Clallam County commissioners authorize up to $5,000 for outside appraiser after executive session on potential litigation

The Clallam County Board of Commissioners voted to authorize the assessor’s office to retain an independent outside appraiser for up to $5,000 following an executive session to discuss potential litigation, the board announced at a special meeting.

The board convened a closed executive session, citing agency enforcement matters and the need to consult with legal counsel. Outside counsel Ken Harper joined the meeting and identified himself as representing Clallam County in tax-appeal matters. The board recessed into executive session for about an hour and returned to the public record before taking the motion.

A member moved to authorize the assessor’s office to retain an outside appraiser in relation to the litigation discussed during the executive session; another member seconded the motion. The amount was stated on the record as “up to $5,000.” The motion was approved by voice vote; those present said “aye” and the chair announced the motion passed. The transcript does not record a roll-call vote or individual vote tallies.

County staff present for the record included Commissioner Mike French; Tom Nelson, county administrator; Lori Kuss, chief deputy assessor; Dan Childress, chief appraiser; Pam Rushton, assessor; Rebecca Turner, deputy chief financial officer; and Commissioner Mark Ocayas. Ken Harper, outside counsel to Clallam County, participated virtually and confirmed his role.

The board did not disclose the subject matter of the potential litigation or describe how the county will fund the appraisal work. The motion and the discussion on the public record refer to retaining the appraiser “in relation to the litigation that was discussed today”; no additional details about the case, parties involved, timing for the appraisal or procurement process were provided in the meeting transcript.

The board then adjourned. No further public actions or deadlines were set on the record.