From July 21, 2021, through July 23, 2021, the Olmsted County Housing department, and 11 community partners identified 157 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Rochester. In October 2020, 207 people were identified. This amounts to a 24% reduction in people experiencing homelessness in our community.
Coalition members expect the commitment to produce and preserve affordable homes in Olmsted County and create an economic impact exceeding $200 million. The funds will help enhance homeownership for working individuals and families, increase homeownership for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) families, create and preserve affordable rental housing, and expand housing options for seniors.
Olmsted County and Rochester residents are invited and encouraged to take part in the 2022 redistricting process. This includes participating in upcoming virtual listening sessions, which begin on December 14, 2021.
Olmsted County offices will be closed Thursday, November 25, and Friday, November 26 in observation of Thanksgiving. Normal business hours will resume Monday, November 29. Have a safe and happy holiday!
Olmsted County, Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center video forum on Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for 5- to 11-year-olds
On Monday, November 22, 2021, Viv Williams from the Post Bulletin moderated a forum with OCPHS Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Amy Evans, Olmsted Medical Center Pediatrician Dr. Peter Arndt, and Mayo Clinic Pediatrician Dr. Robert Jacobson. The three speakers gathered to address the importance of adding the 5- to 11- year-old population into the county’s vaccinated group.
The Monday before Thanksgiving is reserved as Public Health Thank You Day. On this day, we express gratitude for our Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) team and the vital role they play in protecting and improving the health of all people and communities within our county.
After serving as the director of Olmsted County Public Health Services for the past three years, Graham Briggs has decided to leave his position in Olmsted County to pursue other opportunities.
Veterans gathered at Olmsted County’s Chester Woods Park from November 11-13, 2021 for the 10th annual Disabled American Veterans (DAV) deer hunt to enjoy fellowship among their friends and fellow veterans.
Olmsted County offices will be closed Thursday, November 11, 2021 in observation of Veterans Day. Normal business hours will resume on Friday, November 12, 2021.
Pfizer COVID-19 shots for children 5 to 11 in Olmsted County
Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS), Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center (OMC) all follow guidance from the CDC related to COVID-19 vaccinations, including 5 to 11-year-old vaccines. These organizations are now sharing details about their vaccination plans.
This will affect your 2022 property taxes and eligibility for a property tax refund
News
Nov 8, 2021
The December 31, 2021 deadline to file for homestead for taxes payable in 2022 is quickly approaching. If your property is not currently homesteaded, find out if you may qualify and what you must do to change the homestead status of your property. This will affect the amount of property tax you pay in 2022, and it may affect your eligibility for a property tax refund.
On Tuesday, November 2, 2021, the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners approved a plan to spend $5 million of Olmsted County’s nearly $31 million in allocated funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The funding will be used to incentivize the construction of new, affordable homes through the Growing Affordable, Inclusive Neighborhoods (GAIN) in Olmsted County program.
Becoming a child foster care provider can be a fulfilling and life changing experience. Olmsted County has a great need for foster parents in our local communities; so, if you have ever considered becoming a foster parent, now is a great time to learn more.
There are several types of foster care providers needed: emergency shelter, family foster care, resource family homes, and respite care.
Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) is working with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to adjust COVID-19 response resources to focus on areas most urgent and relevant to the current stage of the pandemic.
Community transmission of COVID-19 remains high in Olmsted County. Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS), Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center want to remind the public what treatments are approved for COVID-19.
Due to staff training, Olmsted County buildings 2100 and 2117 will be closed to the public until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. Normal business hours will resume starting at 1 p.m. that day.
Staff from the following departments will be unavailable during this time.
On Wednesday, October 20, 2021, members of the media were invited to attend a virtual event on homelessness and housing solutions in Olmsted County. Updates were given on the Rochester Community Warming Center, the Empowering Connections and Housing Outreach Center, and what the future holds for Olmsted County and its efforts to create housing solutions for people in the community.
While the county and the city are required to have their own separate processes, the organizations will collaborate to help ensure community members have the pertinent information they need by providing an educational campaign, as well as joint community engagement efforts. The process will occur between November 2021 – April 2022.
The Ear of Corn Water Tower in Rochester, Minnesota is gaining national attention. The water tower, along with hundreds of other water towers in the United States and Canada, was nominated for the People’s Choice Award in the Tnemec Company’s Water Tank of the Year contest.
October 13, 2021, is County Financial Worker and Case Aide Day. Join Olmsted County in recognizing the valuable service financial workers and case aides provide the community.
Despite economic uncertainties and other challenges due to the pandemic, in 2021, Olmsted County once again received a Aaa credit rating (with a stable outlook) – the highest possible rating – from Moody’s Investors Service. The rating designation equates to significant taxpayer savings by lowering the cost of borrowing for the county. Olmsted County received the Aaa designation for the first time in 2002.
The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners voiced its support for Domestic Violence Awareness Month on October 5, 2021, with a proclamation calling on all citizens to increase awareness and understanding of domestic violence.
“The opening of the ECHO Center will continue the work we have done to help those with the least in our community get a step ahead,” said Olmsted County Housing Director David Dunn. “By providing a location for people who are struggling with housing and connecting them with helpful resources, we will be providing a missing piece for many as they strive to find a place to call home.”
Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine six months following completion of the initial Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination series for the following groups:
In late May 2021, work began to repaint and revitalize the water tower. The more than 3-month project was celebrated on Saturday, September 25, 2021 with an event at Graham Park commemorating the water tower’s past, present, and future.
On September 21, 2021, the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners approved a preliminary (or “certified”) 2022 tax levy of $112,822,877. This represents a $5.2 million increase after no increase was implemented in 2021 to provide relief to taxpayers during the economic instability driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Olmsted County Environmental Commission and Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) are seeking nominations for the 2021 Environmental Achievement Awards.
Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) does not have the capacity to continue case investigations and contact tracing for every individual testing positive for COVID-19. Olmsted County residents should know that some individuals who test positive for COVID-19, as well as their close contacts, may not receive a phone call from OCPHS during this time of community spread.
With the recent painting of the Ear of Corn water tower and to mark a new chapter of this beloved landmark at Graham Park, the Olmsted County Commissioners are inviting all Olmsted County residents to a celebration on September 25, 2021.
On World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day, Olmsted County shares its acceptance into the Minnesota Department of Health’s Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention Strategic Planning Cohort.
With students returning to schools, fall youth activities underway, and the recent Labor Day holiday weekend behind us, Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) encourages the public to seek regular testing as another essential tool for everyone to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
When to seek testing
Following the testing recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), OCPHS recommends the public seek COVID-19 testing when;
The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday morning highly recommending masks in school settings where children under age 12 are present.
Olmsted County is proud to celebrate Welcoming Week once again. Welcoming Week is recognized on a national level September 10-19, 2021 and brings together people of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the significance of inclusive spaces to our collective prosperity.
Ongoing planning and project development between Olmsted County and the City of Rochester will continue in an effort to address safety at the intersection of County State Aid Highway 2, Century Hills Drive, and Cassidy Drive.
A new COVID-19 video is available on the Olmsted County Public Health Services YouTube page that answers common COVID-19 questions from Olmsted County residents.
All Olmsted County residents are invited to submit questions for a COVID-19 question and answer video to be shared on Thursday, September 2, 2021, hosted by Olmsted County, Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center.
Effective August 23, 2021 and until further notice, Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) will be publishing a COVID-19 situational update to the Olmsted County COVID-19 webpage.
The Rochester-Olmsted Council of Governments (ROCOG) has released a draft of the 2022-2025 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for a 30-day public comment period. The TIP is a multi-year program of federally funded transportation improvements in the Rochester-Olmsted County region.
State residents now have until Sunday, August 22, 2021 to be eligible to receive a $100 Visa gift card after receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Olmsted County has moved into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) high community transmission rate for COVID-19. Our county has reached 100 new cases per 100,000 people over the last seven days or a 10% positive test rate over the past seven days. Vaccination and continued mask use will help Olmsted County turn the curve downward.
In partnership with local veterinarians, Olmsted County is hosting its 63rd annual rabies vaccination clinic in August 2021. This year, clinics will occur on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, and Wednesday, August 25, 2021.
Olmsted County and the City of Rochester have been and are continuing to work collaboratively, using best practices to address housing needs and homelessness in the community. In recent years the city and the county have invested funds to provide emergency shelter and long-term housing stability for community members experiencing homelessness. In addition, the partnership, which includes community partners, has plans to maintain and improve services and systems to support residents.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Minnesota Department of Health have recently issued a new classification system for when face coverings are recommended indoors to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Olmsted County has now reached the threshold for when these recommendations go into effect.
In an effort to help eliminate barriers such as transportation and increase access to Olmsted County services, the county is placing 11 kiosks in various locations across the community.
A large group gathered on the Olmsted County government campus on Monday, July 26, 2021, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the planned opening this week of the Southeast Regional Crisis Center (SERCC).
The Olmsted County Soil and Water Conservation District and Olmsted County Public Health Services are providing free water testing for households that rely on private systems for their drinking water. Free nitrate testing will be available at the Olmsted County Fair from 3 - 7 p.m. on both Thursday, July 29, 2021 and Friday, July 30, 2021 in the Conservation Building.
Through an unprecedented collaboration between 10 southeast Minnesota counties, Mayo Clinic, Olmsted Medical Center, the southeast Minnesota NAMI chapter, health plan partners, and law enforcement, the Southeast Regional Crisis Center (SERCC) is slated to open its doors at 8 a.m. on July 28, 2021 in Rochester.
Olmsted County was announced a recipient of one of the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) 2021 Achievement Awards in the category of Criminal Justice and Public Safety for the Olmsted County Pretrial Release Program. These NACo awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
The Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (OCHRA) will close its Housing Choice Voucher waiting list for its Mainstream Voucher Program at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. The OCHRA does not anticipate accepting applications again for another 2-3 years.
On August 16, 2021, Sidney Frye II will officially assume the role of program manager for Olmsted County’s Diversity, Equity, and Community Outreach (DECO) Team. Frye will fill the role previously held by Nikki Niles who was recently named director of Dodge-Fillmore-Olmsted (DFO) Community Corrections.
Volunteer drivers provide needed transportation for clients to and from appointments as requested by social workers, probation officers, and other county staff serving the public.
Olmsted County hosted an invitation only event on July 6, 2021 in Floral Hall at Graham Park to recognize individuals, teams, and organizations that were instrumental in the COVID-19 response in our community.
Olmsted County offices will be closed Monday, July 5, 2021 in observation of Independence Day. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, July 6, 2021.
Help sexual assault victims – Become a Victim Services crisis line volunteer
The Dodge-Fillmore-Olmsted Victim Services team is looking for volunteers to help staff its 24/7 crisis line. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the volunteer application by July 5, 2021.
Every June, Olmsted County recognizes Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness Month to increase awareness and prevention of abuse of elderly and other vulnerable populations. This proclamation coincides with the international World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is recognized by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization on June 15.
In the past year, the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 disease led to a global pandemic that changed our lives. Our public health and health care staff worked diligently to launch COVID-19 testing sites, disease surveillance systems, case investigation and contact tracing teams, small and large vaccine clinics, communications and outreach, and an information hotline while continuing to provide the regular care and services needed in new and creative ways.
Please note that Olmsted County offices will be closed on Monday, May 31, 2021 in observation of Memorial Day. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, June 1.
Since the pandemic began in March 2020, Minnesotans have worked together by following safety guidelines and state mandates to ensure the health and safety of our residents remain a top priority.
Olmsted County is pleased to share results of the search for a new Public Works department director/county engineer. Ben Johnson has accepted the position and has begun transitioning into his new role.
The new nature center will nearly triple in size, providing more exhibits and interactive learning areas as well as a larger programming and event space. It is expected to open in the fall of 2022.
The search for a new Dodge-Fillmore-Olmsted (DFO) Community Corrections director is complete and Nikki Niles has accepted the position. Her effective start date in this new role is May 24, 2021.
“Relationships can be disrupted through divorce, domestic violence, child maltreatment, and other conflicts. It is essential for children to maintain relationships with parents and other significant adults,” stated Director of Child Welfare Services at Family Service Rochester Kelli DeCook. “Olmsted County supports supervised parenting times for families to maintain vital relationships and prevent children from being placed in the middle of adult conflict.”
Survey results provide insight into disparities that were exacerbated by the pandemic and the overall effects of those disparities on our community. The data also clearly shows connections between our community’s three health priorities of financial stress, mental health, and substance use.
The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023.
The Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (OCHRA) is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified property management companies to provide full property management and maintenance services for several multi-family properties.
To continue to get COVID-19 under control, it is important to continue to follow public health guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 even after you have been vaccinated.
With warmer temperatures now reaching Minnesota, it is the perfect time to get outdoors! By participating in outdoor activities instead of indoor activities, you can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Olmsted County recognizes the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health conditions are real and prevalent in our nation. If you are experiencing mental health issues, know that you are not alone, and that help is available. One in five Minnesotans face mental illness each year. One in 10 young people have experienced a period of major depression. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call Crisis Response of Southeast Minnesota at 1-844-274-7472.
If you have a change to your name, address, signature, or card number, or if you require a REAL ID or enhanced ID, these driver’s license applications still need to be processed in person. The Olmsted County Property Records and Licensing department is able to assist with these requests at the Government Center at 151 4th Street SE in Rochester; however, to make an appointment, use the Olmsted County Online Check-in System.
May is National Foster Care Appreciation Month and Olmsted County would like to take the time to acknowledge all our foster care providers in the community. Olmsted County Child and Family Services reports that there are currently 121 licensed child foster care homes in our area. Olmsted County Adult and Family Services reports 90 family foster homes with 273 beds and 147 corporate foster homes with about 550 beds.
A coalition of 60 top hospitals and health care institutions have joined forces in a nationwide campaign to encourage adults to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Drinking water is a growing concern, especially for private well owners in southeast Minnesota. As part of the “We Are Water MN” campaign, free water testing for nitrates will be available at 125 Live in Rochester on May 6, 2021 for those living in households that rely on private or shared well systems and the water quality at their kitchen sink.
Olmsted County property owners continue to deal with the many effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, some taxpayers may have difficulty meeting the May 17, 2021 deadline for the first half payment of 2021 property taxes. To provide some property tax relief during this difficult time, the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners approved a one-time temporary abatement of the penalty and interest for late property tax payments. This will extend the date that late payment penalties begin to accrue from May 17 to July 15, 2021.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC ) is closely monitoring variants of concern (VOC). These variants have mutations that alter the characteristics and cause the virus to act differently in ways that are significant to public health (e.g., causes more severe disease, spreads more easily between humans, requires different treatments, changes the effectiveness of current vaccines).
Local MRC volunteers have worked 95 shifts equaling nearly 450 hours at the Graham Park Collaborative Testing Site and our vaccination clinics. The number of shifts and hours contributed continues to grow each week.
While this past year has involved pain, stress, and loss, we’ve also demonstrated community resilience. It’s that resilience that will help us build this community into something stronger.
All vaccine providers in Olmsted County will pause use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine starting immediately, following guidance from the FDA/CDC. Use of the J&J vaccine will be put on hold until we receive further recommendations from state and federal partners about how best to move forward. Safety is the highest priority when it comes to all COVID-19 vaccines.
Johnson & Johnson vaccine discarded at Baltimore facility
Last week, we learned that about 15 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine were ruined at a manufacturing facility in Baltimore, Maryland. This does not affect any doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine currently being used or doses being allocated. The problem was quickly identified, and the doses were discarded – this is exactly what should happen during quality checks. There’s no reason to avoid getting a Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
April 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a movement to end sexual violence in the United States and around the world. This movement relies on people and communities who’ve chosen to do something about it. Olmsted County and the City of Rochester are committed to bringing awareness to this issue and we stand with all individuals who have been impacted by sexual assault.
Each year, the important and critical work of Public Health is recognized during National Public Health Week, sponsored by the American Public Health Association (APHA). National Public Health Week provides opportunities for the public to learn more about the many contributions made by public health professionals throughout our nation, state, and here in Olmsted County. This year's campaign theme is "Building Bridges to Better Health."
In an effort to help protect property owners in Olmsted County against fraud, the Olmsted County Property Records and Licensing team has launched a new Land Notification Alerts service. Land Notification Alerts warn property owners when documents are recorded with their personal name, business name, or property ID number. Each time an alert is triggered, an email is sent to the property owner to provide an update of any activity.
Effective immediately, Olmsted County is using a new software system for agendas, agenda packets, and minutes for Olmsted County’s public meetings. As a result, there is a new web address to use to access this information moving forward: https://olmstedcounty.primegov.com/public/portal.
“Our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of Olmsted County. We must work together to promote the social and emotional well-being of children so they can grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment,” said Olmsted County Board of Commissioners Chair Stephanie Podulke. “I urge all citizens to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month by helping to improve the quality of life for all children and families.”
Governor Tim Walz announced that all Minnesotans 16 years of age and older will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination beginning Tuesday, March 30, 2021. The final eligibility expansion comes as the federal government has promised an increased supply of vaccine by April. By expanding eligibility to all Minnesotans, providers across the state will have the flexibility they need to fill appointments and support the state’s most critical goal – to get as many Minnesotans vaccinated as quickly as possible.
The State of Minnesota and the CDC are relaxing some of the restrictions put in place nearly a year ago, but this doesn’t mean we can or should abandon the health and safety practices and behaviors we’ve all been doing that has helped us reduce COVID-19 transmissions, morbidity, and mortality.
Gransee will oversee Health, Housing, and Human Services division
News
Mar 18, 2021
Olmsted County is pleased to share the results of the search for a new deputy administrator overseeing the county’s Health, Housing, and Human Services (HHH) division.
Our comeback story can’t be written without you. Olmsted County Public Health, Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center have teamed up to provide up to date and important information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Our best hope to come back together as family, friends, and a community is the COVID-19 vaccine.
