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Coos County approves resignation agreement for health director and authorizes court action against Kindred LLC over tax-foreclosure dispute
Summary
The board approved a resignation agreement with Coos Health and Wellness director Mike Rowley, authorized posting to recruit his replacement, and authorized county counsel to seek a declaratory judgment in circuit court after a demand letter from Kindred LLC challenged the county's tax-foreclosure process.
The Coos County Board of Commissioners approved a resignation agreement with Mike Rowley, effective close of business May 14, 2026, and authorized the county’s HR office to post and recruit to fill the soon-to-be-vacant Coos Health and Wellness director position. Commissioners thanked Rowley for his service and discussed interim coverage and the statutory one-week period during which a resigning official may revoke a signature on a resignation agreement.
Separately, the board considered a late “late” agenda item: a demand letter from Kindred LLC threatening litigation if the county did not sell back a tax-foreclosed property. County counsel explained that the issue relates to recent changes in state law and a 2023 Supreme Court decision affecting surplus proceeds from tax-foreclosure sales. The board authorized the county attorney to file a validation or declaratory-judgment action in circuit court to confirm the county’s interpretation of the law and to protect the county’s position under House Bill 2089. Commissioners framed the vote as a defensive measure to seek judicial confirmation; the motion passed by voice vote.
Next steps: county counsel will file the necessary court papers, and HR will begin recruitment and posting for the director position following the effective resignation date.
