S.F. No. 1880 (First Engrossment) provides a process to change the Dodge County recorder from an elected position to an appointed position.  The bill also allows Clay County to follow the same process for its auditor-treasurer.

Section 1, subdivision 1 gives the Dodge County Board of Commissioners the authority to adopt a resolution that changes the county recorder and county auditor-treasurer positions from elected to appointed.

Subdivision 2.  Once the County Board adopts a resolution and complies with the other provisions of this section, the duties of the elected officials are discharged by the Board acting through a department head.  The change does not diminish, prohibit, or avoid the discharge of statutory duties.

Subdivision 3.  The elected recorder and auditor-treasurer serve in their positions until the term to which they were elected is completed or a vacancy occurs.

Subdivision 4.  Before adopting a resolution, the County Board must publish a proposed resolution twice.  At the next regular meeting, the county must provide an opportunity for public comment on the issue.  Then the Board may adopt a resolution that provides for the appointment of the recorder and auditor-treasurer, which must be approved by at least 80 percent of the Board.

Within 60 days after adoption of the resolution, a petition requesting a referendum may be filed with the county auditor-treasurer.  If the petition is sufficient, the question of appointing the county recorder must be placed on the ballot at a regular or special election.  If a majority of voters voting on the question vote in favor of the appointment, the resolution may be implemented.

Subdivision 5.  After the office is appointed for at least three years, the County Board may adopt a resolution to make the office elected.  The County Board must publish a proposed resolution twice.  At the next regular meeting, the County must provide an opportunity for public comment on the issue. Then the Board may adopt the resolution, which must be approved by at least 60 percent of the members of the Board.  The resolution is effective the following August 1.

The question of whether an office is made appointed must be placed on the ballot at the next general election if the position has been appointed for at least three years and a sufficient petition is filed.  If a majority of the voters voting on the question vote in favor of making the position elected, the election for that office must be held at the next regular or special election.

Section 2 provides for the same process to allow Clay County to make its auditor-treasurer appointed.

This bill is effective the day after local approval.

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