Timeline Established To Select A New Commissioner

In a virtual work session held Wednesday January 14th, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners took the first steps in filling the vacancy left by Commissioner Claire Hall. The meeting, conducted virtually, focused on outlining a fair and transparent selection process and emphasized the importance of public participation. County Council Kristine Yuille clarified that, under state statute, the two remaining commissioners are tasked with appointing a replacement for Position 2. The process will open for applications immediately, accepting submissions through January 30.

The next step she said would be for Commissioners to carefully review and score the applications, with interviews for finalists tentatively scheduled for February 9. The appointment is expected to take place in a special meeting shortly after. Commissioners discussed the contents of the application, which requires candidates to be registered voters and Lincoln County residents for at least one year. Other requirements include educational and employment history, experience in public service, and reasons for seeking the position.

During the meeting, Commissioner Miller emphasized the need for transparency and proposed adding further discussion of selection criteria and community feedback to future agendas. "This is an important decision for our county, and we want a process that serves both the commission and the public." He said he had a slide deck and information that he wanted to cover regarding the process.

Commissioner Miller noted “In the work session, I repeatedly tried to understand the details of the vacancy process. I asked how applicants were evaluated, how staff determined finalists, and why the Board had no opportunity to shape or review the criteria before the application went live. My experience last year showed significant gaps in transparency, and I’m trying to ensure the public has a full and fair process.”

He was told by both Commissioner Chuck and Council Yuille that staff had been tasked with creating and setting up this process and that is what was going to be followed. She explained that all the applications would be sent to the commissioners for them to review and score them and then would be sent back with their top choices compared to see if there were matches, then those individuals would be contacted for an interview and then selection.

Commissioner Miller asked for discussion on applicant rating be put on the agenda for the next meeting January 21. He pointed out that with the appointment process should be more open. He was told by councilor Yuille that at this point they don't have any business items to discuss next week, so unless that changes there would not be a business meeting.

Commissioner Miller only approved the application and was concerned that decisions should not be made in a work session. He pointed out that he has submitted several items that could be discussed during the business meeting. Councilor Yuille stated that the commissioners would have from the 30th to the 2nd of February to review and rate the applicants and then discuss interviews further at the February 4th meeting. Those interested in submitting an application to be a county commissioner for position 2 can apply here.

Commissioner Miller noted “In the work session, I repeatedly tried to understand the details of the vacancy process. I asked how applicants were evaluated, how staff determined finalists, and why the Board had no opportunity to shape or review the criteria before the application went live. My experience last year showed significant gaps in transparency, and I’m trying to ensure the public has a full and fair process.”