The Hennepin County Budget Committee met Wednesday to review spending plans for the coming year, with Public Works and public safety taking center stage. Committee Chair Debbie Gatell presided over the session, which included detailed presentations on infrastructure priorities and environmental goals.

Assistant County Administrator Lisa Cerny outlined the Public Works department's ambitious sustainability targets, including a push toward zero waste and carbon neutrality. "We are accelerating a zero-waste future," Cerny told commissioners. "Our formula to achieve this is investing in 12 bold actions in policy, programming, and infrastructure." The department oversees roads, bridges, transit facilities, and waste management across the county.

Commissioners pressed staff on the effectiveness of recycling outreach programs, particularly for businesses. Dave McNary, a waste reduction specialist, explained that the county uses financial incentives to encourage composting, charging businesses $35 per ton for organic waste compared to $77 per ton for regular trash. "There's a huge financial incentive for businesses to do the right thing," McNary said.

The budget discussion also touched on challenges with historical data. Commissioner Kevin Anderson noted that pandemic-era figures from 2020 through 2023 make it difficult to plan transit investments. "I view 2020 through 2023 almost as almost impossible information to compare against," Anderson said, highlighting how disruptions affected ridership patterns and service planning.

Commissioner Irene Fernando raised questions about transit-oriented development and long-term funding models, while Commissioner Heather Eden focused on expanding recycling education to schools and businesses. The committee approved minutes from its September 29 meeting by voice vote. The county adopted its preliminary levy on September 25, and officials will continue refining the budget before final approval later this year. Key projects under consideration include improvements at the Robbinsdale Transit Center and infrastructure work in Golden Valley.