Aitkin County board elects officers, approves motor grader purchase and routine governance items

The Aitkin County Board completed its organizational business and handled several routine governance items at the meeting.

The board elected Commissioner Wheedle as board chair for 2026 after a nomination; the voice vote carried unanimously. Commissioners then unanimously approved a motion to cast a unanimous ballot for Commissioner Travis LaVista as vice chair.

The board approved the consent agenda by voice vote and then addressed a capital-equipment request from the land department. Land Commissioner Dennis Thompson asked for authorization to buy a replacement motor grader (a used John Deere or Caterpillar unit) for approximately $90,000 to replace an aging 1997 Champion grader. Commissioner Westerlund moved to approve the purchase; the motion carried unanimously.

The board also adopted its 2026 meeting procedures and calendar, including language giving the board discretion to call a second reading on ordinances when public input warrants it. The Aitkin Age was designated the county’s official newspaper after staff reported it offered the lowest cost per impression. The board approved committee appointments and AMC policy committee membership and agreed to submit a letter of support for an Aitkin Airport terminal grant application; staff will sign the letter on the administrator’s behalf and copy commissioners.

The meeting closed after reports and committee updates and the board adjourned.