Drain commissioner resigns; statutory appointment committee to post vacancy

The board acknowledged receipt of a resignation letter from the drain commissioner that takes effect May 1. Clerk staff confirmed the letter was received by the clerk's office and that the statutory appointment committee will meet to set the posting and interview timeline; the appointment is made by the court and the appointee would serve the remainder of the term through the end of 2028.

Commissioners discussed how the drain commissioner's workload has increased and considered restructuring compensation—current elected pay was discussed as being roughly $6,000–$7,500 plus benefits—and the option to bill drain-district work back to the districts rather than the general fund. Staff flagged statutory timing: changes to an elected official's salary would have required action prior to November 1 to take effect January 1, so immediate structural changes are constrained; the board agreed to place the matter on a future work session to explore options and gather legal guidance.

Clerk staff said the statutory appointment committee would meet (noted time in transcript) and that posting and interviews will follow the committee's decision. No specific replacement was named at the meeting.