The First Assessment District (FAD) roadway system is a complex network encompassing nearly 60
miles of public and semi-public roadways. Crow Wing County has the authority and responsibility to
maintain these public facilities. The County Board of Commissioners act as the elected policy
makers in the absence of an organized form of local government. Like in other townships, FAD
residents pay a separate township level property tax to fund government services within its
jurisdiction. This is in addition to county level and school district level taxes. Crow Wing County
does not subsidize the FAD or other townships for infrastructure needs. State Statue prohibits use
of County Sales Tax revenue for township roadway construction and maintenance. Township property
taxes are currently the only source of revenue to fund all activities necessary to properly
maintain the FAD roadway system.
In recent years, the FAD has experienced adequate levels of roadway construction. This has only
been possible due to the availability of a large cash fund balance. Prior to 2021, these cash
reserves are expected to be depleted and projected levels of property tax will be insufficient to
sustain required levels of roadway improvements.
All construction projects promised to the public in the current Highway Improvement Plan will be
delivered. If nothing is done to generate additional financial resources, there will only be enough
funding to provide basic summer maintenance activities and winter snow plowing after 2020.
There remains a long list of FAD roadways in need of major repair. Crow Wing County is seeking your
input regarding strategies to help ensure sufficient funds are available for 2021 and beyond.
You are personally invited to provide input at an upcoming meeting of the Crow Wing County Board of
Commissioners (Acting as the Unorganized Territory Township Board). The meeting will be held at
6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15th, 2017 at the Crow Wing Power Headquarters, 17330 State Highway
371, Brainerd, MN 56401