Commissioners elect Volk chair, Wilhelmi vice chair and appoint Ed Brown to vacant seat

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners elected Commissioner Volk as chair and Commissioner Wilhelmi as vice chair during its opening reorganization and then assigned standing portfolios among members.

The board opened nominations for chair and, after nominations were closed, approved Volk by voice vote. The commissioners then nominated Wilhelmi for vice chair and approved that nomination. The chair outlined portfolio assignments, noting that the chair traditionally retains auditor, human resources, emergency management and the state's attorney portfolios while the vice chair would take building and grounds, highway and IT; commissioners discussed modest adjustments to balance workloads and approved the proposed assignments by motion.

In new business, chair read 11 letters of interest to fill the vacancy left by Lee Gessner. After discussion emphasizing experience and short‑term fit, commissioners nominated former commissioner Ed Brown and approved the appointment by roll call vote. Commissioners noted the appointee will serve until the next general election, at which voters will elect a successor.

The board also approved routine procedural items by motion during the meeting, including prior meeting minutes, bills and treasurer checks, and it adopted the proposed 2026 meeting dates.