KANABEC COUNTY COURTHOUSE REOPENS TO PUBLIC EFFECTIVE MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2020
June 17, 2020 - Effective, Monday, June 22, 2020 at 8:00 a.m., the Kanabec County Courthouse building will reopen to the public for walk-in services. The health and wellbeing of our employees and community remains a priority as we reopen certain in-person services during our phased reopening plan. We respectfully ask that business which can be conducted online or by phone call continue to be done remotely.
We also ask that those utilizing in-person services adhere to the following guidelines:
- If possible, schedule an appointment prior to arrival;
- Utilize hand sanitizing station upon entry;
- Maintain social distance of 6 feet between you and others;
- One customer at service counter at a time;
- Face masks are encouraged but not required;
- Masks will be provided to those in need (based on availability);
- Those experiencing COVID-19 (or similar) symptoms are asked to reschedule their visit.
Due to limited social distancing space, the Public Health, Family Services, Driver’s License, Environmental Services, and Public Works buildings will continue to serve the public by appointment only. Please contact each office directly by calling:
- Public Health 320-679-6330
- Family Services 320-679-6350
- Driver’s License 320-679-6300
- Environmental Services 320-679-6456
- Public Works 320-679-6300
Please note: Kanabec County Driver’s License Department will serve the public by appointment only until further notice. The public is encouraged to utilize online self-services that are available through Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services webpage. For more information on services available go to: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/online-self-services/Pages/default.aspx.
The Kanabec County Board of Commissioners meetings will be held in-person (along with WebEx phone access) beginning Tuesday, July 7, 2020 in the lower level meeting rooms of the Courthouse. This will allow for a small number of community members to attend in-person while maintaining social distancing guidelines.
Meeting rooms are not available for public use at this time.
This meeting has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF KANABEC
Kanabec County Board of Adjustments
Notice of Hearing Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, June 23, 2020
At the hour of 7:00 pm via teleconferencing,
the Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on the variance application of:
Trilogy Properties of MN LLC
For the property located at
1420 216 Ave
Ogilvie MN 56358
Requesting a variance from
Ord. #5 Kanabec County Shoreland Sec. 6.2.4 for vacation rentals,
holding tanks not allowed
Kanabec County Board of Adjustment
Kanabec County Environmental Services
For questions or more information, please contact the Environmental Services Department at 320-679-6456.
For those who wish to attend via teleconferece, you may call in toll free at 1-408-418-9388 and enter access code 960 604 729.
May 21, 2020
The “Stay at Home MN” Executive Order issued by Governor Walz has expired and businesses have begun to reopen their doors, with modifications. New guidance from the State of Minnesota, “Stay Safe MN”, has helped Kanabec County plan a phased reopening of our buildings. The phased reopening plan is designed to keep citizens and employees safe and healthy while gradually reopening county services. Currently, all county buildings will remain closed to general walk-in traffic. However, public access to county facilities can be made by appointment for services that cannot be completed via other methods or are difficult to complete online due to lack of electronic solutions, complexity of transactions, or customer barriers to accessing the services.
We encourage the public to contact the specific department for questions, concerns or to schedule an in-person appointment.
Kanabec County Department Contact Information:
Assessor 320-679-6420
Attorney 320-679-6425
Auditor/Treas 320-679-6430
Coordinator 320-679-6440 (Main Line)
Court Admin 320-679-6400
EDA Office 320-209-5031
Family Services 320-679-6350
Recorder 320-679-6466
Probation 320-679-6450
Public Health 320-679-6330
Public Works 320-679-6300
Sheriff 320-679-8410
Veteran Services 320-679-6380
Kanabec County buildings have prepared physical spaces for appointments. These spaces support social distancing guidance with protective barriers and enhanced cleaning protocols.
Please note, the Public Works driver’s license renewal office will open June 15th and will now require an appointment. To schedule an appointment you will need to contact 320-679-6300 after June 7th. Priority will be given to those with urgent service needs.
As we continue through our phased re-openings we will keep the public informed. We appreciate your patience and consideration as we navigate through this global pandemic.
Click here for COVID-19 related information.
Kanabec County Board Reduces Penalty on Late Property Taxes
In a move designed to provide property tax relief for businesses and property owners struggling during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Kanabec County Board of Commissioners approved a reduced penalty for property taxes due May 15, 2020. The action came at a county board meeting held on April 21.
The resolution (Resolution #14 – 4/21/20) does not change the due date for property taxes, but it does reduce the penalty for first-half taxes paid late. If first-half taxes are paid by June 30, 2020 the penalty is 1%. For first-half taxes paid by July 31, 2020 the penalty is 2%. After July 31, 2020, the regular penalty applies. The regular penalty varies by property type and increases with the length of delay. For example, residential property taxes not paid after July 31, 2020 have a 5% penalty and commercial / industrial property taxes paid after July 31, 2020 have a 9% penalty.
The resolution does not change the due date of the 2nd half property taxes which is October 15, 2020.
County Auditor/Treasurer Denise Snyder said, “Everyone who can pay their property taxes on time should do that. Those who need a little extra time because their business is closed or they have lost their job can have a couple extra months to make their payment with a reduced penalty amount.”
Kanabec County has over 30 taxing entities including schools, townships, and cities which use property taxes to pay for essential services. Board Chair Kathi Ellis said, “Any delay in taxes will be challenging for those jurisdictions. It's going to be tight for everyone, including local governments, but hopefully this measure will be helpful to Kanabec County residents and businesses as we pull together to get through the pandemic.”
Those who have questions on their property taxes should call the county auditor-treasurer at 320-679-6430.
On April 21, 2020 the Kanabec County Board of Commissioners approved the extension of the Declaration of Local Emergency. Click here for details.
On March 25, 2020 the Kanabec County Board of Commissioners approved a Declaration of Local Emergency. Click here for details.
PUBLIC ACCESS RESTRICTED AT ALL COUNTY BUILDINGS FOR ALL NONESSENTIAL
SERVICES
MORA, MN – All Kanabec County buildings and facilities are closed to the public for all non-essential
services effective immediately and until further notice. Limited access will remain for courts, public
health and family services. The decision was made by the Kanabec County Board of Commissioners at
their regular board meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 in response to prevention and protection
measures for the expanding COVID-19 pandemic. This decision was made in consultation with
Emergency Management, Public Health and Human Resources.
In taking these measures, Kanabec County remains in line with guidance for social distancing strategies
recommended by both the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Center for Disease Control
(CDC) in addition to the Governor of Minnesota and the Commissioner of Health. This action will also
help protect staff and the general public from being exposed to potentially sick individuals spreading the
virus to our friends and families.
While the buildings will be restricted from the public, county services and operations will continue to be
provided to the community on the same schedule, through both phone and email. Some services can be
done online if necessary and citizens are encouraged to explore those options. A listing of department
contacts can be found on the county webpage www.kanabeccounty.org or your call can be directed by
calling the Coordinator’s Office at (320) 679-6440.
Kanabec County will continue to post information related to this closure, announcements, and other
helpful information on the website at www.kanabeccounty.org. Remember! The best ways to prevent
the spread of COVID-19 are to practice:
Healthy hygiene:
Wash your hands often and thoroughly
Cover your cough and sneezes
Toss the tissue and wash your hands again
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
By staying home when you’re sick.
Social distancing:
Keeping at least 6 feet (2 meters) from others.
Postpone or cancel gatherings of 10 or more people
Be aware of your surroundings
Being a good community member:
Identify family, friends, and neighbors who may be feeling alone and contact them by phone to provide some companionship or ask if they have their needs met to safely stay in their home.
Updated 6/17/20