Pat Brown presents Staples Lake District expansion to Barron County Board

During the Barron County Board meeting on June 16, 2025, significant discussions centered around the proposed expansion of the Staples Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District. Pat Brown, the Lakeshore Technician from the Soil and Water Conservation Department, presented the initiative aimed at incorporating 19 riparian parcels from Polk County into the existing Lake District. This move seeks to address ecological concerns and streamline jurisdictional boundaries between the two counties, which share the lake ecosystem.

The original formation of the Staples Lake District dates back to 1976, and the current proposal reflects ongoing discussions about enhancing lake management and community involvement. Brown noted that the Lake District had proactively reached out to affected property owners, with 16 out of 19 responding positively to the expansion. A public hearing is scheduled for June 18, 2025, to gather community input on the proposal.

The rationale behind the expansion is rooted in the desire for a unified approach to lake management, which includes addressing environmental protection and community issues. The Polk County administrator has expressed no objections to the expansion, indicating a collaborative effort between the counties.

Board members raised questions regarding the implications of the expansion, particularly concerning tax structures. Currently, the Staples Lake District operates on a flat fee system for property owners, which differs from the typical mill rate based on assessed property values. This means that all property owners, regardless of their property's value, contribute equally to the Lake District's funding.

The meeting underscored the importance of community engagement in environmental stewardship and the need for cohesive management of shared natural resources. As the board prepares for the upcoming public hearing, the outcome will determine the future structure and governance of the Staples Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District, potentially setting a precedent for similar initiatives in the region.