Becker County News - All Departments

Becker County Environmental Services will hold a FREE electronics/E-waste recycling drop-off event Thursday, October 22nd through Tuesday, October 27. Electronic items collected through this event will not incur any drop-off fees. For more information, including dates/times, locations, and limits, please see the event flyer (PDF).

The 2026 General Election for Federal, State, and Local offices will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. For detailed information, please see our Elections page, and the following notices: Notice of Election (PDF), Sample MN Constitutional Amendment (PDF), Notice of Public Accuracy Testing (PDF).

Becker County Public Health is currently conducting our Community Health Assessment (CHA) survey. Every three years, this survey helps us learn more about the health and well-being of people in our community and identify areas where we can focus our efforts. The survey is open September through November 2026 and takes approximately 8–10 minutes to complete.

We would appreciate your participation! Please feel free to share the survey with others who live or work in Becker County. Survey link.

The Becker County Board of Commissioners will make an appointment to the Board of Managers of the Cormorant Lakes Watershed District. The appointment is to fill a term expiring December 31, 2029. Notice (PDF).

The Becker County Sheriff's Office would like to remind residents that they can sign up for severe weather alerts through the CodeRED automated alert system. More information. Register for CodeRED.

CredibleMind is a free, confidential, 24/7 online platform that brings together expert-reviewed videos, tools, and resources across more than 100 mental health and wellbeing topics. Get accessible, self-guided support when and where it's needed. CredibleMind website. Flyer (PDF). Youth Flyer (PDF). 

The West Lake Drive Phase 3 and city beach improvements project is underway. Project information on the completion of the final phase from Legion Rd to Washington Ave is available on the project website.

The Becker County Highway Department is now providing access to an online portal where citizens can swiftly connect and report road issues within our County. The reporting form supports mapping locations and photo uploads if needed. The Highway Department encourages you to share any road concerns you come across via this Citizen Portal.

Effective August 1, 2025, a Land Revision Worksheet is now required to accompany the recording of a survey. Please complete the top section of this worksheet prior to obtaining the necessary information completed by Zoning staff and Auditor-Treasurer staff.

A Naloxone Access Point (NAP) is a publicly accessible pick up site for life-saving overdose reversal medication. Public Health partners with Steve Rummler HOPE Network (SRHN) to provide these free kits to the public - no questions asked. NAP Flyer (PDF). More information from the CDC: Lifesaving Naloxone & What to Do if you Think Someone is Overdosing.

Becker County has been actively engaged in opposing SF#3480 and HF#4304. Becker County is urging our legislative representatives and the Governor to not support these bills. On March 5, 2024, Becker County Board passed a resolution 03-24-1C in opposition to these bills. There has been a collaborative effort between staff and board members gathering and presenting information to law makers in opposition to these bills. For more information on the recent committee hearing , please view Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/07/24 (YouTube).

Becker County Human Services is looking for Volunteer Drivers to provide transports. Mileage reimbursement at the current rate. Applicants must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver's license and insurance and a cleared medical statement from their physician. If interested, please contact Shannon F. or Christy R. at 218-847-5628.

MN Statute 471.701 SALARY DATA: A city or county with a population of more than 15,000 must annually notify its residents of the positions and base salaries of its three highest-paid employees. This notice may be provided on the home page of the primary Web site maintained by the political subdivision for a period of not less than 90 consecutive days, in a publication of the political subdivision that is distributed to all residents in the political subdivision, or as part of the annual notice of proposed property taxes prepared under section 275.065.

County Sheriff, Todd Glander, $163,746
County Attorney, Brian McDonald, $167,205
County Administrator, Carrie Smith, $180,916

Starting July 1, 2014, Becker County will have a 0.5 percent transit sales and use tax. The tax will be administered by the MN Dept. of Revenue and the revenue will be used to fund Becker County road projects (SMART). General notice (PDF).  |  More info.

The 2026 General Election for Federal, State, and Local offices will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. For detailed information, please see our Elections page, and the following notices: Notice of Election (PDF), Sample MN Constitutional Amendment (PDF), Notice of Public Accuracy Testing (PDF).

Effective August 1, 2025, a Land Revision Worksheet is now required to accompany the recording of a survey. Please complete the top section of this worksheet prior to obtaining the necessary information completed by Zoning staff and Auditor-Treasurer staff.

Eligible first-time homebuyers in Becker County have access downpayment and closing cost assistance through Minnesota Housing. More Information (PDF).

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing is available through a join-powers agreement with Becker County and the Saint Paul Port Authority. MinnPACE reduces the burden of up front cost with low interest long-term financing up to 100% of energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy installations on both new construction and retrofit projects. More info on eligibility and benefits here.

Becker County Environmental Services will hold a FREE electronics/E-waste recycling drop-off event Thursday, October 22nd through Tuesday, October 27. Electronic items collected through this event will not incur any drop-off fees. For more information, including dates/times, locations, and limits, please see the event flyer (PDF).

Becker County Environmental Services has put together program packages for businesses and muti-unit housing managers trying to implement a recycling program. Within them, you'll find tips and resources to help your recycling effort. Please see the 'More info' tab on our Recycling page, or download the Business package (PDF), Multi-Unit package (PDF), or Signage (PDF).

In an effort to increase recycling in our community, Becker County provides a 'special event' recycling program for its residents. Whether it is a picnic, reunion, sporting event, or show, we can provide assistance, guides and bins for your use during your event. More info (PDF).  |  Guide (PDF).

The West Lake Drive Phase 3 and city beach improvements project is underway. Project information on the completion of the final phase from Legion Rd to Washington Ave is available on the project website.

The Becker County Highway Department is now providing access to an online portal where citizens can swiftly connect and report road issues within our County. The reporting form supports mapping locations and photo uploads if needed. The Highway Department encourages you to share any road concerns you come across via this Citizen Portal.  

Minnesota Housing offers purchase, refinance, and home improvement loans, as well as financing for affordable rental housing throughout the state.  

FIX UP Home Improvement Program:

Repair, remodel and make energy saving improvements.

- Loan amounts from $2,000 to $75,000
- Fixed interest rate and terms from 1 year to 20 years
- No downpayment required
- Secured and unsecured loan options
- Little to no equity in your home required
- No income limits for energy or accessibility Fix Up loans
- Finance projects already started, or that were completed within the past 120 days
- Hire a contractor or do the work yourself
- No prepayment penalty

START UP First-Time Homebuyer Program:

The Start Up program is for first-time homebuyers, which is someone who has not had an ownership interest in a principal residence in the last three years.

- Income limits apply based on county
- House price purhcase limits up to $472,030 for non-metro counties
- Downpayment and closing cost options up to $18,000
- Minimum credit score 

STEP UP Repeat Homebuyer and Refinance Programs:

If you're not a first-time homebuyer, or you're a first-time homebuyer who exceeds the income or purchase limits for Start Up,  the Step Up program might be a great option.

- Higher income limits and home purchase price than Start up program
- Downpayment and closing cost options up to $14,000
- Minimum Credit score
- Owner-occupancy required

How to apply?

Contact a Minnesota Housing participating lender at https://mnhousing.gov , search “Find a Lender” to discuss your eligibility and begin the application process. 

Make energy/conservation related improvements to your home using a home improvement loan with a low interest rate. Funds are limited. Contact a participating lender to see if you qualify. https://mnhousing.gov/lender-directory , Energy_Loan_Plus_Flyer.pdf

CredibleMind is a free, confidential, 24/7 online platform that brings together expert-reviewed videos, tools, and resources across more than 100 mental health and wellbeing topics. Get accessible, self-guided support when and where it's needed. CredibleMind website. Flyer (PDF). Youth Flyer (PDF). 

A Naloxone Access Point (NAP) is a publicly accessible pick up site for life-saving overdose reversal medication. Public Health partners with Steve Rummler HOPE Network (SRHN) to provide these free kits to the public - no questions asked. NAP Flyer (PDF). More information from the CDC: Lifesaving Naloxone & What to Do if you Think Someone is Overdosing.

Documents can be emailed to Becker County Human Services at the following email address: officesupport@co.becker.mn.us. Please make sure to have a working phone number listed on your paperwork. Documents may also be mailed to our agency, or dropped off in the drop box located beside the front door of our building - see our address in the 'Contact This Department' section of this page.

Applications for SNAP, CASH, Emergency Assistance, and Daycare Assistance can be done online directly at MNbenefits. You can also apply for healthcare at MNsure.

Becker County Human Services is looking for Volunteer Drivers to provide transports. Mileage reimbursement at the current rate. Applicants must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver's license and insurance and a cleared medical statement from their physician. If interested, please contact Shannon F. or Christy R. at 218-847-5628.

The Motor Vehicle office is accepting walk-in appointments for Real ID and Enhanced Drivers License. Real and Enhanced ID's can be completed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 8:30am to 11:00am. Advance appointments are not required, but please insure you have all your documentation with you.

Effective January 1, 2016 you are required to provide proof of insurance (company name, policy number and policy expiration date) for all motor vehicle and motorcycle renewals. In addition you must also provide this information for all motor vehicle and motorcycle title transfers.

Have you ever wondered why the county has tax forfeit forest land or how that forest land is managed? Check out the following presentation to learn more about Minnesota's County Forest Lands.

The Dunton Locks to Bucks Mill Heartland Trail feasibility study has been completed and is now available for public access. Please see the Planning/Projects page to access the study. 

Becker County Public Health is currently conducting our Community Health Assessment (CHA) survey. Every three years, this survey helps us learn more about the health and well-being of people in our community and identify areas where we can focus our efforts. The survey is open September through November 2026 and takes approximately 8–10 minutes to complete.

We would appreciate your participation! Please feel free to share the survey with others who live or work in Becker County. Survey link.

CredibleMind is a free, confidential, 24/7 online platform that brings together expert-reviewed videos, tools, and resources across more than 100 mental health and wellbeing topics. Get accessible, self-guided support when and where it's needed. CredibleMind website. Flyer (PDF). Youth Flyer (PDF). 

A Naloxone Access Point (NAP) is a publicly accessible pick up site for life-saving overdose reversal medication. Public Health partners with Steve Rummler HOPE Network (SRHN) to provide these free kits to the public - no questions asked. NAP Flyer (PDF). More information from the CDC: Lifesaving Naloxone & What to Do if you Think Someone is Overdosing.

Effective August 1, 2025, a Land Revision Worksheet is now required to accompany the recording of a survey. Please complete the top section of this worksheet prior to obtaining the necessary information completed by Zoning staff and Auditor-Treasurer staff.

Effective July 1, 2025 - Marriage application license fees increase to $125.00, with the reduced license fee with educator's statement $50.00. Recording fee for Well Certificates increase to $54.00.

Also effective July 1, 2025 - Marriage Officiants - M.S. 517.04, Requires any person who wishes to officiate a civil marriage in Minnesota to register with a county in Minnesota and removes all other requirements or references to individuals who are currently authorized to perform civil marriages.

The Becker County Recorder's Office will be accepting routine passport applications by appointment only. Call the Recorder's Office at 218-846-7304 to schedule an appointment. Be advised, there can be delays before receiving your passport and documentation. See the travel.state.gov website for more information and current processing times.

The Recorder's Office is accepting marriage license applications by appointment only. Please call the Recorder's Office at 218-846-7304 to schedule an appointment.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free online service for U.S. citizens who are traveling to or living in a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your whereabouts abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. Read more (PDF).

As a reminder - the Recorder's office can provide a copy of recorded property deeds at no cost. Many residents have reported receiving unsolicited mailings (example (PDF)) that are attempting to charge money for something you can obtain for FREE. The office recommends you ignore mailings such as these.

Document searches and land record viewing has never been easier! Search Becker County land records 24/7 with a credit card at www.idocmarket.com.

The Becker County Sheriff's Office would like to remind residents that they can sign up for severe weather alerts through the CodeRED automated alert system. More information. Register for CodeRED.

The MN Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) has named Blue Line Farm of Frazee, MN as one of eight Area Finalists in the 2025 Outstanding Conservationist Award Program. The Trieglaff's will be recognized at the MASWCD's 89th annual convention in Bloomington. Read more (PDF). Photo.

The Crow Wing River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan is in final draft. This plan is a collaborative effort between Local Government Units to protect, enhance or restore our natural resources such as groundwater, surface water, soil health, biological health and forest management. We are seeking public input on the draft plan for 60 days. To view the plan and provide comments, visit this page.

The Becker SWCD recently completed a large shoreline restoration project at a resort on Island Lake. Watch along as a natural solution is implemented to deal with the problem of shoreline erosion. Watch video.

Lakes TV3 recently aired a 'Spotlight on Frazee' segment featuring a shoreline restoration project that involved the Becker Soil and Water Conservation District. Watch video. 

Consider Lakes Transit for your transportation needs in and around our area. Check out our new commericials, Lakes Transit Friends  & Lakes Transit Youth.

Effective August 1, 2025, a Land Revision Worksheet is now required to accompany the recording of a survey. Please complete the top section of this worksheet prior to obtaining the necessary information completed by Zoning staff and Auditor-Treasurer staff.