Ouray County commissioners appoint deputy clerk Damon Todd as county clerk and recorder

Damon Todd, the deputy county clerk, was appointed by the Ouray County Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 17 to fill the remainder of the county clerk and recorder term vacated by Christy Lynn.

The appointment was moved and seconded during deliberations after a structured interview. The motion, approved unanimously, names Todd to serve effective Jan. 14, 2026, through Jan. 11, 2027, contingent on a successful background check and taking the oath of office. The board recorded the statutory annual pay rate for the remainder of the term at $74,978.

Why it matters: The clerk and recorder oversees elections, motor‑vehicle transactions and public records; the board said an experienced, on‑site deputy could help maintain continuity through an upcoming election cycle and support the office’s technical transitions.

During an interview, Todd described three years of on‑the‑job experience in the clerk’s office, work on motor vehicle transactions, recent hands‑on training with the county’s recording system migration, and election training completed earlier in the year. “I’m very confident in my abilities as far as being able to record the documents as well as how people search and find the documents,” Todd said.

Christy Lynn, the outgoing county clerk, spoke during public comment and endorsed Todd’s appointment, saying he has institutional knowledge from his time in the office and strong customer‑service skills. “He is very well liked by everyone who comes in,” Lynn said, offering to continue assisting the office after her departure.

Trisha Oakland, chief deputy treasurer, told the board the treasurer’s office values its working relationship with the clerk’s office and described Todd as “hardworking, intelligent, friendly” with good communication across departments.

Board discussion focused on continuity and mentorship: commissioners noted the benefit of an experienced deputy remaining in place, access to peer networks for election administration, and the practical demands of managing a clerk’s office during a term that includes election responsibilities. One commissioner asked that the board be kept informed of transition needs and offered additional support where necessary.

The motion to appoint Todd was moved by Commissioner Michelle (former county clerk) and seconded by Commissioner Padgett. The board’s roll call vote recorded Commissioners Padgett, Nauer and Neece as voting yes. The appointment segment concluded and the board moved on to other agenda items.

Next steps: The appointment is contingent on the required background check and oath; Todd indicated he plans to work with staff and outside peers to prepare for upcoming election duties.