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Freeborn County delays backfill of probation officer as staff cite statewide reform and high caseloads
Summary
County staff told commissioners they will wait two to three months before filling a probation officer vacancy to complete risk assessments and align with pending state probation reform; staff reported average caseloads of about 108 and inconsistent county‑level supervision practices.
The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 3 accepted the resignation of probation officer Andrea Strom, effective Feb. 27, 2026, and agreed to delay immediately filling the vacant post so staff can align hiring and caseload structure with upcoming state supervision standards.
A probation office staff member told the board the county is statutorily required to complete bail evaluations and provide remote alcohol monitoring for some DWI cases and that current caseload assignments vary widely. "The average case load size is a 108 people," the probation staff member said, noting one caseload reached 148 while another domestic caseload was at 68. The staff member described a lack of standardized risk‑category counts and contact standards within the office and said that those gaps leave supervisors unable to define a clear job description for a backfill until assessments are completed.
The county administrator asked the board to permit a two‑ to three‑month delay before posting the position. The probation staff member said waiting would allow agents time to complete standard risk assessments, give leadership a clearer breakdown of high/medium/low risk clients, and permit the office to post a position with more precise duties — which the staff member said would avoid deterring qualified applicants. They also noted posting in April or May could align recruitment with college graduations.
Commissioners asked whether the delay related to differing county delivery models; the probation staff member said Minnesota counties historically use three different delivery models and that statewide probation reform passed in 2023 aims to standardize supervision across counties. The staff member said the county has begun to adopt evidence‑based practices but remains "relatively behind" peers and wants to ensure the vacancy is filled with a position description that meets forthcoming Department of Corrections guidance.
The board approved the resignation acceptance and the timeline for delaying the backfill. The administrator and probation staff did not give a firm date for reposting; commissioners indicated they expect further updates after internal assessments and engagement with state guidance.
