Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Otter Tail County approves joint powers agreement to form Prairie Lakes Community Health Board
Summary
The county voted to approve and sign a joint powers agreement with Wilkin County to form the Prairie Lakes Community Health Board, to begin operating Jan. 1, 2026, with Otter Tail as fiscal host and Jody Lean as the community health services administrator.
Otter Tail County voted on Sept. 23 to approve a joint powers agreement (JPA) to create the Prairie Lakes Community Health Board, a multi‑county public health governance structure that will begin operations on Jan. 1, 2026.
Public health director Jody Lean told commissioners the JPA was drafted in alignment with statutory requirements for community health boards under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 145A, and that both counties’ attorneys have reviewed the document. Lean said the board composition will include county commissioners and community representatives, and the agreement addresses budget, data practices, records compliance and the board’s authorities and duties.
Lean said Otter Tail County will serve as fiscal host and that she will serve as community health services administrator for the new board. Commissioners said the JPA follows months of planning and joint meetings with Wilkin County and the Minnesota Department of Health; the action will formalize the governance framework and allow transition planning to continue toward the Jan. 1 start.
Commissioner Buckholz moved to approve and sign the agreement; Commissioner Martinson seconded. The motion carried unanimously and staff were directed to proceed with transition planning and signature processing.
The JPA will be implemented by public health staff and county administration; the board directed staff to move ahead with operational planning and to return to the commissioners with any material changes.
