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Board sets March 17 public hearing on potential switch from elected auditor‑treasurer to appointed post
Summary
After the county auditor‑treasurer signaled she will not run again, the board voted to publish intent and hold a public hearing on March 17 to explore changing the office from elected to appointed; commissioners debated statutory timing and public input.
Becker County commissioners voted to set a public hearing for March 17 on whether to change the auditor‑treasurer position from elected to appointed after the current auditor‑treasurer said she does not plan to seek re‑election.
County administration (speaker 6) briefed the board that Mary Hill has notified the board she does not intend to file for re‑election; commissioners then discussed the statutory thresholds that create a vacancy and whether the board can act before a formal resignation. Legal staff and administration advised the board on the public‑hearing timeline and publication requirements.
Some commissioners expressed concern that without an actual vacancy the board may lack statutory grounds to convert the office. Others argued the board should follow the advertised timeline, hold public hearings and let voters weigh in. One commissioner urged scheduling a public comment period and publishing the draft resolution in advance so the public can respond.
The board motioned, seconded and approved setting a public hearing at 9 a.m. on March 17 to present the draft resolution and take public testimony; administration will publish the resolution language and advertise the hearing per statutory notice requirements.
Next steps: administration will prepare and publish the draft resolution and provide statutory guidance ahead of the March 17 hearing, at which the board will take public comment before any final vote.
