The Dakota County Board of Commissioners addressed a wide range of county business during its Tuesday, March 3 meeting at the Dakota County Administration Center in Hastings, approving contracts, authorizing grant applications and hearing updates on mosquito control, property values and county programs.

Mosquito control district provides annual update
The meeting began with a presentation from the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, which outlined its annual work monitoring and controlling mosquito populations across the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
The district partners with counties and cities to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses through surveillance, larval control and targeted treatment efforts. Officials discussed current mosquito trends, monitoring techniques and public health strategies used throughout the region.

Technology contracts approved
As part of the consent agenda, commissioners approved several technology-related contracts to support county operations.
The board authorized a one-year contract with Local Government Information Systems (LOGIS) for fiber-optic network maintenance and engineering services. The contract runs from March 1, 2026, through Feb. 28, 2027, at a cost of $398,630 and covers management, repairs, and maintenance of Dakota County’s fiber network infrastructure.
Commissioners also approved a one-year renewal of the county’s agenda management software contract with Granicus Inc. for $31,144.51. The Legistar software system helps automate the county’s legislative process and allows staff to prepare, publish and archive meeting agendas and supporting materials.

Grants and social services initiatives
The board authorized county staff to pursue multiple state grant opportunities aimed at improving community services.
Among them was an application to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs for crisis response grant funding that would support emergency services and crisis intervention efforts.
Commissioners also approved an application for innovation grant funding through the Minnesota Department of Human Services, which could help support new or improved programs in housing and community services.

Parks and environmental projects
Several items on the agenda focused on environmental stewardship and park development across Dakota County.
The board approved actions related to greenway and park projects, including contracts for planning, restoration and construction work at multiple sites. Projects include restoration of natural areas, greenway design and improvements to park infrastructure.
County officials also authorized submission of two applications to the Minnesota GreenCorps program, which provides environmental service members who assist with sustainability, conservation and community education initiatives.

Infrastructure and transportation
Commissioners also approved several items related to transportation planning and regional infrastructure projects.
Among them was acceptance of grant funding through the Minnesota Highway Freight Program to help support interchange improvements involving County State Aid Highway 50 and Interstate 35.
The board also approved letters of support for regional grant applications focused on improving major transportation corridors and modernizing highway interchanges.

Development and facilities projects
Additional consent agenda items included approval of a development agreement with the City of Lakeville for the Recycling Zone Plus project, a regional facility designed to handle household hazardous waste and recycling materials.
The board also awarded a contract for construction of a fuel island at the Hastings Government Center, a project that will support county fleet operations.

Social Work Month proclamation
During the regular agenda portion of the meeting, commissioners proclaimed March 2026 as Social Work Month in Dakota County. The proclamation recognized the work of social service professionals who assist children, families and vulnerable residents throughout the county.
County officials noted that social workers play a key role in delivering mental health services, child protection, family support and other programs that help residents maintain stability and well-being.

Property value update presented
The board also received a 2026 market value update from Dakota County’s assessing services department. The presentation reviewed recent property valuation trends and provided insight into how assessed values are changing across residential, commercial and agricultural property categories.
Market values are used to determine property taxes and are updated annually based on market conditions and property sales data.

Closed session on legal strategy
Later in the meeting, commissioners entered a closed executive session to discuss legal strategy related to the acquisition of property from Rich Valley LLC in Inver Grove Heights for a county transportation project.
Minnesota law allows public bodies to close meetings when discussing litigation strategy with legal counsel.