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Board acknowledges county administrator resignation and starts expedited internal search for successor; motion to promote auditor-treasurer amended
Summary
The board acknowledged County Administrator David Minkie’s voluntary resignation effective Sept. 4 and debated an immediate promotion of Auditor‑Treasurer Kelly Schroeder; the board approved an amendment to solicit internal applications with a short window and scheduled candidate review at the next meeting.
Pine County commissioners acknowledged the voluntary resignation of County Administrator David Minkie, effective Sept. 4, and debated next steps for filling the post. Commissioner comments emphasized the importance of a swift, orderly transition given the administrator’s central role in county operations.
One commissioner moved to promote Auditor‑Treasurer Kelly Schroeder to county administrator, citing her 13 years of county experience and familiarity with budgeting, zoning and department operations. Several other commissioners said they supported Schroeder as a likely candidate but requested additional time to consult and to allow other internal applicants a short window to apply. The board discussed three options noted in the meeting packet: direct appointment, an internal search, or an external search.
After discussion, commissioners voted to amend the motion and adopt an internal search process: county staff will invite internal applicants to submit materials to county administration by Friday (deadline set at Friday noon in the board discussion) and commissioners will receive applicant materials that day. The board agreed to review applications and, if needed, conduct interviews as part of a special meeting to be scheduled during the next Tuesday meeting (with planning to allot interview time around the scheduled budget work). Commissioners said the internal search is intended to be brief; if no internal finalists are satisfactory, the board reserved the option to open the process externally.
Commissioners emphasized the need to avoid service disruption at the courthouse and to backfill Schroeder’s current duties if she is selected. Staff were directed to compile applications for commissioners, to coordinate interview scheduling at the special meeting, and to clarify legal questions about converting or reclassifying other offices if the board later considers structural changes (for example, whether an auditor-treasurer position would remain elected or become appointed). No final appointment was made at the meeting.
