The Police Department has partnered with six other communities and Hennepin County Behavioral Health to provide a police department embedded social worker for our communities since 2021. The social worker is technically an employee of Hennepin County and the county is responsible for the employee's benefits and technology. Hennepin County covers the largest share of the employee's cost and the remaining cost is split between the partner cities.

The program has been very succesful and has been a tremendous resource for our community members in need. The number of social worker referrals from our police department have doubled over the past two years. Staff recommends continuing the program. Hennepin County has held the City's contribution flat at $12,633 for 2025, 2026, and 2027. The 2028 dollar amount contribution has not been established in the agreement but if the City determines that appropriate value does not exist (when it is announced) the agreement may be canceled/terminated with or without cause with 60 days written notice.

The other substantive change in the amendment for consideration is that the Police Department must inform the County if grant funding is used to meet its payment obligations. The City is not using grant funds to meet its payment obligations for this contract. The two-year agreement for continuation of this service is attached and has been vetted by our City Attorney.  

Corcoran's annual share is $12,633 in 2027 and is already included in the the draft 2027 budget. The 2028 contribution has not been set yet, but staff anticipates that any increase would be marginal. If the City does not support the 2028 contribution amount when it is announced the City may exit the agreeement with 60 days written notice.

1. Direct the City Administrator and Mayor to enter into Amendment #2 to the Hennepin County Embedded Social Worker Joint Powers Agreement.

2. Provide staff with other direction.

1. Direct the City Administrator and Mayor to enter into Amendment #2 to the Hennepin County Embedded Social Worker Joint Powers Agreement.

Direct the City Administrator and Mayor to enter into Amendment #2 to the Hennepin County Embedded Social Worker Joint Powers Agreement.