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County attorney apologizes after memo perceived as personal attack; commissioners urge reconciliation
Summary
A staff memorandum about hiring practices upset Commissioner Cummings, who called the language condescending; the county attorney apologized on the record and commissioners encouraged a private sit‑down and reconciliation while noting the underlying issue — minority recruitment to the county attorney's office — merits follow‑up.
Near the meeting’s end Commissioner Cummings raised a personnel‑style dispute, saying a county‑attorney memorandum she received after last month’s meeting felt condescending and personally directed at her. She said the memo’s tone undermined her dignity and asked the board to address the conduct publicly.
Multiple commissioners responded on the record. Several praised Commissioner Cummings’ service and expressed regret that she felt attacked; a number urged a private reconciliation meeting between the commissioner and the county attorney. Commissioner Proctor and others encouraged a facilitated sit‑down and said the county attorney and commissioner share the experience and skill to resolve the matter.
County Attorney Chassity Ostein apologized publicly, saying she regretted that the memo offended Commissioner Cummings and that it was sent to the full board to provide transparency about hiring criteria and qualifications she considers when filling positions. The county attorney said her intent was to be proactive and factual, not personal, and confirmed she had reached out individually to commissioners to close the loop.
Several commissioners also said the underlying concern — whether the county attorney’s office had sufficient minority applicants or representation over time — is a legitimate governance question worthy of follow‑up. Commissioners directed the chair and county administrator to facilitate a private meeting to reconcile the parties and asked staff to consider longer‑term recruitment or diversity outreach as appropriate.
