DEPARTMENT: Community Corrections
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreements For Sentence To Service Program
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of joint powers agreements with Minnesota Department of Transportation, City of Apple Valley, and City of Burnsville for Sentence to Service program.
SUMMARY
The Sentence to Service (STS) program is for lower-risk adults receiving probation services as an alternative to being ordered to jail. The STS program is used as a way for clients to pay back the community for the crimes they have committed, and it is also used as a response to their non-compliance to court-ordered conditions.
Joint powers agreements (JPA)s with several public entities are required for the purchase of work crew services through the STS program. Staff recommends authorization to execute JPAs for the purchase of STS work crew days at a rate of $481.00 per day for five or more workers per crew, and $240.50 per day for work crews with less than five workers, for the following public entities:
• Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) in an amount not to exceed $45,000
• City of Apple Valley in an amount not to exceed $27,417
• City of Burnsville in an amount not to exceed $9,620
for the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 (Attachment: Joint Powers Agreement - MnDOT, Attachment: Joint Powers Agreement - Cities).
The 2026 JPAs with MnDOT, City of Burnsville, and City of Apple Valley are identical to the JPAs approved for 2025. The daily crew rate, the number of crew days purchased, and the not to exceed amounts remain unchanged from the prior year.
OUTCOMES
How Much?
• The Dakota County STS program had 272 clients referred in 2024 and 170 clients served in 2025 year to date.
• In 2025, year to date, Community Corrections’ clients have completed 5,409 hours of STS, which saved Dakota County 676 jail bed days and $173,590.
How Well?
• In 2023, the completion rate was 60 percent. In 2024, 82 percent of clients successfully completed their STS term. In 2025, year to date, 91 percent of Community Corrections’ clients have successfully completed their STS term.
Is Anyone Better Off?
• The STS program provides probationers an opportunity to give back to the community. The community benefits from the work performed in our parks, cities, roadways, and various community-based non-profit organizations. STS is performed in lieu of incarceration; this saves on the cost of housing probationers in jail while they are given the benefit of remaining in the community.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorization to execute JPAs with MnDOT, City of Apple Valley, and City of Burnsville for STS programming for the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The total annual revenue for these contracts is $82,037 for work crew services, which is included in the 2026 County Manager’s Recommended Budget.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Sentence to Service (STS) program is for lower-risk adults receiving probation services as an alternative to being ordered to jail; and
WHEREAS, the STS program is used as a way for clients to pay back the community for the crimes they have committed, and it is also used as a response to their non-compliance to court-ordered conditions; and
WHEREAS, joint powers agreements (JPA)s with several public entities are required for the purchase of work crew services through the STS program; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends authorization to execute JPAs for the purchase of STS work crew days at a rate of $481.00 per day for five or more workers per crew, and $240.50 per day for work crews with less than five workers, for the following public entities:
• Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) in an amount not to exceed $45,000
• City of Apple Valley in an amount not to exceed $27,417
• City of Burnsville in an amount not to exceed $9,620
for the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 JPAs with MnDOT, City of Burnsville, and City of Apple Valley are identical to the JPAs approved for 2025; and
WHEREAS, the daily crew rate, the number of crew days purchased, and the not to exceed amounts remain unchanged from the prior year.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Community Services Director to execute joint powers agreements as presented for the purchase of guaranteed Sentence to Service work crew days at a rate of $481.00 per day for five or more workers per crew, and $240.50 per day for work crews with less than five workers, for the following public entities:
• Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) in an amount not to exceed $45,000
• City of Apple Valley in an amount not to exceed $27,417
• City of Burnsville in an amount not to exceed $9,620,
for the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, or until completion by the parties of their respective obligations under the joint powers agreements, whichever occurs first, unless earlier terminated by law or according to the provisions of the joint powers agreements, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Joint Powers Agreement - MnDOT
Attachment: Joint Powers Agreement - Cities
BOARD GOALS
☒ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACTS
Department Head: Suwana Kirkland
Author: Danielle McNamara