Mayor ready to fill vacant council seat

City News February 6, 2026

The Albert Lea City Council will vote Monday on appointing a resident of Ward 3 to serve on the council for the remainder of 2026. After receiving many applications and interviewing six candidates, Mayor Rich Murray is recommending Ted Herman, a former school resources officer with the Albert Lea Police Department. Herman also served as the District 5 Freeborn County Commissioner. If the council votes to approve, Herman will take the oath of office early in the meeting then take his seat on the council.

The Albert Lea City Council meets Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. for a work session and 7 p.m. for its regular meeting. Both are open to the public and held in the council chambers on the top floor of City Hall, 221 E. Clark St. The regular meeting is also on the city’s YouTube channel and Charter channel 180. For more information about the council, visit the city website.