Polk County to Hold Public Hearing on Updated Tobacco Ordinance

Polk County officials are preparing to update local regulations on tobacco and nicotine products, with a public hearing scheduled for later this month.

The Polk County Board of Commissioners will consider proposed amendments to the county’s existing Tobacco Ordinance during its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Room at the Polk County Government Building, located at 612 N. Broadway in Crookston.

If passed, the updated regulation will be retitled the “Sale of Tobacco and Related Devices Ordinance.” According to Polk County Public Health Director Sarah Reese, the proposed changes aim to align county policies with current state and federal laws, establish clear guidelines for local retailers, address emerging nicotine and tobacco products, and strengthen protections for youth.

Members of the public are invited to attend the hearing in person. County officials are also accepting written comments prior to the meeting.

Written correspondence must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. Submissions can be mailed or delivered to the County Administrator’s Office at 612 N. Broadway, Crookston, MN 56716, or emailed to ashley.loewen@polkcountymn.gov. All submissions must include the sender’s full name and complete mailing address.

Copies of the executive summary and the draft ordinance are available for review at the Polk County Administrator’s Office during regular business hours or online at www.polkcountymn.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/133