By Robert Williams

Editor

Jodi Teich was introduced as Otter Tail County’s new County Engineer, replacing Krysten Foster who resigned from her position in August to become a Senior Project Manager at Stonebrooke Engineering. Teich began her duties on Oct. 13.

Teich brings extensive leadership experience in county engineering and transportation planning to Otter Tail County.

She grew up on a dairy farm in southern Douglas County and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree. She worked as the Assistant County Engineer at Pine County for four and a half years before taking the Assistant County Engineer position at Stearns County. After 12 years as an assistant, she was appointed Stearns County Engineer in 2012, where she oversaw road construction, maintenance and transportation planning for one of Minnesota’s largest counties.

“We are excited to welcome Ms. Teich to our team,” said County Board Chair Wayne Johnson. “Her proven track record of leadership in county engineering and her recognition as a national leader in the field make her an excellent fit for Otter Tail County.”

Teich’s credentials include being named the National Association of County Engineers’ 2024 Urban Engineer of the Year. She currently serves as the north central vice president for the National Association of County Engineers and received the William Koniarski Transportation Advocate Award from the Minnesota Transportation Alliance.

During her tenure in Stearns County, Teich managed a comprehensive transportation system serving both urban and rural communities. Her experience overseeing complex infrastructure projects and coordinating with multiple jurisdictions will benefit Otter Tail County’s extensive road network.

“I am very excited for this opportunity,” said Teich. “I look forward to bringing my experience to Otter Tail County and to building relationships and working to improve the lives of those who travel through the county.” As county engineer, Teich will oversee highway construction and maintenance, bridge inspections, traffic safety programs and coordination with state and federal transportation agencies. Otter Tail County maintains approximately 1,067 miles of county roads and 74 bridges throughout its 2,225 square miles.

Deputy Administrator Nick Leonard praised the department as a whole for operating flawlessly while a full-time engineer was not on staff during the transition.

Benefits

Benefits Administrator Ryan Black reported on health insurance data for county employees and announced a rate hike in health insurance coverage.

There was a small decrease in 2025, a very welcoming number, according to Black. The year prior was a small increase. An uptick was expected for 2026.

“The final number that came back for health insurance was an increase of 10 percent,” Black said. “Certainly, not a number that we were hoping to hear. Less is more when it comes to that.”

Otter Tail County is in the first year of working with the Public Employees Insurance Program (PEIP) on a four-year contract.

“We are locked in with PEIP for 2026 and looking at the market, and other public employers and some of the rates we have learned they received we fared pretty well, we believe,” Black said. 

Black noted he had reported rumors of 18-24 percent for some entities. 

It could have been worse – was kind of the takeaway that the committee had,” he said.

One reason for the cost increase that was noted include: the cost of prescriptions. In some cases a 30 percent increase in prescriptions was reported. 

Black also encouraged new lines of coverage for 2026 – a vision plan, short term disability and short-term supplemental coverage including illness, accident and hospital coverage. 

“These lines of coverage would all be through MetLife and they are all voluntary coverages so none of these would be required for employees to enroll in,” Black said. “There are no minimum requirements, as well.”

The board unanimously voted in favor of the new additions and the increase.

Black also proposed carrying ahead the same employer contribution amounts from 2025, those being $1,420 for legacy employees; $900 for non-legacy employees. For those on coverages with a spouse or with children will be $1,600 and family coverage would be $1,900.

Childcare

West Central Initiative provided a funding award of $20,000 or the child care project manager position. The funds were provided by the State to be redistributed in specific regions. 

Courts

A grant was approved to continue the DWI court program, which has been operating in Otter Tail County since 2008. The total obligation of the Court under the cooperative agreement shall not exceed $158,442.28 for the period from Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026. 

Emergency

A grant agreement was amended to reallocate unspent funding from fiscal year 2025 to ensure all resources are used to continue the pilot project of evaluating alternative EMS response models in the ambulance services of Otter Tail and Grant Counties.

Dollars have been allocated into equipment not considered capital purchases in 2026.

The total grant contract agreement amount is $2.7 million.

Human Resources

A finance management position was reclassified to a property tax specialist position, according to HR Director Stephanie Retzlaff. The move was done as part of a restructuring done after the retirement of former auditor-treasurer Wayne Stein.

An accounting specialist in the highway department was reclassified as an accounting level position.

Planning Commission

At the request of the township, the Board approved a Preliminary Plat Application for the proposed Arvig Acres Major Plat in Corliss Township, northeast of Perham.

The township has stated that it will assume maintenance of the road once at least one home is under construction, and the road has been built to meet Corliss Township Road standards. The Township requests the following conditions be included if the Preliminary Plat is recommended for approval:

Road Construction – The road must be upgraded and constructed to meet Corliss Township Road standards. 

Inspections – The road must be inspected by both the County Engineer and a Township Representative prior to acceptance. 

Culvert Installation – A culvert must be installed under Royale Drive between Lot 9, Block 1 and Lot 11, Block 2. 4. Right-of-Way Extension – Carmen Drive: The right-of-way of Carmen Drive must be extended to the southerly lot line to allow for potential future access and connectivity.

Planning Commissioner Steven Langlie recommended including a condition that snow fencing be installed around designated septic system areas during construction to prevent disturbance or damage.

The board commented on the lot sizes, noting that they are significantly larger than the minimum requirements. Additionally, the Board commended the covenants, stating that they were very well prepared. Board members also discussed the conditions requested by the Development Review Team with both the Surveyor and the Applicant.

Land & Resource Management Director Chris LeClair commended the township’s involvement.

“I applaud them,” he said. “One of the intents of our ordinance that we passed last year was to get more township involvement.”

The Planning Commission and County Commissioners both approved.