Board restores library funding, pulls EDA allocations and hires Jessica Mickelson as public health director

The Clay County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 25 took two notable budget actions and completed a department leadership hire.

Budget: Commissioners debated the Lake Agassiz Regional Library request after staff presented levy impacts and reserve figures. Commissioner Kravanoff and others pressed for avoiding service cuts in smaller communities; Commissioner Ebinger recommended restoring the library’s full request. On a roll‑call motion the board restored Lake Agassiz Regional Library’s 2026 ask to $362,690 (motion carried; roll‑call votes recorded in the meeting transcript). The board then considered county economic development allocations (EDA funding for four rural Clay County cities) and, after discussion about fiscal prudence and priorities given next year’s uncertainties, voted to pull the EDA money for the four rural cities for 2026; the motion passed on a recorded roll call.

Hiring: Separately, the board unanimously approved a motion to hire Jessica Mickelson as the county’s public health director at Grade 26, Step 5 with internal backfill in social services. Commissioners praised Mickelson as an internal candidate with leadership vision; there was discussion about the start date and the benefits of an earlier onboarding so she can work on transition and budget preparations.