buhmann along with other staff members presented the departments annual report to Cass County commissioners Tuesday, April 15.

   Fiscal Supervisor Tia Monnens reported HHVS saw revenue of $19.5 million and expenses of $18.3 million. However, this income and expenses does not include any money the department receives as pass-through. The majority of this money received is through Cass County property taxes with Federal and State money being the second and third sources. Commissioner Neal Gaalswyk inquired the effects of the potential shortfall of funding from both the Federal and State governments. Buhmann stated it is a very fluid topic, but if the Federal government does cut funding, the State would pass that cost on to the counties which would cost millions of dollars.

Veterans Services

   Veteran Services Officer Kristy Smart informed the board Cass County received $36,794 from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs State Soldiers Assistance program for Veterans optical, dental, subsistence and relief grants. It was stated that currently a Veteran can only receive a relief grant once during their lifetime with a maximum of $5,000. This is currently under consideration of being upgraded to allow Veterans to receive a total of $15,000 during their lifetime with it being a running total and not a one-time grant.

   Additional money the County obtained was $24,967 from the Homeless & Wounded Warriors - MN and $1,750 from local American Legions and American Legion Auxiliaries. The money from Homeless & Wounded Warriors - MN was utilized for multiple Veterans with emergent needs. While, the money from the local American Legions was used for the needs of Veterans and the counties volunteer transportation program. 

   Smart mentioned that Cass County participated in the Operation Green Light program again during 2024. This year the Veterans Services Office provided free green light bulbs to citizens of Cass County to illuminate their businesses and homes to show support for our Veterans. Smart stated she will have to purchase more bulbs for this next year as they ran out of bulbs to distribute.

   Smart also shared with the board 150 rides for a total of 37,210 miles were provided to Veterans during 2024, which was an increase to the prior year. Contribution to this increase may have been due to the removal of fees for Veteran rides during 2024 by the Cass County Commissioners.   

Income maintenance

   Cass County processed payments for $156,201,875.97 in health service bills for people who qualified for state and federal medical assistance in 2024.

   Other services for qualified people and the average per person monthly 2024 benefits are:

   • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance for low-income people, $170.65.

   • Minnesota Family Investment Program for low-income families and pregnant women, $391.22.

   • Diversionary Work Program for families looking for work, $118.47.

   • Child Care Assistance for families with low income, $473.

   • General Assistance for adults who have little or no income and are unable to return to work, $173.85.

   • Emergency General Assistance for low-income people during a crisis who need food, shelter, utilities, $251.60.

   • Emergency Assistance for low-income people during a crisis who need food, shelter, utilities, $360.87.

   • Group Residential Housing pays room and board for people age 65 or older and for disabled age 18 and older or those who are blind who live in authorized settings, $476.09.

   • Minnesota Supplemental Aid for adults who are eligible for federal Supplemental Security Income, $118.51.

Community Health Improvement Plan

   Cass County HHVS Public Health Planner Jamie Richter shared  a brief update regarding the Cass County State Health Improvement Program (SHIP) conducting a commercial tobacco retailers point-of-sale audit. It was reported 46 commercial tobacco retailers were assessed for the types of products sold, advertising of products, pricing of products, price promotions of products and youth appeal. It was discovered approximately 9% of retailers had displays of tobacco products near youth oriented products such as candy, gum or toys. While 28% of retailers had ads within 3 feet of the floor. The goal of the department is to reduce the appeal to youth by having retailers move displays away from areas appealing to youth.

   Richter also shared a separate update from the Opioid settlement committee meeting held Tues., March 25. During this meeting the committee discussed a variety of media campaign platforms and requested the board approve allocating $20,000 from the opioid fund for a media education campaign. This would cover the costs associated with two non-electronic billboards, costs associated working with the Sheriff’s Office Facebook and other media costs. The board approved this use of funds unanimously.

   For the complete HHVS Annual report go to www.casscountymn.gov.

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