MN HF570

Mille Lacs County Board of Commissioners may adopt a resolution to make the auditor-treasurer position appointed rather than elected, notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes section 382.01.

County board must publish notice of intent once weekly for two consecutive weeks and hold two public comment meetings (one between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., one between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.) before adopting the resolution, which requires approval by at least 80 percent of board members.

Within 60 days of adoption, a petition signed by at least ten percent of registered county voters can trigger a referendum; if a majority votes in favor of appointment, the resolution may be implemented.

The current elected auditor-treasurer must complete their term or until a vacancy occurs, whichever is earlier.

After at least three years as an appointed position, the county board may adopt a resolution to revert to an elected office (requiring 60 percent board approval) or voters may petition for a ballot measure (requiring five percent of registered voters) to restore the elected position.