How Dakota County Appoints or Changes Its County Manager

What happens when Dakota County needs a new county manager

Dakota County, Minnesota appoints its county manager through a formal process led by the Board of Commissioners. The board has five elected members, and they are the only body that can hire, evaluate, or remove a county manager. There is no public vote on this position — it is a board decision made in open session, which means the meetings are public and you can attend or watch.

The county manager runs the day-to-day operations of Dakota County government, oversees department heads, and manages the budget. When the current manager leaves, retires, or the board decides a change is needed, the board begins a recruitment process. This process can take anywhere from two to four months, depending on whether the board conducts a national search or promotes from within.

Key Takeaways

• The Dakota County Board of Commissioners is the only body that hires or removes the county manager, and all decisions happen in public meetings you can attend.
• When a vacancy occurs, the board typically posts the job, reviews applications, conducts interviews, and votes on a final candidate in open session.
• You can find information about board meetings, agendas, and voting records on the Dakota County website under the Board of Commissioners section.
• If you want to comment on the appointment process or the candidate, you can request time to speak at a board meeting or submit written comments before the vote.

The board's role in hiring and removing a county manager

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners has the legal authority to appoint the county manager under Minnesota state law and the county's charter. The board chair and individual commissioners do not have the power to hire or fire the manager alone — it requires a board vote, typically a majority of the five commissioners.

When the board decides to recruit a new manager, they usually hire a search firm or conduct the search internally. The board sets the salary range, job description, and timeline. All of this happens in public meetings, so you can see what the board is looking for and what they are willing to pay.

If the board wants to remove a sitting county manager before their contract ends, that also requires a board vote in open session. The manager has the right to know the reasons and, depending on the contract, may have a chance to respond before the vote.

How to find out about the current appointment process

The best source for information about any county manager vacancy or appointment is the Dakota County website, specifically the Board of Commissioners page. This page lists upcoming board meetings, publishes agendas at least three business days before each meeting, and posts minutes after meetings are held.

If a county manager search is underway, the board will discuss it in a public meeting. The agenda will say something like "County Manager Recruitment Update" or "County Manager Search Committee Report." You can attend these meetings in person or, in many cases, watch them live or on demand through the county's video archive.

You can also contact the Dakota County Administrator's Office or the Board of Commissioners office directly by phone or email to ask whether a search is happening and when the next board meeting is scheduled. The county website has contact information for both offices.

What to expect during a county manager search

A typical county manager search follows these steps: the board approves a job description and salary range, the position is posted (often nationally), applications are reviewed, candidates are interviewed, and finalists are brought in for public interviews or presentations. The final vote happens in a board meeting open to the public.

The timeline varies. If the board uses a professional search firm, the process usually takes three to four months. If the board conducts the search in-house or promotes an internal candidate, it may move faster — sometimes six to eight weeks. The board will announce the timeline in their meeting minutes or on the website.

During the search, the board may hold a "meet the candidates" event or public forum where residents can hear from finalists. This is not a vote — it is a chance for the public to learn about the candidates before the board makes its decision. Not all searches include this step, but many do.

How to comment on the appointment or express your views

If you want to speak to the board about the county manager appointment, you have two main options: attend a board meeting in person and request time to speak during public comment, or submit written comments to the board before the vote.

To speak at a meeting, contact the Board of Commissioners office before the meeting and ask to be added to the public comment list. Most boards allow three to five minutes per speaker. You can speak in favor of a candidate, against a candidate, or about the process itself.

To submit written comments, email or mail them to the Board of Commissioners office. Include your name, address, and what you want to say. Written comments are usually read into the meeting record and become part of the public file. The deadline for comments is typically the day before the meeting, but check the board's rules to be sure.

Understanding the county manager contract and term

Once the board votes to hire a county manager, they negotiate and sign a contract. This contract sets the salary, benefits, term length (often three to five years), performance expectations, and what happens if either side wants to end the relationship early.

The contract is a public document. You can request a copy from the Dakota County Administrator's Office or find it on the county website. The contract tells you how much the manager is paid, what their job duties are, and under what conditions they can be fired or can resign.

Most county manager contracts include an annual performance review by the board. If the board is unhappy with the manager's performance, they may not renew the contract when it expires, or they may vote to remove the manager before the contract ends. Both actions require a board vote in public session.

What changed or is changing in 2024–2026

Dakota County's county manager position operates under the same legal framework it has for years. However, if a specific vacancy or appointment happened or is planned for 2024–2026, that information is found on the county website's Board of Commissioners page or in recent board meeting minutes.

To learn whether a new manager was hired, is being recruited, or is being considered for removal during this period, check the county website directly or contact the Board of Commissioners office. They can tell you the current status of the position and when the next board meeting is scheduled to discuss it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I vote on who becomes the county manager?

No. The county manager is appointed by the Board of Commissioners, not elected by voters. You can vote for the commissioners themselves in county elections, and you can speak to commissioners about the manager appointment, but there is no public vote on the manager position.

How much does the county manager make?

The salary varies and is set by the board when they hire. You can find the current manager's salary in the county's published budget or in their employment contract, both of which are public documents. Contact the Dakota County Administrator's Office or check the county website to request this information.

What if I think the county manager is doing a bad job?

You can speak to the board at a public meeting or submit written comments. You can also contact individual commissioners directly. The board conducts annual performance reviews, and if enough people and commissioners are unhappy, the board can vote not to renew the contract or to remove the manager before the contract ends.

Where do I find the board meeting schedule?

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners meets regularly, usually monthly. The schedule, agendas, and meeting videos are posted on the Dakota County website under the Board of Commissioners section. You can also call the Board office or check the county's main calendar for dates and times.

Can the county manager be fired without a board vote?

No. Removing a county manager requires a formal board vote in an open public meeting. The manager has the right to know the reasons and, depending on the contract, may have a chance to respond before the vote happens.