---

   BACKUS — County Planner, Scott Wold presented the annual report for the Environmental Services Department to the Cass County Board, noting continued activity across multiple areas while highlighting several program updates and trends.

   Wold reported the department saw a slight slowdown in permit activity in 2025 compared to previous years, though overall construction activity remains strong. He noted that while the number of permits has leveled off, larger and more complex projects continue to drive revenue. The department also continues to work toward improving permit turnaround times, with a goal of completing reviews within 15 business days, though more complex lake and shoreline projects can take longer.

   Permit activity remained consistent across the county, with the Third Commissioner District continuing to see the highest volume due to population and development patterns.

   Wold also highlighted the implementation of the county’s short-term rental ordinance, which was launched with the assistance of an outside vendor. While enforcement and follow-up have presented some challenges, the county is seeing steady compliance and plans to address remaining non-compliant properties in the coming year.

   In solid waste, the county saw a slight decrease in overall volumes from 2024 to 2025. Recycling numbers also declined, though Wold noted this is largely due to the increased fee for out-of-county recycling. Despite the dip, levels remain higher than pre-pandemic totals.

   Aquatic invasive species (AIS) efforts are expected to face funding reductions in the coming year, which will likely result in fewer inspection hours. However, staff are working to maximize efficiency by analyzing inspection data to focus efforts on high-traffic lake accesses and areas with greater risk of spreading invasive species.

   The report also highlighted work completed through the Soil and Water Conservation District, including numerous cost-share projects across the county. These projects, funded through state dollars, provide direct assistance to landowners implementing conservation practices. Staff also conducted site visits with residents to address concerns such as shoreline restoration, erosion control, and water quality.

   An increase in septic system upgrades was also noted in 2025, which Wold attributed in part to the short-term rental ordinance requiring inspections and improvements to ensure systems are functioning properly.

 

---