The Todd County Board of Commissioners organized its leadership and approved several administrative items on Jan. 6.

Board organization: After initial nominations, Commissioner Bob Byers was confirmed as Board Chair for 2026 by roll‑call vote; Commissioner Tim Denny was confirmed as Vice Chair. An earlier nomination for Denny to serve as chair was rescinded after he indicated he could not accept that role.

Consent and financial business: The board approved consent items (minutes from Dec. 30, 2025; a gambling permit for a March 7 event; personnel actions including a part‑time hire and the retirement of Deborah Durheim; and the resignation of social worker Sarah Bibbs). The county auditor presented December 2025 warrants totaling $2,521,276.91, which the board approved by roll call.

Public notice and protocol: In accordance with Minnesota Statute chapter 375.12, the board designated The Long Prairie Leader (as lead under a joint publishers agreement with the Independent News Herald and Staples World) as the official county newspaper for 2026 (bid: $20 per column inch) and designated the joint bid for extra publication at $14 per column inch. The board adopted an updated board protocol clarifying agenda submission deadlines and a formal data‑request process.

Personnel and labor: Administration presented and the board approved a resolution establishing a 3.5% general wage increase for nonunion and appointed officials effective the first full pay period in January 2026 (payday 02/04/2026) with step increases effective the first full pay period in July (payday 08/05/2026). The board also adopted memoranda of understanding addressing the Paid Family and Medical Leave program; the MOUs set a 50/50 premium split between the county and employees, payable through payroll deductions effective 01/01/2026.

Other business: The board approved the 2026 meeting calendar (first and third Tuesdays at 9 a.m., with the Nov. 3 meeting moved to Nov. 2 for the statewide election), committee assignments, depository/investment designations, and the reappointment of Ted Gray to the Extension Committee (2026–2028). The meeting recessed to a Jan. 20 work session.

Quotes: At the chair nomination the board conducted a roll‑call confirmation. On finances, staff summarized the warrants as "$2,521,276.91." On paid‑leave MOUs staff said the premium split is "50 50" between county and employees.