MICA counties include more than 35 percent of state population

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

The Minnesota Inter-County Association (MICA), which includes Otter Tail County, is a voluntary, joint powers organization of 15 Minnesota counties. This includes most of Minnesota’s larger and faster growing counties.

MICA gave its annual report on Aug. 27 to members of the Otter Tail County  Board of Commissioners at the County Government Services Center on the northwest side of Fergus Falls.

  MICA counties include more than 35 percent of the state’s residents, located in four suburban counties and 11 rural Minnesota counties.

The association is a vehicle for planning and implementing projects and programs of interest to member counties, supporting county success through effective state policy advocacy, providing expert analysis, following the work of the Minnesota State Legislature and driving innovation and improved outcomes in government services.

MICA works on behalf of its members to:

• Influence regional and state programs to solve problems common to its members

• Produce and share high quality information on issues of concern to its members and their residents

• Increase public understanding of county government

• Facilitate cooperation among counties in areas of mutual interest

Comments from MICA executives

Matt Massman, executive director of the Minnesota Inter-County Association (MICA), headed a three-person executive team that met with Otter Tail County commissioners on Aug. 27. Also speaking were Nancy Silesky, MICA’s health and human services liaison, and Steve Novak, transportation liaison.

“Minnesota currently has a budget balance of $1.7 billion,” Massman said. “State lawmakers are addressing key county priorities, including EMS (Emergency Medical Services). We commend your state senator, Jordan Rasmussen, for authoring a $30 million EMS bill that addresses services here in west central Minnesota.”

Silesky praised Otter Tail County Human Services Director Deb Sjostrom and County Public Health Director Jody Lien for their work with MICA and also their work with legislators in St. Paul while helping to ensure a good quality of life in Otter Tail County.

MICA, said Silesky, was pleased to see members of the state legislature, in 2024, addressing children’s mental health needs while also developing a Health Professions Workforce Advisory Council.

Novak, in his role as MICA’s transportation liaison, said he is pleased to see that state legislative funding for roads and bridges is always tied to safety for Minnesota residents. He praised the work of current Otter Tail County Engineer Krysten Foster and previous county engineers Chuck Grotte and Rick West.

Massman, Silesky and Novak reminded county commissioners that the 2025 state legislature convenes on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.

County Commissioner Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids commended MICA for its role in assisting Otter Tail County and the other counties in rural Minnesota. Those sentiments were also echoed by County Board Chairman Kurt Mortenson of rural Underwood, Lee Rogness of Fergus Falls, Dan Bucholz of Perham and Bob Lahman of Parkers Prairie.