Beltrami County board approves 2026 meeting dates, committee assignments and consent agenda; new deputy sworn in

Beltrami County commissioners approved several routine but consequential administrative items and welcomed a new deputy during the meeting.

The board moved the November 2026 meeting off election day and set the first November meeting for Wednesday, Nov. 4, to avoid a conflict with election operations in the county facility. The motion to approve the amended 2026 meeting schedule was made by Commissioner Sumner, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, and carried by voice vote 5-0.

The board also approved updated commissioner committee assignments, removing a couple of jail subcommittees and adding AMC representation for District 4. That motion — made by Commissioner Carlson and seconded by Commissioner Winger — passed 5-0.

On the consent agenda, the board accepted a revised resolution authorizing agreements and amendments related to the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force (item 7m) after staff updated formatting and language; the consent agenda passed 5-0. The board left the revised resolution on the consent calendar rather than pulling it for separate discussion.

Sheriff Jason Riggs introduced Travis Amston, who was sworn in as a Beltrami County deputy. Amston recited the oath to support the U.S. and Minnesota constitutions and to serve the citizens of Beltrami County. Commissioners offered congratulations following the ceremony.

Other procedural actions included unanimous approvals of the meeting agenda with a small amendment to move the administrator’s report to item 11a, and adjournment of the work session to convene the 6:00 p.m. meeting.

Next steps: staff will publish the approved 2026 meeting schedule and updated committee assignments; the revised Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force resolution will remain on the consent agenda for formal adoption as part of that packet.