Patty O'Connor was approved as chair of the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners during the board’s Jan. 6 organizational meeting, and a member identified in the record as Mark was named vice chair. The appointments were part of the board’s annual organizational actions, which also included approval of committee assignments and the 2026 board meeting calendar.

The board opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and then moved through procedural items. After a motion and second, members voted by voice to adopt the meeting agenda and to confirm the slate of leadership and committee assignments presented by staff. The 2026 calendar was approved without amendment.

These organizational steps concluded early in the session and were followed by the board’s routine transition to several joint authorities and committees, including the Economic Development Authority and Railroad Authority.