Proposals on Vacancy, Agenda Policy Stall at Lincoln County Commission Meeting

A series of governance-related proposals brought forward by Commissioner Casey Miller during Wednesday Feb. 18’s Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting did not advance on the Board’s current two-member configuration. The meeting addressed both routine county business and several process-related matters connected to the vacancy created by the Jan. 4 passing of Commissioner Claire Hall.

The meeting began collegially, with the commissioners approving the consent calendar, legalizing a portion of South Drift Creek Road, and adopting recommendations for community and economic development funding grants, advancing infrastructure clarity and local investment priorities for the coming fiscal cycle.

Commissioner Miller who chaired the meeting under the Board’s Jan. 7 rotating-Chair motion, noted that none of his nine agenda items he had requested appeared in the final published agenda, including items related to the District Attorney’s Office staffing crisis, and the commissioner vacancy appointment process. He moved to place a discussion of the Board’s agenda development process on a future meeting agenda, suggesting the matter could be addressed in a work session or special meeting.

Turning to the ongoing effort to fill the commissioner vacancy, Miller recommended that the Board schedule a special meeting to select candidates for interviews. Commissioner Chuck declined to approve a special meeting, stating his desire to “abide by the statute and also see what other measures going forward there are,” without further elaboration. Chuck responded that neither commissioner has the authority to direct staff to place items on the agenda. County Counsel Kristin Yuille added that “one commissioner has no authority under the law to direct staff or direct a process.” Chuck did not second the motion.

At the Board’s Feb. 12 meeting, Yuille stated she would look to “another governing body or another office” to potentially fill the vacancy. After that meeting, County staff reached out to Gov. Tina Kotek’s office for guidance. Miller also mentioned that he too has reached out to the Governor's office but has not recieved a response.

Miller also proposed scheduling a future discussion with the heads of HR and Finance and District Attorney Jenna Wallace regarding the staffing crisis within the District Attorney’s Office. The office is budgeted for 32 positions but is currently operating with only 20 staff. D. A. Wallace has noted that her requests to be on the agenda for discussion on this matter have also not been responded to. Chuck responded that multiple departments are currently facing staffing shortages and expressed concern about addressing individual department needs outside the broader budget process, which is expected to conclude in mid-June.

The meeting concluded with a member of the public attending remotely via Zoom raising a hand to speak during the public comment period. Miller instructed staff to allow the member to speak, but Chuck objected, saying, “I’m not going to be part of that,” and stated that the established process for virtual public comment should be followed. Under new public comment rules, anyone attending online and wishing to provide public comment mus sign up 24-hours in advance. Council Yuille pointed out that those rules were in place to allow for those providing public comment to know the rules regarding public comment and to ensure staff was aware that they understood those rules prior to commenting.

In response, Miller moved to place a review of public comment rules on a future meeting agenda in order to address inconsistencies between in-person and virtual participation. He asked Chuck whether he would support reviewing the rules. Chuck replied, “No, I will not.”

The next regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners is scheduled for March 4, where Commissioner Chuck will chair. Those wishing to participate virtually and provide comment are encouraged to sign up before 12pm the day prior.