By: James Joerke, County Administrator

April is National County Government Month. You’re probably thinking, “Oh great – National County Government Month; what could be more exciting than that?” While it may not be the most exciting thing in the world, the work of county government touches the lives of almost everyone in the U.S., both directly and indirectly. And I am willing to bet that people would get pretty excited if the County stopped providing the services that it offers.

Some of the things that county governments do are easy to observe. Plowing streets, fixing potholes, grading gravel roads, and undertaking road construction projects are examples of this. If we do a good job, everyone sees and benefits from it. If we don’t, everyone sees it and we get phone calls. Law enforcement is another highly visible element of the work that Cook County does. In many areas, local law enforcement services are provided by a network of city police departments and the County Sheriff. 

The City of Grand Marais had its police department until 1998. Since then, the city has contracted with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement response in the city limits. The Sheriff’s Office also coordinates with State and Federal law enforcement agencies to respond to larger incidents, like search and rescue and wildfires. The County’s Emergency Management Department works with first responders to plan for and mitigate the effects of storms, fires, and other dangers.

Other County activities may be less visible than the work of the Highway Department and Sheriff's Office but are no less important. 

The Public Health and Human Services Department provides a variety of programs to assist residents. These include:

• Behavioral health services that support children's and adult mental and behavioral health and case management.
• Children and family services that strengthen and assist families by assessing safety, providing intervention, and increasing stability.
• Programs and resources for residents whose alcohol and/or drug use causes significant life problems, including health problems, disability, legal or financial issues, and an inability to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.
• Services for children, adults, and seniors living with physical, cognitive, emotional/behavioral, mental/medical health challenges.
• Financial assistance for individuals and families to cover basic living expenses and emergency needs.
• Public health programs and initiatives that promote the health and well-being of the community.
• Licensing of childcare and foster care facilities.
• Health care programs eligibility and enrollment including Medical Assistance, Medicare Savings Programs, and payment of Long Term Care Services.

If you don’t use these services yourself, you probably know someone who does. The benefits these programs and initiatives provide help make our community a better place for all. Readers who want to learn more can visit the County website at co.cook.mn.us or call 218-387-3620.

The Land Services Department administers land use and zoning ordinances for rural and unincorporated portions of Cook County to ensure that proposed construction projects and other land uses don’t have undue adverse impacts on adjacent landowners and the environment. The department also does planning work that provides a long-term framework for growth and development in the County. Residents who have concerns about environmental health issues may contact the Land Services Department for resources at 218-387-3630.

The Community Center is a hub of recreational activities and includes a skate park, playground, skating rinks, and a curling arena. The facility includes a community garden, and through the County’s relationship with U of M Extension, provides resources on a variety of gardening and environmental topics. The Community Center provides a venue for community meetings and special events. For information on Community Center activities or reserving space for an event, call 218-387-3015.

Other departments:

• The County Attorney’s Office preserves and improves public safety through criminal prosecution, protects the vulnerable through civil action, and advises county leadership to ensure that the best interests of Cook County residents are served,
• The Assessor’s Office assigns values to residential, commercial, and industrial properties to ensure that County taxes are equitably distributed across all residents and businesses,
• The Recorder’s Office which maintains and records property records, birth and death certificates, and marriage licenses,
• The County Auditor/Treasurer is responsible for financial, property tax, and elections administration and assists residents in applying for and renewing passports,
• The Veterans Services Office (218-387-3639) connects veterans and their families with benefits to which they are entitled and provides advocacy and support for vets who are navigating the federal benefits system,
• The Maintenance Department which is responsible for the upkeep of all county buildings and grounds, and
• The Management Information Systems (IT) and Human Resources departments ensure that the organization has the technical infrastructure and people needed to keep all its programs and services operating at a high level.

I would like to thank all the great County employees who work hard every day to provide high-quality programs and services to residents. Your commitment to making our community a better place for all who live here, to seeking new and better ways of doing things, and to doing more than is asked of you inspires me every day. It is a privilege to be of service to you as you serve our families, friends, and neighbors here in Cook County.

If you have questions about County programs and services, much more information is available on our website at co.cook.mn.us. If you would like to speak to someone, you can call the numbers listed above or call the County’s main line at 218-387-3000.

County Connections is a column on timely topics and service information from your Cook County government. Cook County – Supporting Community Through Quality Public Service.