McNally, Kefalas Take the Helm of Larimer County Commissioners for 2026

The Board of Larimer County Commissioners voted today to appoint District 3 Commissioner Jody Shadduck McNally as chair of the board for 2026 and District 1 Commissioner John Kefalas as chair pro tem for 2026. While the positions carry no new legal authority, they grant significant control over meeting procedure and public debate—powers that shape how the county tackles growth, housing, and transportation this year.

McNally will preside at all board meetings, maintain order, and rule on procedural disputes, though other commissioners can appeal her decisions, according to county governing policies. The chair's primary responsibility is to establish procedural integrity and represent the board in the community.

McNally can shorten public comment time to accommodate more speakers—a power that directly affects resident input on development and land-use decisions. Under county rules, each speaker typically gets three minutes, but the chair may limit that time as necessary.

Kefalas, as chair pro tem, presides only when McNally is absent and holds the same procedural authorities.

The chair doesn't control the agenda. County staff prepares and posts board agendas. Any commissioner can add an item; removing one requires a majority vote.

McNally signs documents only as the board authorizes—she executes majority decisions, not independent directives. The chair carries out policy decisions made by the majority of the board.

Larimer County's three-member board of commissioners is elected at large from three districts for staggered four-year terms, serving as the county's primary policy-making body. The board conducts this leadership reshuffle annually in January before tackling the year's major agenda items.