National Guard activated during Operation Metro Surge/photo Minnesota National Guard
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO) – A cost estimate has been made for the activation of the Minnesota National Guard by Governor Tim Walz during Operation Metro Surge. The initial cost estimate is $5.2 million.
Walz activated the guard from Jan. 8 to Feb. 25 “out of an abundance of caution” during the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Renee Good.
National Guard members were asked to serve in a supportive role to “protect life, preserve property and support the rights of all Minnesotans to assemble peacefully,” said Scott Rohweder, executive director of the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs. Rohweder said the final figure is still being tabulated.
Over five days in January, the Minneapolis Police Department saw overtime costs reach about $3 million, surpassing the $2.3 million in overtime that was budgeted for all of this year. In February, Minneapolis estimated the operation cost the city’s economy more than $200 million.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office quickly overran its overtime budget in January with $1.3 million in costs. The Hennepin County Commission passed a resolution last month requiring the sheriff’s office to delay most external hiring.
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