As Minnesota lawmakers work to craft a new budget, leaders from some of the state's 87 counties have a warning.
Scott County Commissioner Dave Beer, joined his counterparts from across the state, expressed frustration as the budget proposal from Governor Tim Walz (DFL) includes what they refer to as "cost-shifting."
"Basically telling the counties, and I'm sorry I don't mean to be crude, but 'look out, we're flushing twice' to get all of these new expenses down to all 87 counties," explained Beer.
Beer says the proposed cost shifting will put an added financial burden on the counties.
"For us, the citizens of Scott County, it would be an increase of approximately $934,000 in year one," he says.
Those thoughts were echoed by Carlton County Commissioner Dennis Genereau.
"From a practical perspective, Carleton County cannot absorb much, if any, state imposed cost shifts, and still be expected to maintain the necessarily high standard of response that child welfare matters require," Genereau said Wednesday.
Clay County Commissioner Jenny Mongeau says each of the counties already faces financial hardships without adding to their burdens.
"Our cities, school districts, municipalities and counties are all doing the best we can to meet the complex needs of our citizens," Mongeau explained. "The proposed shifts not only undermine our ability to deliver essential services, but could disrupt economic stability in our region."
For Walz, his proposal attempts to address the issue of spending more money than they bring in. Part of that comes by slowing state spending on disability services, one of the major drivers of the state’s escalating costs. Walz’s budget also proposes shifting some of the cost of special education transportation to local school districts.