Otter Tail County is inviting residents to an informal community open house from 7 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls. County commissioners and staff will be on hand to share details and answer questions about several initiatives slated for 2025 and beyond, with light refreshments provided.

The open house will cover planned 2025 construction projects and the county’s long‑range transportation plan, both of which directly affect road maintenance, traffic patterns and prioritization of capital spending. Residents will be able to review proposed work and discuss timing and potential impacts with county officials. The transportation plan, as a long‑range policy tool, guides decisions about which routes and modes of travel receive attention and funding; public input at events like this helps officials understand local priorities and concerns.

Housing and community projects will also be on the agenda. Those conversations are likely to touch on local development, housing availability and community infrastructure needs—factors that influence where residents live, how neighborhoods evolve and how services are allocated. The open house format offers a low‑pressure setting for community members to raise questions about specific projects and neighborhood effects.

A single‑sort recycling pilot will be explained at the event. Single‑sort (or single‑stream) systems typically allow all recyclables to be placed in one container, which can increase convenience and participation but also raise operational considerations such as contamination rates and processing costs. County staff will present the pilot’s structure and expected timeframe, enabling residents to learn how curbside recycling practices might change and what that could mean for household routines and local waste management budgets.

The event will also highlight property fraud alert tools. These tools are designed to help property owners monitor county records for unauthorized activity, a growing concern for property owners nationwide. Residents interested in protecting deeds and titles can get information about available safeguards and how to access them.

County commissioners and staff will be present throughout the two‑hour session to explain plans, provide documentation and receive feedback. The informal, drop‑in format is intended to make it easier for residents to participate without a formal meeting schedule. For community members weighing travel impacts, housing choices or measures to protect property, the open house offers direct access to the officials responsible for planning and implementation.

The Government Services Center is located in Fergus Falls; attendees should plan to arrive within the 7–9 p.m. window to speak with staff. The county is using the event to promote transparency and civic engagement by making information and staff available in a public setting ahead of the 2025 construction season and related policy decisions.