Commissioner duties were a hot topic of discussion during the first Baker County Commission meeting of the year
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Friday, January 10th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY – The first official Baker County Commission meeting of the year drew a relatively large crowd this week, most of whom were in attendance to make or hear public comments on a proposed amendment to an order that would define the duties of commissioners.
This proposed amendment was presented by Commissioner Christina Witham and included, in part, a proposal to make all three commission positions equal in function and responsibilities and make the role of “chairperson” a position that is selected by a vote of the board rather than a vote of the citizens of Baker County. If approved this order would amend order 97-229 which was put into place in 1997.
The Draft Order Defining Duties of Commissioners is available below.
Additionally, a draft proposal was presented involving the creation of an Interim County Executive Administrator that would, in part, “assume the oversite and supervision of the day-to-day operations of the County…” which would be a hired position with a pay rate of over $100,000 per year.
The Draft Order Creating a Position of Interim County Admin is available below
Each of the three commissioners made comments on these orders prior to public comments.
Commission Chair Shane Alderson said he would want this to go to a work session and then ultimately to a vote of the people.
Commissioner Christina Witham noted that she didn’t get into this to make money but to serve the people.
Commissioner Michelle Kaseberg expressed concerns about the budget aspect and noted she would like to have more discussions on these proposals.
It was made clear by Commissioner Witham, at the beginning of the conversation regarding these orders, that she did not present these drafts to “target Commissioner Alderson” noting that if she had wanted to chair seat she would have run.”
In total, 13 members of the Baker County Community made public comments on this proposal as it was presented, either in person or via online comment on the meeting online feed, the majority expressing opposition to both orders for various reasons including that this is a change that the vote of the people should make.
Steve Bogart, who was a commissioner, known at the time as a judge, from 1986 to 1990 commented that “you can’t have change without progress, but not all change is progress…You can do something quick, or you can do it right.”
Mayor Aspy of Halfway attended the meeting virtually and voiced her concerns regarding this proposal multiple times, noting that amending the order that defines the duties of commissions should go to a vote of the people.
Commission Chair Alderson noted that “just because other counties have done this, that doesn’t mean that Baker County should.
Commissioner Witham motioned to table the orders as presented.
A work session on these issues will take place on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
