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Crook County commissioners approve planning commission appointments, defer pro tem appointment after public concern
Summary
After public comment objecting to a single pro tem candidate, the Crook County Board of Commissioners approved three planning commission appointments but amended the order to have the planning commission reconsider the pro tem slot for Monte Kurtz at a later date.
The Crook County Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 8 to approve three appointments to the county planning commission but amended the order to delay finalizing a pro tem appointment after members of the public urged the board to seek more local applicants.
The action follows public comment from Pineville-area residents who said they were concerned about rapid growth and questioned whether one candidate for the pro tem seat would reflect local goals. The board approved Shelby Duncan for an open seat, and reappointed Marlo Dill and George Pont to continue in their respective seats. The board directed that the planning commission may reconsider the pro tem appointment for Monte Kurtz and reopen recruitment if it chooses.
Why it matters: Planning commission members make recommendations and decisions that affect land use and development permits. Several residents told commissioners they prefer slower, managed growth and want local representation on the panel that reviews development proposals.
Board discussion and public comment: Dave Nielsen of Mill Creek Valley and Nicole Onco of Crook County spoke at the public-comment period, urging the board to choose planning commissioners who will prioritize managed growth and local customs. Will Van Bacter, county manager, described the county’s process: the planning commission interviews applicants, recommends candidates to the board, and county code (Title 18) governs appointments. Eric (county staff) and county counsel later confirmed that county order 2022-52 requires advertised recruitment (30 days) when a regular seat becomes vacant.
Multiple commissioners said they preferred to respect the planning commission’s recommendation but also to hear public concerns. After discussion the board pulled the planning appointment item from the consent agenda, debated whether to approve the three regular appointments while leaving the pro tem open to reconsideration, and then approved an amended order.
Formal action: The board approved order 2025-02 with an amendment directing that the planning commission reconsider the pro tem appointment for Monte Kurtz and return to the board if it decides to fill the pro tem seat or to open recruitment. Commissioners voted in the affirmative; the vote was recorded verbally as “Aye” by each commissioner on the dais.
Process notes and next steps: County staff and counsel told the board that the pro tem seat is not required for the planning commission to function (the commission has seven regular seats) and that the pro tem role had historically been used to provide experience and a backup for quorum issues. Commissioners encouraged residents to apply for future vacancies and said the planning commission may reopen recruitment or fill the seat when a regular vacancy occurs.
Ending: The board’s action keeps three regular seats filled while formally deferring the pro tem appointment so the planning commission can weigh public concerns and recruiting options.
