Klamath County commissioners approve 5% temporary stipend for community development manager; agree to sign energy-aid support letter

Klamath County commissioners on Tuesday approved a temporary 5% out-of-class stipend for the community development department manager while staff finalize how building-official duties will be restructured.

The stipend applies to Stephanie Brown, identified in meeting discussion as the community development department manager, who the board said has taken on additional duties after the county’s building official resigned. Commissioners moved and seconded the request and approved it by voice vote; the board also discussed revisiting the issue in about 90 days to present restructuring recommendations.

The stipend was described as a short-term measure while Human Resources and the department evaluate longer-term position and duties changes. A staff memo authorizing the 5% temporary stipend was referenced during the discussion; commissioners said multiple department employees are seeking professional development to share building-official responsibilities.

Separately, the board agreed by consensus to sign a letter supporting funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LAHEAP). One commissioner disclosed a potential conflict of interest, saying some LAHEAP applicants could rent properties from that commissioner; the commissioner stated no direct family financial benefit and said they would publicly note the conflict. Another commissioner said they would sign the letter.

No ordinance or long-term pay change was adopted; commissioners directed staff to return with recommendations on staffing structure and to monitor the stipend and any budget implications.

The meeting adjourned shortly after the actions.