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Public commenter alleges possible conflict of interest tied to county legal contract; resident praises commissioner grant work

Yamhill County Board of Commissioners · April 10, 2026

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Summary

During public comment John Linder alleged the county used a no‑bid contract with the Kellington law firm (billing over $14,000) and suggested the firm represented donors to two commissioners; Rebecca Wallace separately praised Commissioner Kit Johnston for pursuing grants—both remarks were part of public comment and elicited no substantive board response at the meeting.

Two public commenters addressed the board during the public comment period with contrasting perspectives.

John Linder of McMinnville raised concerns about a county legal contract. Linder said he identified a brief read into the record at a past meeting that appeared to have been prepared by the Kellington law firm and alleged the work was done under a no‑bid arrangement with a bill totaling "over $14,000." He also alleged the firm has represented parties that have donated to two sitting commissioners and urged examination of whether engaging the firm represented a conflict of interest. "It was the Kellington law firm...they had sued the county and represented big donors of 2 of the sitting commissioners," Linder said in public comment. The board acknowledged the comment but did not provide a response or evidence to confirm or refute the allegation during the meeting.

Earlier in the public comment period Rebecca Wallace of Newberg identified herself and thanked "Commissioner Kit Johnston" for identifying and pursuing grant opportunities for Yamhill County. Wallace said opponents had repeatedly asserted that grant money was being left on the table but that an opposing candidate acknowledged the board does pursue and secure grants, and she urged continued administrative attention to grant opportunities.

These remarks were made during public comment; no formal action or investigation about procurement or conflicts was initiated at the meeting record.