District 2 candidates talk dollars, doubts, and data centers

Otter Tail County commissioner candidates Wayne Johnson and Jeff Gontarek offered voters contrasting approaches to county government during a candidate forum, with Johnson defending investments intended to fuel economic growth and Gontarek calling for greater scrutiny of taxes and spending.

Their differences were most apparent on housing, economic development, budgeting, and potential data centers. They found more common ground on maintaining ambulance service, protecting water quality, remaining accessible to constituents, and leaving immigration enforcement primarily to law enforcement.

The League of Women Voters and the Fergus Falls chapter of the National Organization of Women hosted the Sept. 26 forum. Candidates received ground rules beforehand but did not have advance access to the questions. The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose political parties or candidates and says its voter information is nonpartisan.

Johnson, the incumbent District 2 commissioner, is a lifelong county resident who grew up on a dairy farm in Dunn Township. He cited his experience as a business owner, township officer, and community volunteer in addition to his record as commissioner.

Gontarek said he has lived in Otter Tail County since 1975 and spent more than 25 years working in the county probation department. He also cited experience in water patrol, DUI surveillance, and real estate.

Housing, taxes define central divide

Johnson identified housing, public safety, and infrastructure as major county needs. He argued that housing investment is necessary because employers have jobs available but struggle to recruit workers who cannot find suitable places to live.

He said more than 336 housing units have been added in the county over five years. He pointed to Perham, which he said has roughly 3,500 jobs and about 3,500 residents, as an example of a community that must draw workers from elsewhere.

Johnson said additional housing, especially affordable starter housing, can bring workers into the county, allow businesses to expand, and broaden the tax base. A larger tax base, he argued, can reduce the burden on individual taxpayers.

Gontarek focused instead on property-tax pressure and whether taxpayers are receiving sufficient benefits from county-supported development. He questioned when housing initiatives and tax abatements would produce a measurable return for residents.

He said private developers and employers should play a larger role if businesses need workforce housing. He also argued that existing buildings and other assets should be fully considered before government supports additional projects.

Gontarek pointed to a roughly $59 million county levy for 2026 as a reason to scrutinize recurring tax increases. He said government should concentrate on roads and basic services while avoiding unnecessary growth in county government.

The two also approached tourism from different angles. Johnson described agriculture, tourism, and industry as three pillars of the county economy and said visitors can eventually become homeowners, business owners, and permanent residents. Gontarek agreed tourism is important but emphasized the pressures taxes and operating costs place on existing small businesses.

Candidates seek sustainable ambulance funding

Both candidates said dependable ambulance coverage is essential and expressed caution about having the county directly operate an ambulance service.

Johnson said reimbursement covers only about 35% of ambulance service costs, leaving providers with an unsustainable financial model. He said the county is considering a Subordinate Service District in which properties within an affected service area would pay a dedicated charge, rather than necessarily spreading the cost across the entire county.

Johnson said the county is seeking public input and does not want to take over ambulance operations.

Gontarek said staffing and financing problems have affected ambulance and fire services for years. He said options could include a service district, parcel charge, or property-tax funding, but he called for more information from providers and residents before settling on a solution.

Data centers produce sharp disagreement

The candidates’ clearest split came over whether Otter Tail County should be open to data-center development.

Gontarek gave a “flat-out no” for now. He cited concerns about water use, limited permanent employment, infrastructure demands, and uncertainty over whether such projects would provide taxpayers with an adequate return.

He said existing issues involving roads, taxes, and infrastructure should be addressed before the county takes on another large development question, describing his priority as taking care of “home business first.”

Johnson opposed a categorical rejection. He said data centers and other large developments should be evaluated based on location, zoning, and their effects on roads and other infrastructure.

He said developers should be required to provide decommissioning plans and financial bonds to protect taxpayers if a project is abandoned.

Johnson also noted that land-use controls vary because many rural property owners have opposed countywide zoning, leaving townships to decide whether to adopt their own regulations.

Budget approaches reflect broader philosophies

Gontarek said county spending should receive line-by-line review, with officials asking whether each expense is necessary and what taxpayers will receive in return. He described public money as funds entrusted to government and said commissioners should look for both opportunities to cut costs and areas that need improvement.

Johnson described a process that relies on commissioners, county employees, and auditors to identify savings. He said departments serving similar clients can coordinate or consolidate functions and that the county should consider bringing contracted work in-house when doing so would save money.

He cited road striping as an example. Johnson said the county paid an outside contractor about $330,000 to stripe roughly half its roads and is considering buying a striping machine for about $500,000. Existing employees could be trained to operate it, and Johnson estimated the purchase could pay for itself in about two years.

Both emphasize protecting water

Both candidates said water quality must be protected while discussing agriculture and a proposed hog operation west of Pelican Rapids.

Johnson defended the existing regulatory process, saying feedlot expansions require public review and adequate manure-management plans. State regulations also apply, while the county has authority over operations within 1,000 feet of a lake.

He said a proposed hog barn in Trondjem Township could not move forward without sufficient land for manure application and protections for water resources.

Gontarek said he was researching the proposal, environmental requirements, and concerns from farmers in the area. After Johnson described the land requirements, Gontarek said the case demonstrated the value of county monitoring and permitting.

The candidates also shared similar views on the county board’s role in immigration enforcement. Both said operational enforcement belongs primarily to the elected sheriff and other law enforcement agencies. Johnson added that legal immigration is important to employers that need workers.

Staying connected to constituents

Both also pledged to remain available to residents. Johnson pointed to community events, phone calls, door-knocking, and informal conversations as ways he stays in contact with constituents. Gontarek emphasized direct visits with residents, including those who may not support him.

Their closing arguments returned to the forum’s central difference. Gontarek called for renewed examination of taxes, county spending, and the results of past investments. Johnson argued that continued investment in infrastructure, housing, public safety, and economic development can protect the county’s quality of life while expanding its tax base.