Clay County board appoints Lt. Nicole Reno as emergency manager

The Clay County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of Lieutenant Nicole Reno as Clay County emergency manager during its April 28 meeting. The sheriff recommended Reno under Minnesota statute, citing her nearly 10 years’ experience with the sheriff’s office and prior work at the Moorhead Police Department.

Sheriff: “She came to us nearly 10 years ago from the Moorhead Police Department… She is our current assistant emergency manager and has been working toward the certifications for full emergency management,” the sheriff said, and recommended the board’s approval.

Commissioners praised the retiring emergency manager, saying the county had benefited from his leadership. Commissioner Ebinger nominated Reno and moved the appointment; Commissioner Campbell seconded the motion. Chair offered the question and the board approved the nomination by voice vote.

The sheriff told the board the appointment was made in part to comply with Minnesota state statute governing county emergency management appointments. The board’s action formally replaces the retiring official and transfers emergency-management responsibilities to Lieutenant Reno. The board did not set an implementation date beyond the appointment vote.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for May 5 at 08:30; no subsequent procedural steps for the emergency-manager role were specified in the meeting record.