Becker County News - All Departments

All Becker County offices will be closed on Monday, January 21, 2019 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Board Chairman Don Skarie gave the annual 'State of the County' address at the December 18, 2018 Board of Commissioners meeting. During the address, Chairman Skarie notes many highlights and accomplishments that occured in 2018. Watch video...

Becker County is looking for interested candidates who wish to serve as a member of the Transit Advisory Committee (TAC). The role of the committee is to bring a community voice to the transit planning process. More information...

The 2018 General Election is completed. The final results for Becker County (unofficial) are available on our Election Results page.

The County will take possession of the new jail on December 11. The project is on schedule and budget. The jail's construction is being funded from county reserves and a bond issue that will be serviced entirely with the $600,000 yearly savings from not boarding inmates in outside jails. The project qualifies for a sales tax reimbursement from the state of approximately $500,000 and a significant unspent reserve of nearly $300,000, all which will be returned to Becker County at the end of the project.

The Becker County Motor Vehicle Office is now able to issue both Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) and Real ID. The office is able to process those applications ONLY on Tues/Wed/Thurs from 8:30-11:00 AM. For more information see our licensing page.

Becker County Commissioners approved a maximum 2019 Levy Budget of $21,308,052, a 3.5 percent levy increase over 2018. The Board will set the County's final budget following a public hearing in December.

The County's total proposed budget for 2019 of $52,453,042 is down from $75,146,284 due to the completion of the new $21 million jail project. The proposed budget also reduces county staffing by 2 positions for 2019. The budget contains a 2.5 percent employee salary adjustment for 2018 and 2019. The budget also contains increased funding support for Drug Court, Airport, Sunnyside Nursing Home, Regional Library, Soil and Water District, County Extension, and Jail Operations.

"Becker County's financial condition remains strong as evidenced by Standard and Poor's AA rating," said County Administrator Jack Ingstad.

The Becker County Recreational Advisory Committee is seeking your input regarding recreation at Chilton Park. Please take a moment to fill out the survey. A map of Chilton Park is being provided to help orient you to the park and its location. Survey results will be reviewed by the RAC in October. Thank you for your participation. Survey link...

Deputy Cole Sanders and Deputy Jerron Aschnewitz were presented with 'Lifesaver' awards at the August 21st Commissioner's Meeting. Their actions, along with aid from other citizens, helped rescue 2 people in the water who became seperated from their boat. Read more...  |  Photo...

Please take a few minutes to fill out the Becker County Broadband Survey. Your input will help document demand for broadband throughout the county. We will map this demand and share the results of the survey with current and prospective providers in hopes of facilitating partnerships that lead to state broadband grants that would make broadband deployments affordable in our rural areas. Thank you for participating! Survey link...

The Becker County Sherriff's Office and Audubon Police Dept are releasing information regarding Adam Levi Schultz, age 25, a Level 3 registrant subject to public notification. The registrant will be moving to Becker County on July 11, 2018. More info...

Starting July 1, 2014, Becker County will have a 0.5 percent transit sales and use tax. The tax will be administered by the MN Dept. of Revenue and the revenue will be used to fund Becker County road projects (SMART). General notice...  |  More info...

On June 28 and 29, 2018, the White Earth Nation/Becker County DWI Specialty Court team attended the National Center for DWI Courts MN Operational Tune-Up Training in Bemidji, MN.  The multidisciplinary team consists of the judge, prosecutors, probation agents, licensed chemical dependency counselors, compliance officer, law enforcement, and specialty court coordinator. The team strives to continually improve the quality of our program and is committed to providing our participants with the tools and support necessary for them to change their behavior, improve their lives and productively reengage in our community.

The Emergency Communications Network (CODE-RED) has presented Becker County with a "Code Red" Hero Award in recognition of system use during the Callaway train derailment. Photo...  |   Letter...

A new way to recycle is available to those living within the city limits of Detroit Lakes, Frazee, Audubon, and Lake Park. Single-stream recycling allows residents to place plastics, paper, metal, cartons, and cardboard together in one container. Announcement...  |  More info...  |  Collection days...

Becker County Environmental Services announces a new business related plastic recycling opportunity. Collection canisters, free of charge, may be available for qualifying farms, dairies, and other related businesses. Read more...

In an effort to increase recycling in our community, Becker County is launching a 'special event' recycling program for its residents. Whether it is a picnic, reunion, sporting event, or show, we can provide assistance, guides and bins for your use during your event. More info...  |  Guide...

A Public Hearing was held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 13, 2018 in the Commissioner's Board Room in the Courthouse. One purpose of the hearing was to receive public comment on the Highway Department's 5 Year Plan. 5 Year Plan Map...

Highway Department employee Mike Bellanger was recoginzed by the County Commissioners for his placement in the State Snow Plow Competition. Congratulations Mike! Photo...

A detailed annual report highlighting the activities, programs, and budget of the Becker County Highway Department for the year ending 12/31/2016 is now available online. Annual Report...

Becker County Human Services was informed by the MN Dept of Human Services (DHS) that the Income Maintenance Unit has met the timeliness rate goal of 96% or higher in both SNAP Expedited & 30-Day Processing of application processing for the full year (Jan-Dec 2016), as well as the first three quarters (Jan-Sept 2017) of the current year.  DHS has provided Becker County Human Services with a certificate of congratulations for their efforts. The Becker County Board also expressed their thanks and congratulations at the December 19th board meeting for a job well done. Congratulations, Income Maintenance staff for your hard work!

The Becker County Motor Vehicle Office is now able to issue both Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) and Real ID. The office is able to process those applications ONLY on Tues/Wed/Thurs from 8:30-11:00 AM. For more information see our licensing page.

Effective January 1, 2016 you are required to provide proof of insurance (company name, policy number and policy expiration date) for all motor vehicle and motorcycle renewals. In addition you must also provide this information for all motor vehicle and motorcycle title transfers.

Have you ever wondered why the county has tax forfeit forest land or how that forest land is managed? Check out the following presentation to learn more about Minnesota's County Forest Lands.

The Recorder's Office will be open for business for the next few days while a minor construction project takes place within the office. We apprectiate your patience!

The Recorder's office is now making all recorded Corner Certificates available to find via search and to download directly from the website. This new online service is intended to help improve customer service for those interested parties by allowing self-service access to the documents at their convenience. Please see our Corner Certificates Online page.

As a reminder - the Recorder's office can provide a copy of recorded property deeds at no cost. Many residents have reported receiving unsolicited mailings (example) that are attempting to charge money for something you can obtain for FREE. The office recommends you ignore mailings such as these.

Document searches and land record viewing has never been easier! Search Becker County land records 24/7 with a credit card at www.idocmarket.com.

The Becker County Sherriff's Office and Audubon Police Dept are releasing information regarding Adam Levi Schultz, age 25, a Level 3 registrant subject to public notification. The registrant will be moving to Becker County on July 11, 2018. More info...

Becker County Sheriff's Office K9 "Cooper" has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Read more...  |  Pic 1...  |  Pic 2...

The sole purpose of the TRIAD program is to promote senior safety and to reduce the fear of crime that seniors often experience. More information...

A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 to discuss Becker County's plan of purchasing wetland credits to replace wetland impacts from a proposed recreational trail connection. Public Notice...

Lakes TV3 recently aired a 'Spotlight on Frazee' segment featuring a shoreline restoration project that involved the Becker Soil and Water Conservation District. Watch video...