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   BACKUS— Cass County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, Mar. 17 to listen to a proposal from Health Human and Veteran Service Director Brian Buhmann regarding  a new technology initiative aimed at improving efficiency and customer service.

   Buhmann presented a proposal to implement an artificial intelligence-based system developed by TipCo, designed to assist with incoming phone calls and provide staff with quick access to policy and procedural information. The system, which includes an AI-generated assistant named “EVA,” will guide callers through services by asking a series of questions and directing them to the appropriate resources. The tool also is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

   Buhmann said the technology is intended to streamline operations and reduce the workload on staff, particularly when handling routine inquiries and application processes. “This is another tool we can bring into our toolbox to make our staff more efficient,” Buhmann told the board.

   One key feature of the system addresses a time-consuming requirement in the application process. Currently, staff must spend approximately eight to ten minutes reading rights and responsibilities to each applicant. With the new system, EVA will deliver that information automatically, allowing staff to focus more time on processing cases. EVA will also follow up with applicants who do not complete the required listening portion, placing up to two callback attempts to ensure applications are properly finished.

   The total cost of the two-year agreement is just over $37,000 for the first year, with partial reimbursement available through federal funding. Officials noted that up to 50% of the first-year cost could be reimbursed if implemented before Sept. 30, if submitted after that date reimbursement would only be 25%. Reimbursement for the second year would be 25%, therefore, over the two-year period, the county anticipates receiving more than $25,000 in total reimbursements, significantly reducing the overall expense. 

   Commissioners also discussed the growing role of AI in public services, acknowledging both initial skepticism and increasing acceptance among users who value the convenience of accessing information at any time. Following discussion, the board approved the proposal by unanimous vote.

   Commissioners then heard an update from University of Minnesota Extension staff, with a strong focus on the continued growth and expansion of local 4-H programming.

Regional Director Tony Hansen noted that their programs rely heavily on volunteers and community partnerships, allowing counties like Cass to see a greater return on their investment through expanded outreach and youth development opportunities.

   Locally, the 4-H program has grown to include 103 youth and 35 volunteers across 10 clubs, including both community-based and project-specific groups. A newer club in the Maple Township area is helping engage younger families, while Cloverbud programming for early elementary youth continues to draw steady participation. Staff also highlighted expanding partnerships, including after-school programming in the Leech Lake area. Extension educators are currently working with approximately 40 students each week through collaborations with the Cass Lake Boys and Girls Club and local schools, with plans to continue programming through the summer.

   It was also noted that fundraising efforts were successful, with the annual 4-H fundraiser bringing in nearly $17,000, well above its $10,000 goal. 

   Looking ahead, the program is working to hire a summer coordinator to assist with activities, including the county fair, camps, and expanded day programming. 

   In other business, the county board: 

   • Awarded a contract for removal and replacement of the Health, Human and Veteran Services roof to Thelen Heating and Roofing Inc. for the amount of $89,000.

   • Awarded a contract  to Anderson Brothers Construction in the amount of $2,765,013.03 for the reconstruction of 0.5 miles of County Road 167; the reclaim and paving with culvert repairs/lining on County State Aid Highway 36 and construction of both left and right turn lanes from County State Aid Highway 36 onto County Road 167.

   • Approved a resolution appointing the Commissioner of Transportation as Agent of Cass County to accept federal aid funds, which may be made available in conjunction of construction the County State Aid Highway 11 project. 

   • Received and filed the following speed study results: set speed limit on County State Aid Highway 70 to  55 mph from Crow Wing County to Trunk Highway 371 with a reduction to 50 mph between the two new roundabouts; set speed limit on Country State Aid Highway 4 to 30 mph from near Spruce St. to Trunk Highway 200, 45 mph from near Park Ave NE to Spruce St. and 55 mph on the remainder and set the speed limit on County Road 168 to 55 mph from 17th Ave Sw to a point roughly 1850 feet east of that intersection where it will then change to 45 mph to approximately the public access at Loon Lake where it will then change back to 55 mph.

   The next meetings are as follows: AMC Leadership Summit, Wednesday, Mar. 25 through Friday, Mar. 27 at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa; commissioner’s board meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Apr. 7 at the boardroom in the courthouse annex in Walker and commissioner’s board meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Apr. 21 at the Land Department meeting room in Backus.

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