Commissioners approve amendment that requires supermajority to remove county attorney; public debate was heated

The board voted 3-2 to amend the county attorney’s professional services agreement, adding language that raises the threshold for termination in politically motivated cases to a supermajority vote. Supporters framed the change as protection against removal driven by political disagreement; opponents said it weakened accountability and asked for an Attorney General opinion on whether a simple majority could otherwise remove the county attorney.

Public comment at length divided sharply. Some residents and local officials praised the county attorney’s performance and argued that high‑quality counsel cannot be expected if the position is subject to political whims. Others said the amendment appeared to stack protections and that the public deserved clarity on cost and oversight; multiple speakers asked for a full accounting of fees the county has paid to outside counsel and for greater transparency about conflicts of interest and scope of services.

County Attorney Komando confirmed that the contract provision allowing higher hourly rates for certain outside counsel services exists but said the county has not billed the county at the elevated special‑counsel rate in practice: "That’s zero," he said when asked about use of the enhanced hourly charge. Commissioners who supported the amendment said the language is intended to protect professional, non‑political legal advice; those opposed said they would seek an Attorney General opinion and pledged to revisit governance and transparency if required.

The motion to approve the professional services amendment carried on a 3-2 vote. The amendment does not change the county’s day‑to‑day ability to remove the attorney for cause; it raises the board's threshold when the grounds are political rather than competency‑based. The board indicated staff will respond to public requests for additional cost records and conflict disclosures.