Board approves one‑year lease with Northern Pines Mental Health Center for Staples building

The Todd County Board approved a one‑year lease with Northern Pines Mental Health Center for the use of the county Staples Building for the 2026 calendar year.

Administration staff explained the lease term and payment schedule: the lessee will pay $6,000 for the year, with at least $3,000 due by April 1, 2026 and any balance for 2026 no later than Sept. 1, 2026. The lease, drafted by county attorney Lindeman with input from Northern Pines representatives, begins on the meeting date and covers only 2026; any extension for 2027 would require a new lease executed by Oct. 31, 2026.

Commissioners discussed that Region 5 currently occupies the building and is paid through March; staff said Region 5 has assured they will vacate by March 31, 2026. Several commissioners expressed concern about starting the Northern Pines lease immediately if Region 5 remains in the space. Commissioners also raised a potential bathroom remodel cost cited in discussion as roughly $70,000; staff said a firm bid is not yet available and that county attorney limited the lease to one year in part because of pending remodel cost considerations.

The board approved the one‑year lease by voice vote and asked staff to correct typographical errors on the board action form and to follow up on remodel estimates and documentation of Region 5's move‑out schedule.