DEPARTMENT: Central Operations Administration
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Approval Of Amended And Restated Joint Powers Agreement For Criminal Justice Network Board
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Approve the amended and restated joint powers agreement for the Criminal Justice Network Board to jointly and cooperatively provide for the establishment, operation and maintenance of technology systems and services to support criminal justice agencies and information management systems for the use and benefit of the members.
SUMMARY
Dakota County and the cities of Burnsville, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, Rosemount, South St. Paul, and West St. Paul entered into an agreement creating the Criminal Justice Network (CJN) as a joint powers organization effective January 1, 2022. The original agreement is set to expire on December 31, 2026. The City of Plymouth was added as a board member with an amendment to the original joint powers agreement in 2024. CJN provides applications and services focused on information sharing and integration among Dakota County law enforcement agencies, the County Sheriff, County Attorney, departments within county government, Dakota County District Court, and law enforcement agencies across the state.
The members of the CJN Board of Directors desired to continue the work of the organization beyond the term of the joint powers agreement. A subgroup of the board worked together to develop the amended and restated document (Attachment: Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement for the Criminal Justice Network Board). While the agreement is similar to the original joint powers agreement, a few changes of note include:
1. The annual financial contribution of Dakota County will be reduced from $472,642 in the original joint powers agreement to an annual amount of $420,000 in 2027 and 2028; $370,000 in 2029 and 2030; and $320,000 in 2031 and beyond. This contribution covers payment for additional CJN services received by the Dakota County Community Corrections Department, County Attorney’s Office and the Dakota County Jail. In addition to this annual contribution, Dakota County will also pay for annual Dakota County Sheriffs Office membership fees based on patrol area percentage and active DCSO (non-jail) users along with a future development annual fee not to exceed $3,500. In 2026, the Sheriff’s Office fees totaled approximately $167,000.
2. CJN staff will now prepare an annual five-year draft financial plan to provide members an improved look into future financial obligations.
3. Dakota County and CJN may enter into agreements for providing several core services based upon County Board approval and available county capacity to provide services.
4. Instead of the current five-year fixed term, the new agreement is perpetual, and each member may withdraw from CJN no earlier than August 31, 2030, after providing 20 months’ prior notice.
RECOMMENDATION
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The Deputy County Manager recommends the County Board approve the amended and restated joint powers agreement for the Criminal Justice Network Board effective January 1, 2027.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The funding for the annual county contribution is included in the 2026 Adopted Budget and is funded by use of General Fund unassigned fund balance. The contribution for 2027 in the amount of $420,000 will be included in the 2027 County Manager’s Recommended Budget and will be funded by levy.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Dakota County and the cities of Burnsville, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, Rosemount, South St. Paul and West St. Paul (“founding members”) entered into an joint powers agreement to form the Criminal Justice Network (CJN) joint powers organization effective January 1, 2022 (“original agreement”); and
WHEREAS, in 2024, the founding members and the City of Plymouth entered into a first amendment to the original agreement to add the City of Plymouth as a member, clarify the original agreement expiration date, and adjust the funding formula; and
WHEREAS, the original agreement expires on December 31, 2026, and members wish to continue the work and the partnership approach to the CJN organization; and
WHEREAS, the work of CJN involves applications and services focused on information sharing and integration among Dakota County law enforcement agencies, the County Sheriff, County Attorney, departments within county government, Dakota County District Court, and law enforcement agencies across the state; and
WHEREAS, a committee made up of members of the CJN Board of Directors and legal staff representing CJN and Dakota County worked to develop the amended and restated joint powers agreement for the Criminal Justice Network Board with an effective date of January 1, 2027.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the County Manager or designee to execute the amended and restated joint powers agreement for the Criminal Justice Network Board substantially as presented and subject to approval as to form by the County Attorney’s Office.
endPREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
21-417; 08/24/21
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement for the Criminal Justice Network Board
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: David McKnight
Author: David McKnight