Kellstrom elected chair, Harmon vice chair; board hires law firm in closed session

The board elected Supervisor Chris Kellstrom as chair and Supervisor Corky Harmon as vice chair for 2026 following a public hearing and debate about rotation, experience and representation.

The board first approved the vice‑chair nomination for Harmon by unanimous vote, then elected Kellstrom as chair on a 3‑2 roll call after public speakers argued for both tradition of rotation and for different leadership choices. The discussion included several public comments about desirability of rotation so each district has an opportunity to chair the board, and concerns raised about political behavior in prior meetings.

After recessing to closed session, county counsel reported that there was no reportable action on one item (R8), that the board voted 5‑0 to initiate litigation and retain the law firm Baron & Budd (R9), and that there were no reportable actions on remaining closed‑session items. The counsel’s closed‑session report was read aloud at the return to open session.