Stevens County holds T21 ordinance hearing, hears no public comment and lays matter over to May 19

Stevens County commissioners held a public hearing May 5 on proposed amendments to the county T21 (tobacco) ordinance that would replace enumerated fine amounts with a statutory reference.

Chair opened the public hearing and explained the purpose: to receive comments on draft language removing specific fine amounts from the local ordinance and instead referencing Minnesota statute 609.0331 so that local penalties would track statutory changes.

Staff told the board the county attorney recommended removing the enumerated fine language so future statutory increases would automatically apply. Staff said the draft was published as required, a copy was posted on the county website, and the office received one written comment that corrected a typographical extra zero in the statute citation.

"The purpose of today's hearing is to receive comments on a draft T21 ordinance," the chair said. "Proposed changes include removing the specific fine amounts and referencing statutory language that is subject to change."

No members of the public spoke during the hearing. With no oral testimony, the board voted to lay the matter over for the second reading and final consideration at the May 19, 2026, board meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the county boardroom.

The board did not take final action on May 5 and will reconvene the hearing on May 19 for potential adoption or further amendment.