Grant County board votes 3‑2 to appoint Jen as interim sheriff until election

The Grant County Board of Commissioners voted to appoint Jen as interim sheriff to fill the sheriff’s vacancy when John Combs leaves, after a contested discussion about whether to follow succession or open the position for applications. The motion carried on a roll‑call vote that the clerk recorded as 3 in favor and 2 opposed.

Supporters of the appointment argued the move preserves continuity in the sheriff’s office until the November election. One commissioner said the office has “a lot of responsibility” and that the chief deputy typically covers duties when the sheriff is absent. Opponents said the county has generally opened departmental vacancies to internal applicants and that an open process would be more consistent with past practice and avoid influencing the election.

The board debated whether the appointment should be short term and whether the chief deputy should automatically succeed in an interim role; several members said succession is customary for brief appointments but acknowledged the county’s policy history differs by position. The clerk confirmed the board’s intent and the motion maker called for a roll‑call vote. The recorded outcome was three yes votes and two no votes, and the chair declared the motion carried.

The board directed the personnel committee to meet and follow up on implementation steps, including notification to state offices where required and whether the county will later advertise or formally appoint the interim director for state approval. No effective date beyond “when the role is vacated” was included in the motion.

The next procedural step is for the personnel committee to meet and return to the board with the specific appointment paperwork and any recommended posting or advertising schedule.