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Hiring recommendation for sheriff’s relative draws debate over nepotism at Daniels County meeting
Summary
A Public Safety Commission recommendation to hire an applicant related to the sheriff drew a heated exchange at the March 16 meeting. The PSC’s internal vote was 2–1 in favor; several county commissioners expressed concern about nepotism and urged broader recruitment.
The Daniels County Public Safety Commission’s recommendation to hire an applicant who is related to the sheriff prompted sharp debate among county commissioners on March 16.
Members of the Public Safety Commission explained the hiring process and said they had taken steps to reduce pressure on department staff; one PSC member said the sheriff voluntarily left the room during the PSC discussion to avoid influence. "Clint voluntarily headed out the door when this item came up for discussion on both instances," the PSC member told the commission, describing procedural safeguards the PSC used.
Several commissioners said they remained uneasy about the personnel decision. "We have enough problems with nepotism as it is right now in this county," one commissioner said, urging caution and broader recruitment. PSC members and county staff said the PSC exists in part to provide a buffer for hiring and disciplinary matters involving sheriff’s-office employees, and PSC supporters pointed to the PSC’s 2–1 recommendation as a record of deliberation.
Why it matters: hiring a deputy related to the sheriff raised questions about public confidence, perceived favoritism and whether recruitment efforts were sufficiently broad. PSC members recommended national and regional advertising options and underscored the commission’s intent to be a safeguard for department employees.
What’s next: the PSC recommendation will be part of the record; commissioners discussed alternatives including expanded advertising and recruiting in neighboring states. The county did not record a final county-level appointment vote during the public session.
