2026 Citizen Advisory Committees

This is a Winona County volunteer opportunity. To apply, click on the apply now button in the upper right-hand corner or pick up a paper application from the County Office Building, 202 West Third Street, Winona. The work experience, education, licenses & certifications, skills, behaviors, and motivations sections are not required to be completed.

There is a $75 per diem for eligible committees and applicable paperwork will need to be completed after being appointed by the Winona County Board.  

The Winona County Board of Commissioners annually seeks volunteers willing to serve on various Citizen Advisory Committees. Current volunteers eligible to serve an additional term must also reapply.  The following committees have openings for 2026:  

• Economic Development Authority (EDA) - 2 vacancies
• Personnel Board of Appeals - 1 vacancy

Persons interested in applying for possible appointment, or reappointment, to the above committees may complete an online or paper application. Applications will be reviewed every two weeks until vacancies are filled.

Examples of Duties:

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT – Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
Evaluate and act on variance requests based on an applicant's ability to demonstrate practical difficulty in meeting zoning regulations. Learn about development and planning in the County with other citizen appointees.
The board consists of five members, four of which must live outside the corporate limits of municipalities. To be eligible for appointment, applicants must identify their residency location. Board members serve two-year terms and may be reappointed twice to serve a total of six years.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – Meets quarterly (January, April, July, October) on the 4th Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. Special meetings may be scheduled for review of loan committee recommendations or other time-sensitive actions required by the Authority.
The Economic Development Authority Board administers the County's Revolving Loan Fund. The mission of the EDA is to "build a strong, diversified, and sustainable economy as a means to improve the quality of life of County residents. The EDA promotes the use of innovative strategies ensuring the sound stewardship of natural resources by entrepreneurs, businesses, agriculture, and rural communities."
The board consists of nine members, including two Winona County Commissioners. Board members serve six-year terms.

COUNTY EXTENSION COMMITTEE - Meets quarterly at 5:00 p.m. except July's meeting is held at the Winona County Fair at approximately 11:15 a.m.  Meeting dates are set by committee at the last meeting of the prior year.  
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION MISSION
"Make a difference by connecting community needs and university resources to address critical issues in Minnesota."
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
The County Extension Committee consists of nine members, including two members of the County Board, the County Auditor or designee and six county residents that are appointed by the County Board. Some committees include a youth representative.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
County Extension Committee members serve three-year terms and may be re-appointed to a second term. Some committees may have guidelines that allow for term limits of members.
JOB DESCRIPTION
County Extension Committee members support County Extension programming in three main ways.
1. Identify Local Community Needs and Extension resources 
2. Provide Extension Program Support and Advocacy 
3. Assist in the development of an annual County Extension budget request 

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY – Meets quarterly on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Our Mission: To advise the Winona County Board of Commissioners and the Department of Community Services in the development and implementation of Health & Human Services programs to optimize our client's and citizen's independent functioning and self-sufficiency.

PARKS & ENVIRONMENT – Meets the 1st Tuesday every other month January through November at 4:30 p.m.
Work with other citizen appointees on actions related to the County's park system and environmental issues relative to the County's Comprehensive Plan, park plans, budgeted projects and the committee's and staff's workplan.
The board consists of ten members, including one Winona County Commissioner. Board members serve two-year terms and may be reappointed twice to serve a total of six years.

PERSONNEL BOARD OF APPEALS – Meets as needed
The Personnel Board of Appeals is established by the Winona County Board for any appeals brought forward by applicants for employment with Winona County, employees of Winona County, or appointing authorities as defined in MN Statutes 375.57, subd. 2, alleging any of the following:
* Alleged or arbitrary or capricious action on the part of the County Board with respect to final establishment of rules under MN Statute 375.56 to 375.71.
* Alleged discrimination by the County Administrator or the representative in examination procedures or preparation of lists of eligible candidates, or discriminatory use thereof by the appointing authority under the provisions of MN Statute 375.56 to 375.71 or rules promulgated hereunder.
* Alleged misinterpretation or evasion by the County Administrator or County Board of provisions of MN Statute 375.56 to 375.71 or the rules promulgated thereunder in a manner seriously detrimental to the party or parties bringing the appeal.
* Such other matters of grievances may be provided for in rules promulgated under the authority of MN Statute 375.56 to 375.715.

PLANNING COMMISSION – Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Review and make recommendations to the County Board on Conditional Use Permits, Rezonings, Ordinance Amendments and other planning and zoning related actions. Learn about the County's development patterns and activities and planning initiatives.
The board consists of nine members, including one Winona County Commissioner and one liaison from the Board of Adjustment. To be eligible for appointment, applicants must identify their residency location. Board members serve two-year terms and may be reappointed twice to serve a total of six years.

SELCO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Provides regional direction and vision for SELCO/SELS. Each member shares a regional responsibility to represent academic, public, school and special libraries. Appointed by a local organization and working cooperatively, Board Members are responsible for governing SELCO/SELS, planning for each organization's future and promoting the organizational missions. Members are responsible for creating a strong positive culture and cooperative environment. The SELCO/SELS Board of Directors meets quarterly - July, October, January and April. Will work with up to 43 lay people to function as a member of a not-for-profit corporate board. Must have access to email and internet service.

SEMMCHRA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Overview: To serve the board as a voting member, to assist in the development of and then approve policies, procedures and regulations to govern the operations of SEMMCHRA, to monitor the finances, programs and performance of the organization.  Please note: SEMMCHRA is based out of Wabasha, MN.

Term: County Appointed Commissioner: Five years  
           Resident Commissioner: Five years

  Expected Meeting Attendance:

• Regularly attend scheduled meetings (12 per year), typically the third Wed of month at 10 am
• Allowed no more than three unexcused absences from board meetings.
• Attend board planning sessions and board development workshops.
• Attend and participate in special events.

  Obligations of the Board:

• Establish policy.
• Hire, fire (if necessary), supervise and annually evaluate the Executive Director.
• Assist Executive Director in securing adequate funds (county levy).
• Monitor finances.
• Maintain, update and monitor strategic plans.

  Specific Duties:

• Attend meetings, participate and show commitment to board activities.
• Be well-informed and prepared for meetings.
• Contribute skills, knowledge and experience when appropriate.
• Listen respectfully to other viewpoints.
• Assume leadership roles in all board activities, including fund-raising.
• Represent SEMMCHRA to the public, businesses and the community.
• Educate yourself about the needs of the people the nonprofit serves.

STOCKTON-ROLLINGSTONE-MINNESOTA CITY WATERSHED
Work with other citizen volunteers on the County's water plan as it relates to the Stockton Rollingstone watershed and assist local communities in the watershed with stormwater, erosion, flood and other related water issues.
To be eligible for appointment, applicants must live within the boundaries of the watershed district.

VETERAN'S SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Meets semi-annually in January and July, and at other times as necessary to conduct business.
The mission is to review and advise the Winona County Board of Commissioners on matters pertaining to County Veterans Services programs to optimize our resident Veterans’ independent functioning and self-sufficiency.  The charge includes, but is not limited to, the following activities: a) review and improve services to veterans in Winona County; b) provide community feedback on Veterans Services; and c) review and recommend Veterans services programs or services.
The committee composition shall be the County Veterans Services Officer, the County Administrator, up to two (2) County Board members, and 3-5 members of the Winona County Veteran Community (defined as Veterans and their immediate family members).

Salary : $75