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The Administration Department serves as the central management hub for Koochiching County. It supports the County Board and oversees general county operations, finances, and personnel. The Administration Director (currently Adam Coe) and staff coordinate budgets, policies, and human resources across all departments (Gov_Structure08.indd). For example, the administrator is responsible for preparing and executing the county’s annual budget and acts as the county’s purchasing agent (Gov_Structure08.indd). Administration also manages county-wide programs (like data practices and risk management) and maintains official records and documents.
Contact: Administration Office – 715 4th Street, International Falls, MN. Phone: 218-283-1152. Open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Administration | Koochiching County, MN) (Administration | Koochiching County, MN). The Administration Director’s office is located in the courthouse and is the go-to for general county information and services not handled by other departments.
The Koochiching County Assessor’s Office is responsible for classifying all property in the county and estimating the market value of real estate and taxable personal property for tax purposes (About the Assessor | Koochiching County, MN). The County Board appoints the County Assessor to a four-year term, and this office plays a key role in the property tax system.
Responsibilities: The Assessor’s duties include:
It’s important to note the Assessor does not set tax rates, calculate taxes, or collect payments – those functions are handled by the Auditor/Treasurer’s Office (About the Assessor | Koochiching County, MN). The Assessor focuses solely on valuations and classifications, which form the basis for property tax bills.
Public Interaction: Property owners often interact with this office to discuss their assessed value or to file an appeal if they believe their valuation is too high. The office provides information on how to appeal valuations and handles applications for property tax programs. For instance, residents can file homestead applications (for tax reductions on owner-occupied homes) and apply for special programs like the Senior Citizens’ Property Tax Deferral or veterans’ exclusions through the Assessor’s Office (Applications & Forms | Koochiching County, MN) (Applications & Forms | Koochiching County, MN). These forms are available from the office or online (Applications & Forms | Koochiching County, MN) (Applications & Forms | Koochiching County, MN).
Contact: County Assessor – Len Peterson Jr. Office at 715 4th Street, International Falls (in the Courthouse). Phone: 218-283-1122. Open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed holidays) (About the Assessor | Koochiching County, MN) (About the Assessor | Koochiching County, MN). The Assessor’s website also offers an online property data portal for checking assessed values and tax info (About the Assessor | Koochiching County, MN).
The Koochiching County Attorney’s Office serves as the chief legal office for the county. The County Attorney (Jeffrey Naglosky, as of this writing) is an elected official who represents the state and county in legal matters. This office has two primary roles: criminal prosecution and civil counsel.
Public Interaction: Residents typically interact with the County Attorney’s Office as victims or witnesses in criminal cases, or when participating in diversion programs. The office also provides information to merchants on how to handle dishonored checks (there is a published policy on prosecuting bad checks) (Attorney | Koochiching County, MN) and to schools on truancy enforcement (through a truancy intervention program) (). However, the County Attorney cannot give private legal advice to citizens – their client is the county as a whole. They do, however, produce public resources like the “Mandated Reporting FAQ” for reporting maltreatment (Attorney | Koochiching County, MN).
Contact: County Attorney’s Office – 715 4th Street, International Falls, MN. Phone: 218-283-1131. Office hours follow the courthouse schedule. (Note: For law enforcement emergencies or to report a crime, citizens should contact the Sheriff’s Office or local police, not the County Attorney directly.)
The Auditor/Treasurer’s Office performs a broad range of financial and administrative functions for Koochiching County. This combined office (held by Joan Nelson, Auditor/Treasurer) handles everything from managing funds to administering elections. Key duties and responsibilities include:
Public Interaction: Virtually every county resident interacts with the Auditor/Treasurer’s Office, primarily through paying property taxes or voting. Taxpayers can contact this office for information on their tax bills or to address delinquent taxes. Voters and candidates work with this office for election matters (e.g., filing for office or viewing election results). The office’s “Taxes” webpage provides online tax payment info and links to property tax records (Elections | Koochiching County, MN). Additionally, this office manages vital county records like property deeds in coordination with the Recorder, and it enforces compliance with county ordinances such as liquor and tobacco licensing (copies of these ordinances are available via the office) (Auditor / Treasurer | Koochiching County, MN).
Contact: Auditor/Treasurer’s Office – First Floor, Courthouse, 715 4th Street, International Falls, MN. Phone: 218-283-1102 (Auditor / Treasurer | Koochiching County, MN). Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays). The public service counter here is where you pay taxes or get election and license information.
The Koochiching County Commission is the governing body of the county. It is composed of five commissioners, each elected from a geographic district, serving four-year terms (Gov_Structure08.indd) (County Commission | Koochiching County, MN). The Board of Commissioners is responsible for overseeing all county operations and services, setting policies, and approving the county budget and tax levy (Gov_Structure08.indd). In essence, they are the elected officials who make the major decisions for Koochiching County government.
Board Members: (as of 2025)
Each commissioner represents the residents of their district and also serves on various committees and boards. Commissioners advocate for local needs and make decisions on everything from road improvements to social services funding. A Commissioner District Map is available to show the boundaries of each district (Administration | Koochiching County, MN).
Meetings: The County Board holds regular meetings (typically twice a month on Tuesdays). Agendas are published in advance and minutes are available after approval (County Commission | Koochiching County, MN). These meetings are open to the public. The Board’s annual schedule (including any alternate meeting locations or special sessions) is published each year (County Commission | Koochiching County, MN) – for 2025, meetings were set roughly every 2nd and 4th Tuesday (County Commission | Koochiching County, MN). Citizens can attend to voice concerns during public comment or to stay informed on county decisions.
Responsibilities: The Board’s duties include adopting ordinances, authorizing expenditures, approving contracts, and appointing members to various county committees or advisory boards. They also hire and supervise the Administration Director and certain department heads. Essentially, the Commission acts as both the legislative and executive authority for the county, ensuring that state mandates are carried out and local priorities are addressed (Gov_Structure08.indd).
Public Interaction: Residents often engage with commissioners on issues like road maintenance, zoning changes, or community projects. Commissioners hold committee assignments (outlined in an annual Committee List (County Commission | Koochiching County, MN)) ranging from public health to land management, which means each commissioner delves into specific policy areas. Contact information for each Commissioner (phone/email) is published on the county website (Departments | Koochiching County, MN), so constituents can reach out directly.
Location: Board meetings are usually held in the boardroom at the Koochiching County Courthouse (715 4th Street). A meeting calendar and archives of agendas & minutes are available on the county website (County Commission | Koochiching County, MN) for those who wish to follow county governance closely.
Court Administration in Koochiching County manages the operations of the state district court located in the county. Although the court system is part of the Minnesota Judicial Branch (9th Judicial District), the county provides facilities and some support. The District Court Administrator, Heather Porterfield, oversees court administration locally (Court Administration | Koochiching County, MN).
Services and Responsibilities:
Public Interaction: Residents come to the Court Administration window to file documents (e.g., initiating a lawsuit or filing probate paperwork), pay fines, or ask questions about court dates. The office can assist with scheduling matters and directing people to appropriate services (for example, they cannot give legal advice, but can tell someone how to look up their next court date or how to pay a ticket). A common inquiry handled here is about paying traffic tickets, which, as noted, can be done online or by phone if no court appearance is required (Court Administration | Koochiching County, MN). Court Administration staff also coordinate the jury summons process, so potential jurors will contact this office for questions about jury duty.
Contact: Koochiching County Court Administrator’s Office – 715 4th Street, International Falls, MN. Phone: 218-283-1160 (Court Administration | Koochiching County, MN). (This is in the courthouse.) Office hours typically match the courthouse hours (Monday–Friday). For online resources, the Minnesota Judicial Branch website for Koochiching County can be accessed for case lookup and forms (Court Administration | Koochiching County, MN).
The County Engineer’s Office, known as the Koochiching County Highway Department, is responsible for the construction and maintenance of county roads and bridges. The department’s mission is to provide a safe and efficient transportation system for residents, businesses, and visitors (Engineer | Koochiching County, MN). County Engineer Trent Nicholson heads this department (Engineer | Koochiching County, MN).
Responsibilities:
Public Interaction: The Highway Department interacts with the public regularly. Citizens might call to report a road hazard or request maintenance on a specific road. Farmers and loggers coordinate with the department on weight restrictions and permits during haul seasons. In winter, the department often communicates plowing priorities and asks for patience during heavy snow events. They also provide information on mailbox policies – for example, the county will replace standard swing-away mailbox supports if damaged by county plows (Engineer | Koochiching County, MN) (Engineer | Koochiching County, MN). (The department has a policy to replace compliant mailbox supports that are struck during snow removal operations (Engineer | Koochiching County, MN).)
Contact: County Engineer – Trent Nicholson. Highway Department office at 715 4th Street, International Falls (Courthouse lower level). Phone: 218-283-1186 (Engineer | Koochiching County, MN). Normal hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Residents can also find Highway Department forms and notices on the county website (Engineer | Koochiching County, MN), and a 24-hour dispatch number (or the Sheriff’s dispatch) is available for after-hours road emergencies.
The Environmental Services Department oversees environmental health, solid waste management, zoning, and land use planning for Koochiching County. This department plays a crucial role in protecting natural resources and public health through regulation and services. Matthew Gouin is the department head (Environmental Services Director) (Environmental Services | Koochiching County, MN).
Key Functions:
Public Interaction: Environmental Services is very citizen-facing. Homeowners and contractors work with this department to get septic permits, zoning permits, or to clarify what they can do on their property. The public also comes here for garbage and recycling information – for instance, hours of the Transfer Station (the FAQ on the county site lists the transfer station’s phone number and hours (Environmental Services | Koochiching County, MN)). If someone is cleaning out a property and has “outside county waste” or special waste, this department provides guidance (there’s a flyer on accepting waste from outside the county limits) (Environmental Services | Koochiching County, MN). During spring cleanup or hazardous waste days, Environmental Services runs collections so residents can dispose of things like old paint or electronics safely. In summary, any environmental permit or problem – from a wetland question to a junkyard complaint – will involve this department.
Budget Note: The services above are funded through specific levies; for example, the county’s Sanitation budget (which covers waste management) is about $1.8 million for 2025 (), and Conservation/Natural Resources (which includes zoning, land management, water planning) is around $2.8 million (). These figures illustrate the county’s investment in environmental and land services.
Contact: Environmental Services – 715 4th Street, International Falls, MN (Courthouse). Phone: 218-283-1157 (Environmental Services | Koochiching County, MN). Office hours are typically weekdays 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The department’s staff can be reached at the courthouse, and many informational documents (ordinances, plans, FAQs) are available on the county’s website (Environmental Services | Koochiching County, MN) (Environmental Services | Koochiching County, MN).
Koochiching County partners with the University of Minnesota Extension to provide local Extension services. The Extension Office connects residents with research-based education and resources in agriculture, gardening, nutrition, and youth development (4-H) (UMN Extension: Koochiching County | Koochiching County, MN). Essentially, it “connects community needs with University resources” (UMN Extension: Koochiching County | Koochiching County, MN) by offering programs and expertise at the local level.
Programs and Services:
County Extension Committee: Koochiching County has an Extension Committee made up of community members and county officials to guide local Extension programming. Members for 2024 included several citizens (Terry Aitchison, Cori Horton, Tim Gerlach, Doug Franchot, Lynn Belanger, Jody Reller) along with Commissioner Adam McIntyre and County Treasurer Joan Nelson (UMN Extension: Koochiching County | Koochiching County, MN). This committee meets to plan programs and ensure Extension efforts meet local needs. (Residents interested in guiding Extension can sometimes apply to serve on this committee (UMN Extension: Koochiching County | Koochiching County, MN).)
Public Interaction: Many families get involved with Extension through 4-H clubs for their children – enrolling youth in projects from raising animals to photography. Gardeners frequently call or visit the Extension office with questions about plant diseases or to get their soil tested (Extension can facilitate soil tests through the U of M labs). The office also can provide brochures on topics like lawn care, or connect small-scale farmers to resources for grants and marketing. In addition, during county fair time or other events, Extension educators and Master Gardener volunteers are out providing demonstrations and answering questions.
Contact: The Koochiching County Extension doesn’t have a traditional county office in the courthouse; instead, the Extension educators are regionally based. For 4-H and youth programs, contact Stacy Hall (Extension Educator) at 218-324-2709 or via email (smhall@umn.edu) (UMN Extension: Koochiching County | Koochiching County, MN) (UMN Extension: Koochiching County | Koochiching County, MN). The mailing address for Extension is typically the courthouse, but the staff often work remotely or in the community. Another contact is Keri Cavitt, the Regional Extension Director, based in Cloquet (for administrative matters) (UMN Extension: Koochiching County | Koochiching County, MN). Information and resources can also be accessed through the UMN Extension – Koochiching County website (linked from the county page) (UMN Extension: Koochiching County | Koochiching County, MN).
(Note: Some services that used to be under Extension, like home economics or family education, are now provided through other programs or online resources. The Extension office can help direct inquiries to the right place.)
The Information Systems Department is the county’s internal technology support team. They are responsible for managing Koochiching County’s computer systems, networks, and digital data. Under the direction of IS Director Justin O’Bert, the department ensures that all other departments have the technology tools and support needed to serve the public (Information Systems | Koochiching County, MN) (Information Systems | Koochiching County, MN).
Services Provided (Internal): The IS Department handles a range of tech functions:
Public Interaction: Information Systems is primarily an internal service department, so the general public doesn’t usually contact IS directly for services. However, the quality of many public-facing services (like the online property information portal or the 911 dispatch systems) depends on IS keeping technology running. One direct interface the public might see is the county’s GIS/Mapping services – for example, the IS department maintains the public Parcel Maps and property search website (Information Systems | Koochiching County, MN), which residents use to get land information. Additionally, IS ensures the county website is up and functional for citizens to access information. Any online forms or email contact forms on the site are supported by IS on the back end.
Contact: Information Systems Department – Phone: 218-283-1171 (Information Systems | Koochiching County, MN). (The IS office is in the Courthouse at 715 4th St., Int’l Falls.) Because IS is an internal department, issues like a down county website or email can be reported through the main county contacts, and IS will address them. The public generally would only contact IS for specific technical questions related to county online services or GIS data.
The Land & Forestry Department manages tax-forfeited public lands and county-owned forests in Koochiching County. With Koochiching being one of Minnesota’s largest counties by area, this department oversees a vast land base – approximately 287,000 acres of tax-forfeited land are under county management (LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY). Land & Forestry, led by the Land Commissioner (Nathan Heibel), focuses on sustainable natural resource use, including timber sales, reforestation, and land conservation (Land & Forestry | Koochiching County, MN) (LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY).
Responsibilities:
Public Interaction: Many citizens engage with Land & Forestry through timber and land sales. Local loggers and firewood harvesters regularly interact with the department for timber permits or fuelwood cutting permits. Hunters, trappers, and outdoor enthusiasts contact the department for maps of county lands and information on access (the department has maps of tax-forfeit lands and forestry roads). If someone is interested in purchasing a piece of land from the county, they deal with Land & Forestry during the auction process (Land & Forestry | Koochiching County, MN) (Land & Forestry | Koochiching County, MN). Additionally, anyone who finds a damaged or missing survey marker (section corner) might report it to this department, as they work closely with the County Surveyor to maintain land survey monuments. The department also has multiple field offices – besides the main office in International Falls, there are forestry offices in Littlefork, Big Falls, and Northome (Land & Forestry | Koochiching County, MN), making it convenient for residents countywide to reach foresters.
Impact on County Finances: Land & Forestry is largely funded by the revenue it generates. It operates a Land and Forestry Special Revenue Fund (per the county’s financial reports (LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY) (LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY)). Proceeds from timber sales and land leases go into this fund to cover reforestation, forest road maintenance, and operations. It’s worth noting this department contributed significantly to the local economy; by managing nearly 287,128 acres, it provides raw material for the wood products industry and returns a portion of earnings to local governments (LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY).
Contact: Land & Forestry – main office at 715 4th Street, International Falls (Courthouse). Phone: 218-283-1127 (Land & Forestry | Koochiching County, MN). Office hours standard business hours. Additionally, forestry staff are in field offices: Littlefork, Big Falls, and Northome (contact info available via the department). The Land Commissioner or staff can be emailed or called for inquiries about land sales, timber auctions, or land use permits. Maps and notices (like timber auction dates and noxious weed notices) are posted on the county website (Land & Forestry | Koochiching County, MN) (Land & Forestry | Koochiching County, MN).
The Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office, headquartered at the Law Enforcement Center, provides law enforcement and public safety services for the county. Sheriff Perryn Hedlund leads this office (Law Enforcement Center | Koochiching County, MN). The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for patrolling the county, operating the county jail, dispatching emergency calls, and many other public safety duties. Their mission statement emphasizes serving everyone with respect, dignity, honor, integrity, and pride (Law Enforcement Center | Koochiching County, MN).
Major Responsibilities:
Public Interaction: The Sheriff’s Office is highly visible to the public. Citizens may call the Sheriff for help in emergencies or to report crimes. The office engages in community programs like safety education, neighborhood watch support, or boat safety courses. The Sheriff often provides updates at County Board meetings and to local media about notable incidents or public safety initiatives. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office operates a Veterans Van service in coordination with Veteran Services (providing transportation for veterans to medical appointments) – the Veterans Van schedule is published by Veteran’s Services but the coordination often involves the Sheriff for drivers or vehicles (Veteran’s Services | Koochiching County, MN).
In budget terms, the Public Safety category (largely the Sheriff’s Office and jail) was about $4.59 million in 2025 (), reflecting the resources dedicated to keeping the community safe. This includes personnel (deputies, dispatchers, jail staff), equipment (squad cars, boats, radios), and facility costs (jail, dispatch center).
Contact: Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Center – 715 4th Street, International Falls (attached to the courthouse). For emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergency assistance, call Dispatch at 218-283-4416 (Law Enforcement Center | Koochiching County, MN). The Sheriff’s Office administrative line is the same. Office hours for administrative matters are typically Monday–Friday during business hours, but deputies and dispatch operate 24/7. The public can also find information or send tips via the Sheriff’s Office page on the county website or through their Facebook page (linked on the county site) (Veteran’s Services | Koochiching County, MN).
The Maintenance Department is charged with taking care of all county-owned buildings and grounds. This includes the Courthouse complex, the jail and Law Enforcement Center, the Forestland Annex, highway garages, and other facilities. Essentially, if it’s a county building, Maintenance keeps it running. Under the supervision of Dean Tveit (Complex Supervisor) (Maintenance – Buildings and Grounds | Koochiching County, MN), the team handles everything from custodial duties to building repairs.
What They Do:
Public Interaction: Direct interaction with the public is limited, as Maintenance mostly serves other departments. However, indirectly the public benefits from their work every time they visit a county building that is clean, safe, and accessible. If a citizen uses the courthouse (for a court case or to get a license), the comfort and functionality of that space is thanks to Maintenance. On occasion, if the public holds events on county property (say a community event on the courthouse lawn), Maintenance might be involved in logistical support. Also, if someone notices a facility issue (like a flickering light in a public hallway) they might report it to Maintenance via the Administration Office.
Contact: Maintenance Department – Phone: 218-283-1199 (Maintenance – Buildings and Grounds | Koochiching County, MN). The Complex Supervisor’s office is at the Courthouse (715 4th St.). There isn’t a walk-up counter for Maintenance; instead, requests usually funnel through Administration or a work order system internally. But for issues like building safety or to inquire about using county grounds, Maintenance can be reached during weekday hours.
Probation services in Koochiching County are provided through Arrowhead Regional Corrections (ARC), a multi-county agency. Rather than having its own county department of probation, Koochiching partners in this regional system which serves the 5-county Arrowhead region. Probation officers supervise adults and juveniles who are placed on probation by the courts, meaning these individuals are serving their sentences in the community under conditions instead of in jail or prison.
Services: Arrowhead Regional Corrections provides Court and Field Services, serving the district, county, and juvenile courts in Koochiching County (Probation | Koochiching County, MN). This includes:
Because it is a regional system, probation officers serving Koochiching may be based locally but employed by ARC. ARC also operates correctional facilities (like an adult and juvenile correctional center) elsewhere in the region that Koochiching County has access to as part of the joint powers agreement.
Public Interaction: Law-abiding residents might not interact with Probation services often, but those on probation (and their families) will have regular contact. Additionally, victims of crimes may interface with probation officers in the context of offender supervision or restitution payments. Probation officers often collaborate with local law enforcement and treatment providers – for example, a probation agent might work with the Sheriff’s Office on a home visit to check on an offender’s compliance. They are also involved in community justice initiatives like restorative justice programs or truancy intervention (some probation officers sit on truancy intervention teams for youth, as highlighted in the county’s truancy policy) () ().
Contact: Arrowhead Regional Corrections – Koochiching Probation Office is located in the courthouse (or nearby). The local reception phone is 218-283-1113 (Probation | Koochiching County, MN). Probation is generally available during business hours, and after-hours issues (like an arrest of someone on probation) are coordinated with law enforcement. If you call the main number, you’ll reach support staff who can direct you to the appropriate probation officer.
(Since probation is through ARC, any administrative questions might also be directed to ARC’s main office. However, for local matters, the number above is the direct Koochiching office line.)
Koochiching County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS), also referred to as Community Services, is a combined department that delivers social services and public health programs. This is one of the largest county departments, both in scope of services and budget. In 2025, Human Services programs were budgeted around $5.52 million and Public Health around $1.34 million (). Derek Foss is the PHHS Director (Public Health & Human Services | Koochiching County, MN), and the main office is at the Forestland Annex building (1000 5th Street, International Falls) rather than the courthouse (Administration | Koochiching County, MN) (Public Health & Human Services | Koochiching County, MN).
Mandate: Koochiching County Community Services is “directed by law to protect vulnerable adults and children, to help the elderly and disabled, and to assist those citizens whose personal or family resources are not adequate to meet their basic human needs.” (Departments H-Z | Koochiching County, MN) This sums up the department’s core mission – providing a safety net and promoting health for the community’s most vulnerable.
Divisions and Services: PHHS can be thought of in a few major parts:
Public Interaction: PHHS is very public-facing – it serves individuals and families daily. Someone might come in to apply for food or cash assistance, meet with a social worker about a vulnerable parent, or attend a car seat safety class. The front desk at 1000 5th Street handles a wide range of walk-in inquiries, from people dropping off benefit paperwork to those asking about foster parenting. The department also has after-hours on-call social workers for emergencies (like child protection crises or vulnerable adult issues that law enforcement encounters at night). Many forms (e.g., for reporting child abuse (Staff Directory • Koochiching County, MN • CivicEngage) or for foster care) are available on the county website, but most services are delivered through direct contact with staff.
Collaboration: PHHS works closely with many partners – schools (for truancy and early intervention), hospitals and clinics (for referrals and public health programs), law enforcement (for child/adult protection cases), and various non-profits (food shelves, shelters, mental health providers). For example, if an elderly resident is struggling, PHHS might coordinate homemaker services, meals on wheels, and healthcare through multiple agencies.
Contact: Public Health & Human Services (Forestland Annex) – 1000 5th Street, International Falls, MN (Administration | Koochiching County, MN). Main Phone: 218-283-7000 (with a toll-free 1-800-950-4630 for long-distance) (Public Health & Human Services | Koochiching County, MN) (Public Health & Human Services | Koochiching County, MN). Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Public Health & Human Services | Koochiching County, MN). Note: The PHHS front desk has TTY/relay accommodations for the deaf/hard-of-hearing (Public Health & Human Services | Koochiching County, MN). There are separate unit contacts (for child support, etc.), but the main number will route you correctly. In emergencies involving abuse or neglect, calling this number (or 911 after hours) will get the on-call worker. The department’s Staff Directory and several referral forms (for reporting maltreatment, requesting assessments, etc.) are available on the county website (Public Health & Human Services | Koochiching County, MN).
The County Recorder’s Office is the official keeper of real estate records and vital records in Koochiching County. Recorder Lindsay Frank and staff handle the important documents that residents need to prove property ownership or vital life events. If you buy a property, get married, or need a copy of a birth certificate, this is the office you’ll visit.
Services: The Recorder’s Office provides a range of recording and registrar functions, including:
Public Interaction: This office sees a lot of foot traffic from the public. Common scenarios: A new homebuyer comes in to record their deed and will often purchase a certified copy for safekeeping. A genealogy researcher might visit to look up historical birth or marriage records. A couple will come in together to apply for a marriage license (and perhaps later that month, one of them returns with the signed license to get the official marriage certificate). Contractors and land surveyors also interact with the Recorder – for instance, if a surveyor files a subdivision plat, it gets recorded and becomes part of the official land records. The Recorder’s staff spend time assisting people in searching records; while a lot is online, older records (decades past) may require looking at physical books or microfilm. They are very much the customer service face of county records.
Additionally, the Recorder often functions as the Registrar of Titles for Torrens property (if Koochiching has any Torrens system properties), handling land title certificates. Many counties also have the Recorder manage state deed tax and mortgage registration tax (in collaboration with the Auditor), which appears to be the case here as well (the Auditor’s duties included collection of deed and mortgage taxes (Auditor / Treasurer | Koochiching County, MN), but often the Recorder calculates them at recording).
Contact: Recorder’s Office – 715 4th Street (Courthouse), International Falls, MN. Phone: 218-283-1193 (Recorder | Koochiching County, MN). Open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Recorder | Koochiching County, MN). It’s usually wise to arrive by 4 p.m. for passports or lengthy transactions. The office has a public research area for property records, and staff available to help during business hours. They also respond to inquiries via email or phone for those who cannot come in person. Many forms and information items are linked on the Recorder’s webpage (e.g. requirements for a marriage license, fees, etc.) (Recorder | Koochiching County, MN) (Recorder | Koochiching County, MN).
The Koochiching Soil & Water Conservation District is a local agency focused on natural resource conservation. While the SWCD is a separate entity from county government (with its own elected board of supervisors), it works closely with the county and is often featured on the county website due to shared goals. The SWCD provides technical assistance and education to landowners to conserve soil, water, and related natural resources on private land (Soil & Water Conservation Districts). In essence, they help farmers, loggers, and other land managers implement conservation practices.
Programs and Focus Areas:
Public Interaction: Landowners can contact the SWCD for help with conservation questions – like “How can I prevent my shoreline from washing away?” or “Is there funding to seal my abandoned well?” The SWCD will provide on-site visits and develop plans. They also sell tree seedlings in annual tree sales for reforestation efforts. Many farmers and woodland owners know their SWCD staff by name. Additionally, because Koochiching SWCD is active on projects, members of the public might see news about projects like water monitoring results or AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) prevention programs they run. The SWCD’s Board of Supervisors meets monthly, and those meetings are open for community members interested in local conservation decisions.
County Relationship: The county funds the SWCD in part through a levy (shown under “Conservation of Natural Resources” in the budget) (), and the SWCD in turn provides services that benefit the county’s land and water. The Environmental Services Department and SWCD collaborate (for example, on the Local Water Plan and on feedlot inspections if any, though Koochiching may not have a separate feedlot officer).
Contact: Koochiching SWCD Office – 501 3rd Street, Suite 100, International Falls, MN (Soil & Water Conservation District | Koochiching County, MN). Phone: 218-283-1180 (Soil & Water Conservation District | Koochiching County, MN). The District Administrator is Pam Tomevi (Soil & Water Conservation District | Koochiching County, MN). The SWCD maintains its own website with more details (the county page links to koochichingswcd.org (Soil & Water Conservation District | Koochiching County, MN)) and a Facebook page. Office hours are typically Monday–Friday, standard business hours. Citizens can stop by or call to talk to a conservation specialist about their land.
The County Surveyor’s Office is responsible for maintaining the public land survey system corners and providing surveying services for the county. Koochiching County’s Surveyor, Robert W. Murray, along with a Survey Technician (Reed Pritchard) (Surveyor | Koochiching County, MN) (Surveyor | Koochiching County, MN), ensure that the legal boundaries of property and section lines are correct and well-documented.
Duties:
Public Interaction: If someone is subdividing their land or doing a metes-and-bounds split, they may interact with the Surveyor in the plat review process (through a surveyor they hire). Also, hunters or outdoorspeople occasionally stumble upon or disturb survey monuments; the Surveyor then might be alerted to re-set a monument. The Surveyor’s Office occasionally puts out public notices (like the one in 2017) to inform citizens and land surveyors about preservation of survey markers (Surveyor | Koochiching County, MN). The general public might rarely see the Surveyor, but the results of their work — accurate property lines — benefit everyone, providing certainty in land ownership.
Contact: Surveyor’s Office – 715 4th Street, International Falls, MN (Courthouse). Phone: 218-283-1177 (Surveyor | Koochiching County, MN). There may not always be staff in the office if they are out in the field, so calling ahead is best. Inquiries can also be made through the Environmental Services or Land Services offices, as they work closely. The county’s Surveyor page provides an email contact as well (Surveyor | Koochiching County, MN).
The Veteran’s Services Office (CVSO – County Veterans Service Office) helps military veterans and their dependents access the benefits and services they earned through their service. Carissa MacLean is the Veterans Service Officer (Administrator) (Veteran’s Services | Koochiching County, MN). This office is a crucial link between veterans and state/federal veterans agencies, ensuring that those who served our country receive support in return.
Services Provided:
Public Interaction: By its nature, this department is highly interactive with its clientele – veterans of all ages from WWII/Korea era seniors to recently discharged younger veterans from Iraq/Afghanistan. Walk-ins are common, but scheduling an appointment is encouraged since discussing claims can take time. The Veterans Service Officer often acts as a personal advocate, sometimes attending VA hearings with veterans or following up on claims status. Veterans often form a trusting relationship with the CVSO because they share confidential health and service information to get benefits. The office’s Facebook page (linked on the county site) (Veteran’s Services | Koochiching County, MN) provides updates on benefit changes or local veteran events, which is a way they push information out to the community.
Contact: Veteran’s Services Office – 407 3rd Street, International Falls, MN (Veteran’s Services | Koochiching County, MN) (this is a standalone office near the courthouse). Phone: 218-283-1179 (Veteran’s Services | Koochiching County, MN). Office hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on Fridays) (Veteran’s Services | Koochiching County, MN). It’s advisable to call or email to set up an appointment. The office email and a brochure of services are available on the county website (Veteran’s Services | Koochiching County, MN) (Veteran’s Services | Koochiching County, MN). Veterans or family members can also call the Minnesota Veterans Linkage Line at 1-888-LinkVet for after-hours assistance (Veteran’s Services | Koochiching County, MN), but the CVSO is the best local resource during the week.
Each of these departments plays a vital role in Koochiching County’s government, working together to serve residents. Whether you’re paying taxes, need a marriage license, fixing a culvert, or seeking help for a loved one, there’s a county office ready to assist. All information above is drawn from official Koochiching County sources to ensure accuracy and up-to-date details (Auditor / Treasurer | Koochiching County, MN) (Departments H-Z | Koochiching County, MN). For more information, readers can visit the county’s website or contact the respective offices. This guide provides an overview so you know who to call or where to go for the services you need from your county government. (About the Assessor | Koochiching County, MN) (Auditor / Treasurer | Koochiching County, MN)
Koochiching County is the second largest county in the state by land area, encompassing approximately 3,154 square miles!
Koochiching County has a government structure dedicated to meeting the needs of its rural communities. The county covers a vast area of nearly 3,100 square miles, making it one of the largest counties in the state. Its government provides essential services to residents, from public safety to land management, while also ensuring that the county’s natural beauty and resources are preserved.
Koochiching County is known for its vast forests, pristine lakes, and Rainy River. The county seat is International Falls, the “Icebox of the Nation”. Despite the cold, the area is a favorite... Read more
