County clerk to review oath requirements for boards and committees, will continue some oath administration

Crook County Clerk Cheryl Sealy told the board Dec. 31 that her office maintains a roster of board and committee appointments and that she discovered the county still issues oaths of office for several special districts while many other counties allow district boards to administer their own oaths.

Sealy listed boards under review (Ag Extension Service District budget committee, abatement/appeals committee, fair board, housing works committee, Taylor grazing committee) and said planning commission does not legally require an oath but she will continue to administer one because she believes it lends gravity to the position. She said she will contact the various boards to review their bylaws and offer a blank oath for local adoption if needed.

The matter prompted brief discussion among commissioners about who issues letters of appointment and whose practice it is to follow up when newly appointed members do not come to the clerk’s office to take an oath. Sealy said boards typically send appointment letters and that her office lacks complete contact information for follow‑up. She offered to provide blank oath forms and assistance where appropriate.

Next steps: Clerk’s office will review bylaws and coordinate with boards and committees to clarify oath practices and follow‑up processes.