Todd County Tackles Rising 2027 Levy, Considers Tapping Reserves

by Trinity Gruenberg

trinity@inhnews.com

The Todd County Commissioners held their regular meeting and work session on Tuesday, August 18.

Initiative Foundation

The Initiative Foundation provided their annual update to the Todd County Board, requesting continued county support. Vice President of Philanthropy Carl Newbanks and President Brian Voerding shared that the foundation is celebrating its 40th year, focusing on small-business support, healthy communities, and local philanthropy.

Over the years, the foundation has brought in about $2.6 million to Todd County, resulting in an estimated $8.7 million in impact. This includes over 700 grants worth nearly $4 million, around 150 scholarships, several million dollars in business loans, and assistance that helped retain nearly 1,000 jobs while leveraging more than $10 million in additional funding.

Voerding mentioned local initiatives, such as the Thriving Communities program in Staples and Bertha, investments in Eagle Bend’s Hilltop Kitchen and housing project, and entrepreneurship training in Long Prairie. Recent grants included over $100,000 for Lakewood Health, nearly $100,000 for regional food shelves, and about $150,000 for Todd County nonprofits. He also announced the new “Good Neighbor Award,” honoring Verna Toenyan on October 1.

The board approved the Initiative Foundation’s request for a $7,500 contribution for the 2027 budget year...

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