BEMIDJI, MN — The Beltrami County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday evening to address several key issues, with a focus on expanding mental health services within the county jail and passing a new ordinance regulating cannabis businesses.
Mental Health Support for Inmates: EMBER Program
A central topic during the work session was the EMBER program, a new initiative designed to support inmates facing mental health and substance use challenges. Jail Administrator Calandra Allen and Chief Deputy Jarrett Walton provided an update on the program, which officially began on December 1 in partnership with Sanford Health.
The EMBER program’s goal is to offer a continuum of care, including mental health interventions, substance abuse support, and reentry planning. By addressing these issues, the program seeks to reduce recidivism and improve the long-term outcomes for individuals leaving the correctional system.
Allen explained the components of the EMBER acronym:
- E – Embrace the past and learn from it.
- M – Motivate enthusiasm for change.
- B – Believe in one’s ability to change.
- E – Execute an individualized plan.
- R – Remedy, focusing on moving forward.
The program aims to address a wide range of mental health needs within the jail. Allen highlighted the challenges in identifying inmates with moderate to severe mental health needs, particularly those who fall into the mid-range of severity (scores of 6-8), which often go unaddressed. The initiative will expedite comprehensive assessments, ensuring inmates receive the care they need faster, thereby improving the efficiency of court dates and case resolutions.
Allen and Walton emphasized the importance of providing continuity of care once inmates are released, helping them transition back into society. The 2025 budget proposal already includes funding to expand the program, signaling continued efforts to tackle mental health issues in the correctional system.
Cannabis Regulation Ordinance Approved
In addition to discussions on mental health services, the County Board also approved a new cannabis regulation ordinance following a public hearing. The ordinance, which is designed to regulate cannabis businesses in the county, sets several important conditions:
Retail Limitations: One cannabis retail establishment will be allowed for every 12,500 residents, meaning a maximum of four cannabis retailers can operate in Beltrami County.
Buffer Zones: Cannabis businesses will be required to maintain buffer zones near schools to ensure safety and minimize exposure to minors.
Conditional Use Permits (CUP): Cannabis retail businesses and large events (over 1,000 attendees) will require a CUP to operate. CUPs will be issued on a case-by-case basis and include conditions to mitigate potential impacts on surrounding areas.
Event Regulations: For temporary cannabis events, smaller gatherings will only need a regular permit, but larger events will need a CUP.
The ordinance also stipulates that cannabis retail businesses must register with the local government before opening for business, regardless of whether the local jurisdiction has a cannabis ordinance in place. Brent Rud, Beltrami County Environmental Services director, explained that businesses will also have to adhere to restrictions related to low-potency cannabis sales in specific zones.
The ordinance was passed unanimously with no public comments during the hearing.
Other Business and Updates
In addition to the mental health and cannabis discussions, the board finalized its 2025 meeting schedule and made adjustments to the timing of the “Chat About” sessions, which will now take place on the Wednesday following board meetings to improve community engagement.
Commissioner salaries were aligned with staff cost-of-living adjustments, and the board reviewed the Community Development Fund, which has $25,916 in unallocated reserves for 2025. These funds are earmarked for local development and forest management initiatives.
Lastly, the board reviewed a grant application to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs for a mobile office project, underscoring the importance of securing flexible funding to address potential reimbursement delays.
These discussions reflect the County’s ongoing efforts to address pressing issues such as mental health care, cannabis regulation, and community development, working to create safer and more resilient communities.
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