[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6700589,"mediaKeyId","2599320-8b799e6a82a08f59a854c573ce83d0be","parentId",2599320,"title","Clackamas County commissioners suspend pay for Commissioner Melissa Fireside after felony charges","audioSeconds",3153,"startMs",146000,"endMs",3299000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2599320-8b799e6a82a08f59a854c573ce83d0be&start=146&end=3299","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2599320-8b799e6a82a08f59a854c573ce83d0be/thumbnail_146000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6700589/Clackamas-County-commissioners-suspend-pay-for-Commissioner-Melissa-Fireside-after-felony-charges","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6700589-92d2751acf5c8fb63a70fba338c5a5ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149575&Signature=eOaCTJzSPXfniR3KyQA8-1cgcGDcWiDM4cKDrK~26ot~LWxgfxKttZEM9~z4Boffo2OHyD9VpoKFH4EWJUO1nBlCKkhuOmAToimweIgJvrYkf78gNOrvQSP6jWlOyDorRKEN4btyhsr5s9J1FAOzK4WekVtKZcRHN4k0pztOFHTj79KMBdVxViPBjlyQX1O3NMRC-3SHHZP5TjrErpTfASKEnYKQ1ZylDYn2RB9Hff9~AZnDXT9DGkLKIOBlEK1sL3RjHx7VKDchil2P5k4BrhPGTZSTrImBRoh~E-GXiIRINmKdTQr3PGPEksYcYsT8JLuT41skDLNbyO7UNVZ~uA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Clackamas County, OR","date","2025-03-06T00:00:00Z","article","Vice Chair Savas opened public testimony and described the allegations against Commissioner Melissa Fireside as “extremely concerning,” then allowed multiple residents and local party leaders to call for her resignation during a lengthy public-comment period.

After public comment, Commissioner West moved that the board temporarily suspend Commissioner Fireside’s pay effective March 2, 2025, pending review by county counsel of her administrative-leave announcement; Commissioner Schroeder seconded the motion and the board voted 3-0 to approve it. The roll call showed Commissioners Schroeder and West and Vice Chair Savas voting aye.

Why it matters: dozens of residents and local party and precinct officials used the public-comment period to say the felony indictment described in local reporting—eight counts including alleged theft from an elderly man and forging a lawmaker’s signature—undermines public trust and warrants resignation or other actions. Several speakers asked the commission to remove Fireside from budget duties, deny paid leave, and pursue any lawful means to limit her access to county facilities and data while the legal process proceeds.

Public testimony and board discussion: speakers who urged resignation included Renele Murdo, Rick Riley (chair of the county Republican Party), Les Poole, Glenda Schreier, Colin Cambridge (Precinct 122, South Canby), and others. Testimony repeated three elements: the felony indictment (described in a local news report), an allegation that information about the investigation was known before the election, and the request that the county not use taxpayer funds to support paid leave or legal defense for the commissioner.

Vice Chair Savas read a prepared statement at the start of public comment noting the charges and the risk to public trust. Commissioner West said the board’s first responsibility is to taxpayers and moved to suspend pay; Commissioner Schroeder seconded and said any leave should be without pay because commissioners must perform duties to earn compensation. The motion approved by the three commissioners directs county staff and county council to review administrative-leave procedures and report further.

Next steps and policy ideas: Commissioners on the dais said counsel would be asked to identify what administrative actions are lawful and what additional board policies might be needed for future cases. Commissioner West outlined potential policy options (to be developed further), including clarifying that commissioners are not county employees for benefits purposes, allowing a majority vote of the remaining commissioners to grant or deny administrative leave with pay, the option to suspend pay and benefits by unanimous vote if a commissioner is under criminal investigation, and exploring legislative changes for statutory counties to allow removal after a felony conviction. Commissioners also discussed restricting office access and committee assignments for the absent commissioner while the matter is resolved.

The board acknowledged limits on what it can do immediately and instructed legal counsel to work on communications and options. The motion to suspend pay passed 3-0. The board recessed to allow staff to complete scheduled presentations and to continue other county business later in the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioners' Meeting - March 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After extensive public testimony calling for her resignation, the Board of County Commissioners voted 3-0 to suspend Commissioner Melissa Fireside’s pay effective March 2, 2025, pending county-counsel review of her administrative-leave notice.","taxTitle","taxId",0,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6700580,"Commission approves annexation of Guide Dogs for the Blind property into Boring Water District",128,6036000,6164000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2599320-8b799e6a82a08f59a854c573ce83d0be&start=6036&end=6164","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2599320-8b799e6a82a08f59a854c573ce83d0be/thumbnail_6036000.jpg","/articles/6700580/Commission-approves-annexation-of-Guide-Dogs-for-the-Blind-property-into-Boring-Water-District","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6700580-dce17887ccd2c72342240e6953358e43/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149575&Signature=S0MOLpQpVhRX8qU1gszDPqQ7672chQTH~zYan9ai3iyVEsAblNES-I4UCZJmFIWHLcQptPp~J49qRALjmGtz3hDee77wGpcqbXoBOKYdBiwoCWJtXPD1IQ49H5jl7awRwdnEXdo2EgrlM2~6hj9RA2owDu0HPHGOIsMRfEzSZs0i2kN5POIPB4d9n3eg80I5A1cNI4AbEvIMG~SI~r5uGWvuDAshLJ4BeaFcIPw6b-i1EHj8ZPDjH52wHyaCnQFsLjyXLjkAyzrFD12eBThjHwTPjgHq~VMpwjBB1GjxIkqWTTgL7PBFCPzPIBHNc-nBHL~InNSCc31~0N5bPMYNTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of County Commissioners approved Boundary Change Proposal No. 2024-006 to annex territory on Southeast Kelso Road into the Boring Water District. The applicant property is owned by Guide Dogs for the Blind and is being annexed to provide water service for an expansion, county staff said.

Assistant county counsel Jeff Muns presented the item, saying the application complies with the county comprehensive plan, state law and Metro code governing boundary changes. Tracy Brown, a land-use planner assisting Guide Dogs for the Blind, spoke in virtual testimony and said she had no additional comments and could answer questions. With no other testimony, Commissioner Schroeder moved to approve the boundary change; Commissioner West seconded and the board approved the motion 3-0.

No county general funds are involved, county staff said. The board heard and closed the public hearing before voting to approve the annexation.","The board approved boundary change proposal 2024-006 to annex property on SE Kelso Road (owned by Guide Dogs for the Blind) into the Boring Water District; staff said the application complies with the comprehensive plan and relevant codes and there is no county general-fund impact.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6700585,"County employees press board over surprise Kaiser premium hike; mediation set in mid-March",2833,1819000,4652000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2599320-8b799e6a82a08f59a854c573ce83d0be&start=1819&end=4652","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2599320-8b799e6a82a08f59a854c573ce83d0be/thumbnail_1819000.jpg","/articles/6700585/County-employees-press-board-over-surprise-Kaiser-premium-hike-mediation-set-in-mid-March","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6700585-cf609c1105e6abf81332381f3b0d9567/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149575&Signature=mJ~iyijldd0-1415EoY1-c4xhIgfQXe6YOwKPAwXmor7BtEpnRhlc6j1zIjylGvCSoIVLTAtUMypD1WXwZ4Eo~hdPCd4vL0fNsVNGiCSsG0rJNB23-Mx8UZ4pQqICdQ3wtld1HPTL2PfpUGdRvrkmGYujirU2iIg3MtOmjpkG7oOkXh-K7yiBAkK~-fh68eCBFw77JU~i1uvZj3vvoPKM83BWuiQ-QnG7dESq05V6PDlgOjyDFeJYBOE0suhE7a0EyxiifZ6qizLDJedTiSYHWrQW-7q1Hp~ajpS0n~4PyRNv2FN~Hqch1kuqMRngp4D6-fIf8JoGtnUiKuQMHqqUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple county employees and union leaders told the Board of County Commissioners that a Kaiser insurance premium increase announced in January had immediate financial impacts on staff and that some members reported paycheck deductions taken with little advance notice.

Alex Gonzales, president of the Clackamas County Employee Association (CCEA), told the board the union represents more than 1,300 employees and said members were surprised by the change; several employees described added monthly deductions and short notice. Natalie Lutmer said the county took an extra $214.75 from her paycheck each month, which she said forced difficult trade-offs in January and February. Other employees described lost access to previously established care and difficulty finding coverage where they live after the change.

County counsel and management explained that bargaining teams determine contract communications and that both sides had exchanged offers: the union declared impasse, both sides submitted last-best offers and mediation is scheduled (mediation dates were referenced in the meeting; the bargaining teams agreed to a March 17 session). County counsel said the county asked the union to communicate premium impacts to members and said management believed that had occurred; the union said members did not receive timely notice.

Commissioner Schroeder told the public that back payments for healthcare would be reimbursed in full once a ratified contract is in place. County officials and union leaders said they expected additional mediation sessions and asked the board to be available to make decisions if needed. Several employees said they had scheduled vacations and surgeries and were concerned that time-off requests had been denied or held while labor issues were active.

Why it matters: the dispute affects essential county services delivered by social workers, housing staff and other front-line employees. Commenters said the public’s clients and vulnerable populations depend on continuity of services and urged a prompt settlement so employees can continue their work without financial stress.

Next steps: mediation is scheduled; the union has indicated possible further actions if no resolution is reached. Commissioners asked counsel and staff to monitor labor communications and to report back as bargaining proceeds.","Clackamas County employees and union leaders told commissioners that a recent Kaiser premium increase and a perceived lack of notice have caused financial strain; union and management are in mediation with a session scheduled for March 17 and an earlier potential strike date referenced.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Clackamas County commissioners suspend pay for Commissioner Melissa Fireside after felony charges

Commission approves annexation of Guide Dogs for the Blind property into Boring Water District

County employees press board over surprise Kaiser premium hike; mediation set in mid-March