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Columbia County board adopts resolution publicly censuring Commissioner Casey Garrett
Summary
After reading an independent-investigation summary, the board adopted Resolution No. 1-2826, which states investigators found violations of the county workplace-bullying policy and alleges unauthorized communications and spending tied to a park project; the named commissioner disputed parts of the findings during debate.
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution No. 1-2826 on Jan. 14, publicly censuring Commissioner Casey Garrett after an independent workplace investigation found violations of the county’s workplace-bullying policy and alleged retaliatory conduct.
The resolution, read into the record by a commissioner, cited specific incidents in 2025: it states that Garrett communicated with a parks employee about a trail, bench and table at a trailhead project and that the contact led to purchases not included in the project scope; it also cites a later contact with the project’s architect that prompted a redesign. The draft resolution lists costs the board tied to those contacts: $890 for additional materials related to a bench and an itemized parks cost of $6,955.75.
The resolution states the investigator found Garrett violated the workplace-bullying policy and that the board had previously set expectations for his conduct (referenced in a July 17, 2025 letter). It further resolved that the board publicly censure Garrett, admonish him to follow board expectations, refrain from punitive actions against those who participated in the investigation, and post the signed resolution on the county website.
A commissioner moved to adopt the resolution and another commissioner seconded. The named commissioner spoke in his own defense during debate, saying he did not direct staff to perform work and characterized his contacts as offering advice or reminders when he observed potential problems. "I didn't direct them to do anything," the commissioner said; "I talked to staff. I gave my opinion, and I gave advice when asked."
Board members disagreed on whether the conduct rose to the level warranting censure and discussed the letter of expectations, the timing and the project costs cited in the resolution. After discussion, the board put the measure to a voice vote and members voiced approval for adoption; the resolution text indicates it takes effect immediately upon adoption and calls for the signed resolution to be entered into the minutes and posted publicly.
The board did not identify any subsequent disciplinary actions in the meeting beyond the censure and the posting requirement.
