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Commissioners begin discussion of transition plan following sheriff’s announced retirement
Summary
The county discussed next steps after the sheriff announced his retirement effective July 31. Commissioners debated whether to appoint an interim who intends to run in the next election, and directed staff to add a discussion of the interim process to the next agenda so the public and candidates can see proposed procedures.
Deschutes County commissioners used a portion of the June 23 meeting to discuss transition planning after Sheriff Vanderkam announced his retirement later this month.
The county clerk indicated the sheriff’s resignation would be binding as of 5 p.m. on June 26 under the statute cited in the clerk’s office. Commissioners said they want an open, public and competitive process to fill the interim position and debated whether to prefer an interim who will not run in the next election. Commissioner comments reflected concern that appointing an interim who intends to run could confer an incumbency advantage in the contest.
Commissioners discussed logistics of a public process that could include written statements and public forums where candidates present to the public. They also noted that, depending on the timing of the resignation and election calendar, an interim could be replaced by an elected sheriff following a primary or general contest. County staff agreed to place an item on the next board agenda for a discussion of the interim selection process and to provide clarity to the public on expectations and procedures.
Why it matters: a county sheriff is an elected constitutional officer; filling the office on an interim basis is a statutory duty with operational and political consequences. Commissioners said they prefer an open process and will aim to make the criteria and schedule transparent to the public and potential candidates.
