Ramsey County board elects new chair, vice chair and appoints Ed Brown to vacancy

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners reorganized leadership and filled a vacant seat during its meeting. Commissioners voted to elect Commissioner Volk as chair after a motion to cease nominations and cast a unanimous ballot; Willhelmi was chosen as vice chair under a separate unanimous ballot.

The board reviewed and approved the chairman's recommended portfolio assignments, keeping the auditor, human resources, emergency management and state's attorney portfolios with the chair and assigning building and grounds, highway and information technology to the vice chair. Commissioners agreed some portfolios would be reshuffled when a new commissioner joins the board.

The commission considered 11 letters of interest to fill the vacancy left by Lee Gessner. After discussion emphasizing short-term experience and agricultural knowledge, the board appointed former commissioner Ed Brown by roll call vote. Commissioners instructed the clerk to contact Brown to confirm his acceptance.

The meeting also included approvals of minutes, bills and treasurer checks and adoption of the 2026 meeting calendar. Commissioners discussed adding an extra July meeting to start budget work earlier and avoid late-year scheduling conflicts. The chair said additional portfolio reassignments will be revisited once a new commissioner assumes office.

The appointment is effective immediately pending contact and acceptance; the board did not change any statutory processes for the temporary appointment.