County Commission Chair Remains In Administrative Leadership

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners took steps to maintain county operations and align its management structure in the wake of ongoing leadership transitions. Faced with the vacancy of the County Administrator position, the Board voted by 2 to 1 vote to continue to empower the current Board Chair, Claire Hall, to assume the administrator's responsibilities temporarily. This move is designed to ensure that continuity of operations occurs for the county during the recruitment process for a new county administrator. Commissioner Hall pointed out that there will be a new board chair appointed soon, and until there is a new interim administrator or a new county administrator, the board chair will remain in the administrative position.

Commissioner Miller was the no vote. Commissioner discussions reflected differing perspectives on centralizing administrative authority. Commissioner Miller voted no on the motion and advocated for giving the entire organization an opportunity to review such structural changes during dedicated work sessions. However, Chair Hall relayed a sense of urgency with others noting that official recognition of existing practices would help the county act decisively during this period of transition.

In tandem with these changes, the Board also approved updates to the county's personnel rules. This item was on the consent calendar for approval; however, Commissioner Miller asked that it be moved to discuss in a public workshop with staff and then brought back for further discussion. The revisions clarify job duties and administrative control in line with the new governance structure, particularly specifying the roles of the Board and the County Administrator in daily operations.

Commissioner Miller voiced concerns about the process for reviewing and adopting these policies; however, Commissioners Hall and Chuck advocated that the changes are routine updates to maintain alignment with legal requirements and reflect established practices. After discussion, the motion to approve the county personnel rule revisions was approved by a 2 to 1 vote.