Winona County board approves replacing state flag after 3–2 split

The Winona County Board voted 3–2 to replace the county state flag with the new design after a debate over cost, statutory guidance and local reaction.

Commissioner Begley made the motion to replace the county existing three flags; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Olsen, and the board approved the measure by voice vote, 3–2, with no additional roll-call tally provided in the record.

Supporters said replacing the flags would align county displays with the design designated in state statute and that the direct cost was modest: board members estimated outdoor-quality flags could cost roughly $90 each while some indoor or fringe versions would be more expensive. One commissioner volunteered to donate up to $500 toward replacements to avoid using taxpayer funds.

Opponents argued the county is not legally required to fly the state flag, that the selection process at the state level had been politicized, and that replacing flags before they wore out was an unnecessary expense. One commissioner said, "I do not support changing the flag," and urged caution about upsetting parts of the community. Another suggested removing the state flag from outdoor poles and flying only the U.S. flag as an alternative.

Staff noted the courthouse courtrooms had already been changed by the state and that the county maintains a small number of flags (two or three) that would be affected. The clerk explained donation procedures would be reviewed to comply with state-audit rules if a commissioner supplied flags personally.

The vote followed extended discussion about statutory language and whether the board could legally decline the state-design flag; staff said the legislature had designated a new design as the state flag but that Minnesota law does not compel counties to display it. Commissioners divided over whether local practice or state direction should control the timing of replacements.

The board recorded the motion as passed by voice vote. The action directs staff to proceed with replacing the county flags as described and to confirm donation-compliance procedures.

The discussion is closed for the meeting; board members signaled willingness to revisit policy or procedure if the legislature changes or additional guidance emerges.