Board directs scheduling of hearing on complaint against Four Rivers Vector Control District director

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners directed staff May 21 to schedule a public hearing to consider a complaint filed against the president of the Four Rivers Vector Control District board.

County counsel Dave Doyle told commissioners the statute compels the county to convene a hearing when a complaint against a vector control district director is filed and not withdrawn. Doyle recused himself from presiding over the matter because of prior involvement and said he would step away from the dais while the board moved forward on scheduling. He described the scope of potential grounds the board would consider at a hearing as misconduct, malfeasance, misappropriation, repeated absences, conduct exposing the district to unreasonable liability, or disruptive behavior at meetings.

The complaint — filed in early April by a fellow district board member — has not been withdrawn. Doyle said the complaint is now about a month and a half old and urged the parties to resolve it if possible, but confirmed the county has a legal obligation to hold the public hearing if the complaint remains. Commissioners asked whether scheduling the hearing now would preclude the parties from resolving the matter before the hearing; staff said it would not, and that the complainant could withdraw prior to the hearing if the parties reach an agreement.

No date was set during the meeting; county counsel said staff would coordinate scheduling with the parties and report back. Commissioners said they wanted the hearing set promptly to allow time for possible resolution but to meet statutory deadlines if the complaint is not withdrawn.