Board confirms Kelly Schroeder as county administrator; directs personnel committee to propose organizational changes

The Pine County Board on Aug. 19 approved Resolution 2025‑33 appointing Kelly Schroeder as county administrator, effective Sept. 5, and authorized the chair to sign the employment agreement.

The board also asked the personnel committee to analyze alternative organizational structures to reflect the new administrator role and supervisory assignments. Commissioners discussed that when the auditor‑treasurer position is refilled, responsibilities now supervised by Schroeder (assessing, recording, land, planning and zoning, environmental services) will need to be reassigned or restructured.

Staff described the expected sequence: personnel committee work to produce options for who will report to Schroeder, whether to reaccommodate duties under a traditional auditor‑treasurer job description and where backfills are required (including a vacant Land and Resources Manager position). The committee indicated it can prepare recommendations for the board’s next regular meeting on Sept. 2 if the committee meets in the interim.

Commissioners emphasized the need for a timely plan so critical functions (for example, land records and planning) have clear supervision. Several board members asked that the personnel committee present proposed organizational charts and backfill recommendations at the next meeting and that recruitment postings reflect the approved structure once the board agrees.

Ending: The chair authorized the personnel committee to examine structures and return with proposals; staff will prepare revised job descriptions and, if authorized, post positions consistent with the board’s direction.