“It’s been dramatic for me to watch that shift,” said Anoka County Board of Commissioner Chair Scott Schulte. “To watch the necessary shift when an unparalleled pandemic strikes.” So, the board took some time in their meeting to honor different county departments who made changes and worked through the difficulties brought on by COVID. “I can’t say enough about the exceptional work that our elections office has done,” said Commissioner Mandy Meisner.
Elections staff processed more than 141,000 absentee ballots this year, a huge increase from previous years. The court system has also been busy, creating virtual court rooms, and allowing people to attend some hearings from home.
“Participation by parties in remote child support hearings has increased compared to when all hearing took place in court rooms,” said Commissioner Robyn West.
The Parks Department also had a busy year. Chomonix golf course saw more than 26,000 rounds of golf, and parks employees had to find new ways to offer services.
“Parks have certainly been important over the last nine months, as many people have been using them as a form of entertainment and respite,” said Commissioner Mike Gamache. “Thanks to the hard work of our parks staff, we’ve been able to keep several of our facilities open and offer programming in a modified fashion.”
“I think I speak for the entire county board when I say the efforts of all Anoka County employees during this pandemic have been exemplary. Transitioning from working in the office to working remotely, and still providing services at the high level our residents have come to expect has been no small feat for many or our employees.”
The board also recognized the Sheriff’s Department, communications departments, library and others.
