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McLeod County commissioners vote to make auditor-treasurer an appointed position
Summary
After a lengthy public hearing with dozens of residents urging voters keep the office elected, the McLeod County Board adopted Resolution 26-CB-14 on March 17, 2026, to make the county auditor-treasurer an appointed position effective July 1, 2026; the measure passed by a four-vote majority.
The McLeod County Board of Commissioners voted March 17 to adopt Resolution 26-CB-14, changing the county auditor-treasurer from an elected to an appointed position effective July 1, 2026.
The resolution—read into the record by the chair—relies on Minnesota Statute 375A.1205 and related provisions that allow a county to change certain county offices to appointed status when the incumbent announces she will not file for re-election within the statutory deadline. Board members said the change aims to ensure the office is filled by a candidate with the technical skills the role requires.
Connie M. Kurtzwig, the incumbent McLeod County auditor-treasurer, told the board she supports appointment. Kurtzwig described the office’s responsibilities—property-tax administration, county elections, county ditch treasurer duties and license-center oversight—and said appointment would “provide protection of taxpayer dollars with accountability of the role and unlimited growth potential within the role.” She cited training demands and the frequency of statutory requirements that complicate the office.
Residents who spoke during a nearly three-hour public-comment period urged the opposite. Speakers from several townships presented passed resolutions opposing the change and argued the auditor-treasurer should remain an elected office to preserve voter control. Al Frederickson of Collins Township said he preferred countywide elections and asked the board to “give us a choice.” Ron Shamansky of Hail Township urged letting voters decide by referendum if necessary.
County legal counsel advised the board that the statute requires an 80% affirmative vote to change the office; with a current commission vacancy the board confirmed it needed all four present commissioners to vote yes. Commissioner Smalls moved adoption of the resolution; Commissioner Wright seconded. The board conducted a roll call and the motion carried by the required affirmative votes.
The board’s action requires the county to follow county personnel and hiring procedures in appointing the future auditor-treasurer. Supporters on the board argued appointment creates stronger hiring controls—background checks, resume review and structured interviews—helpful for a position that oversees budgets, elections and statutory reporting. Opponents cautioned appointment concentrates power, reduces direct voter oversight and could reduce perceived independence when the auditor enforces statutes that intersect with county decisions.
Next steps: the board will open a recruitment and appointment process to fill the office for the remainder of the current term (through Dec. 31, 2026) and, if the resolution stands, to make the position permanent as of the effective date. The board said it will follow county personnel rules for the hiring process.
The board adjourned the public hearing and immediately voted to adopt Resolution 26-CB-14.
