Becker County News - All Departments

Becker County is in the process of updating the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and also the Zoning Ordinances. Your feedback is important and you are encouraged to get involved and help shape the future! For more information, please visit our plan update site. Make sure to take the online survey to provide your feedback!

The Becker County Board of Commissioners is seeking bids for 2024 printing and publication. Separate bids are being requested for: 1) Delinquent Tax Notice and List, and any and all other legal notices and publications for 2024; and, 2) Publication of the Annual Financial Statement. Bids will be received at the Auditor-Treasurer's office until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27, 2023. Official Notice (PDF).

Becker County is interested in reviewing qualifications of licensed attorneys who have experience and training to provide legal representation to children in need of protection or services (CHIPS). Legal representation will begin Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Final applications will be accepted until Friday, December 1, 2023. More information (PDF).

The Becker County Board of Commissioners will be holding a public hearing on Thursday, December 14, 2023 for public comments regarding the 2024 Budget/Truth in Taxation, Highway Five Year Plan, and the SMART sales tax appropriation for 2024. Meeting Notice (PDF).

Becker County is requesting applicants for the role of County Coroner to begin January 1, 2024. The coroner must be a physician with a valid license in good standing to practice medicine in Minnesota. Applications will be accepted until November 30, 2023. Notice (PDF).

Becker County Emergency Management is seeking public feedback from residents and businesses as the county's Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) is being updated. Your comments, concerns, and questions regarding natural disasters and potential mitigation actions will be considered during this update process. More information (PDF).

The Becker County Sheriff's Office would like to remind residents that they can sign up for severe weather alerts through the CodeRED automated alert system. More information | CodeRED Flyer (PDF).

On March 30, 2023, the Minnesota Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators honored Becker County First Assistant Attorney Braden Sczepanski and Detroit Lakes Police Investigator Phil Vaughn for their work related to an arson prosecution. Read more (PDF).

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. The deadline was previously set for later this year. Beginning May 7, 2025, MN residents will not be able to use their standard driver's license to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. Read more.

Becker County Human Services is looking for Volunteer Drivers to provide transports. Mileage reimbursement at the current rate. Applicants must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver's license and insurance and a cleared medical statement from their physician. If interested, please contact Shannon F. or Christy R. at 218-847-5628.

MN Statute 471.701 SALARY DATA: A city or county with a population of more than 15,000 must annually notify its residents of the positions and base salaries of its three highest-paid employees. This notice may be provided on the home page of the primary Web site maintained by the political subdivision for a period of not less than 90 consecutive days, in a publication of the political subdivision that is distributed to all residents in the political subdivision, or as part of the annual notice of proposed property taxes prepared under section 275.065.

County Sheriff, Todd Glander, $122,224
County Attorney, Brian McDonald, $126,941
County Administrator, Pat Oman, $134,943

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 (PDF).  |  More info.

On March 30, 2023, the Minnesota Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators honored Becker County First Assistant Attorney Braden Sczepanski and Detroit Lakes Police Investigator Phil Vaughn for their work related to an arson prosecution. Read more (PDF).

The Becker County Board of Commissioners is seeking bids for 2024 printing and publication. Separate bids are being requested for: 1) Delinquent Tax Notice and List, and any and all other legal notices and publications for 2024; and, 2) Publication of the Annual Financial Statement. Bids will be received at the Auditor-Treasurer's office until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27, 2023. Official Notice (PDF).

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 (PDF).

Becker County Environmental Services has put together program packages for businesses and muti-unit housing managers trying to implement a recycling program. Within them, you'll find tips and resources to help your recycling effort. Please see the 'More info' tab on our Recycling page, or download the Business package (PDF), Multi-Unit package (PDF), or Signage (PDF).

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

In an effort to increase recycling in our community, Becker County provides 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 (PDF).  |  Guide (PDF).

The Becker County Board of Commissioners approved an honorary road designation of CSAH 26 at their August 6, 2019 meeting. An 8.5 mile stretch of CSAH 26 in Becker County between Ponsford and State Hwy 34 will receive an honorary designation in memory of Seabee Force Master Chief James D. Fairbanks, who grew up on the White Earth Reservation in the Village of Ponsford. News release (PDF) | Map (PDF).

The Section 8 Wait List is open in Becker County (outside the city limits of Detroit Lakes). The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a rental assistance program funded by HUD. More info.

MN Housing announced over $55 million is available to provide affordable mortgages to first-time homebuyers through a collaboration with MN counties, including $499,227 alloted to Becker County. Press release (PDF). Program brochure (PDF). Find a lender.

Local governments, employers and nonprofits are working together to offer Home Ownership for Me (HOMe) Down-payment Loans in Becker County. This program is operated by MMCDC. Program Flyer (PDF)  |  MMCDC Website

Documents can be emailed to Becker County Human Services at the following email address: officesupport@co.becker.mn.us. Please make sure to have a working phone number listed on your paperwork. Documents may also be mailed to our agency, or dropped off in the drop box located beside the front door of our building - see our address in the 'Contact This Department' section of this page.

Applications for SNAP, CASH, Emergency Assistance, and Daycare Assistance can be done online directly at MNbenefits. You can also apply for healthcare at MNsure.

Becker County Human Services is looking for Volunteer Drivers to provide transports. Mileage reimbursement at the current rate. Applicants must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver's license and insurance and a cleared medical statement from their physician. If interested, please contact Shannon F. or Christy R. at 218-847-5628.

Beginning March 1, 2022, the Motor Vehicle office will begin accepting walk-in appointments again for Real ID and Enhanced Drivers License. Real and Enhanced ID's can be completed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 8:30am to 11:00am. Advance appointments are no longer required, but please insure you have all your documentation with you.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. The deadline was previously set for later this year. Beginning May 7, 2025, MN residents will not be able to use their standard driver's license to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. Read more.

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 Becker County Recorder's Office will be accepting routine passport applications by appointment only. Call the Recorder's Office at 218-846-7304 to schedule an appointment. Be advised, there can be delays before receiving your passport and documentation. See the travel.state.gov website for more information and current processing times.

The Recorder's Office is accepting marriage license applications by appointment only. Please call the Recorder's Office at 218-846-7304 to schedule an appointment.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free online service for U.S. citizens who are traveling to or living in a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your whereabouts abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. Read more (PDF).

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 (PDF)) 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.

Becker County Emergency Management is seeking public feedback from residents and businesses as the county's Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) is being updated. Your comments, concerns, and questions regarding natural disasters and potential mitigation actions will be considered during this update process. More information (PDF).

The Becker County Sheriff's Office would like to remind residents that they can sign up for severe weather alerts through the CodeRED automated alert system. More information | CodeRED Flyer (PDF).

Becker County Sheriff's Office K9 Durman has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Durman's vest is sponsored by Ashley Fletcher of Hawley, MN. Read more (PDF). Photo.

The Crow Wing River One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P) Partnership is working to develop a Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for the Crow Wing River Watershed. The plan is expected to be completed by late 2024. You can view the progress here.

The Becker SWCD recently completed a large shoreline restoration project at a resort on Island Lake. Watch along as a natural solution is implemented to deal with the problem of shoreline erosion. Watch video.

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. 

Becker County Transit is conducting a survey to gather input and answers from our customers. Please take a moment to share your input in a brief survey. Thank you! Survey link.

Consider Lakes Transit for your transportation needs in and around our area. Check out our new commericials, Lakes Transit Friends  & Lakes Transit Youth.

Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America's Veterans for all their sacrifices by taking them - free of charge - to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials.

Top priority is given to senior Veterans - World War II and Korean War Veterans - along with other Veterans who may be terminally ill. Flights occur in the spring and fall of each year pending fundraising.

Find out more at https://www.veteranshonorflightofndmn.org/

The Becker County Veterans Service office is now publishing a 'Veterans News' newsletter to help highlight events, news, and announcements for our local Veterans. The latest version is available here at Volume 2 Issue 8 (PDF).