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Todd County eliminates several HHS positions and plans to end rep-payee services as part of 2026 budget
Summary
Todd County commissioners approved eliminating a vacant PERA phased-retirement eligibility worker position, removing the coordinator on aging position effective Sept. 30, 2025, and discontinuing representative-payee services Dec. 31, 2025, as part of the county’s 2026 budget plan.
LONG PRAIRIE, Minn. — Todd County commissioners on Tuesday approved personnel and service changes in Health and Human Services that county staff said were part of the finance committee’s 2026 budget recommendations.
The board approved elimination of a PERA phased-retirement eligibility worker position that had been vacant, voted to remove the coordinator on aging position effective Sept. 30, 2025, and approved discontinuing representative-payee (rep-payee) services effective Dec. 31, 2025.
Health and Human Services staff told the board these actions followed months of budget review by the finance committee and are intended to keep the county levy at a sustainable level while prioritizing mandated and core services. The department said the responsibilities of the coordinator on aging position will be transitioned to other HHS staff “within their capacity to ensure continuity of services,” and noted local partner organizations — including the Central Minnesota Council on Aging, Foster Grandparents Program, Meals on Wheels, Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Service, RSVP and Kinship of Todd and Morrison County — as resources the county expects to continue serving older residents.
Commissioner Noske asked whether HHS had the capacity to absorb the coordinator duties. Jackie Bauer, identified in the packet as the coordinator, answered that the department believes it can shift responsibilities and that partner organizations will assist.
Board members moved and seconded the motions during the meeting; each motion carried on a voice vote. Commissioners did not record individual hands-on roll-call tallies in the minutes; the chair announced “ayes have it” for each item.
Why this matters: Eliminating an aging coordinator role and discontinuing rep-payee services are concrete changes that affect service delivery for older residents and for county clients who rely on county-managed fiduciary services. The board said the changes are driven by budget constraints and follow the county’s budget-setting process.
Next steps: HHS will transfer duties internally and coordinate with community partners. The discontinuation of rep-payee services will take effect Dec. 31, 2025; individuals and programs that use the county’s rep-payee services will need alternative fiduciary arrangements.
