Bonding 2020: Mike Berthelsen, the U of M’s vice president of University Services

The Minnesota Legislature has some tough choices to make this year when it comes to borrowing money for public works projects. During the 2020 legislative session, lawmakers are expected to consider a bonding bill that could range in size from just under $1 billion to $2 billion-plus. More than $5 billion requests from state agencies and local governments are in the mix for funding. In a series of upcoming articles, Finance & Commerce is taking a closer look at some of the notable requests. Many of the stories in the series will include an accompanying interview and episode of Beyond the Skyline, offering additional in-depth analysis. Watch for those shows labeled Bonding 2020. The series begins with a focus on the University of Minnesota’s $317.3 million wish list for everything from building maintenance to chemistry lab upgrades. University Services is the department behind the scenes that provides the non-academic operations to the University of Minnesota on the Twin Cities campus and, for some services, system wide. According to their website, they “shovel the snow, serve the food, patrol the streets, heat the buildings, renovate facilities, monitor lab safety, and house our students.” Reporter Brian Johnson sat down with University Services Vice President Mike Berthelsen to talk about the U’s specific needs during this bonding session. Related links: https://finance-commerce.com/2020/03/bonding-2020-preserving-the-states-educational-assets/ https://finance-commerce.com/2020/02/minnesota-coronavirus-testing-lab-needs-21-5-million-fix/