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Residents press commissioners on transparency, county‑manager hiring and ethics
Summary
During public comment, multiple residents urged evening meetings, clearer hiring practices for the county manager, and an updated code of ethics after recent leadership turnover; speakers requested more public engagement and clearer explanations of the term 'cultural values' used regarding the prior manager’s departure.
Several Montrose County residents used the work‑session public comment period to press the Board of County Commissioners for greater transparency and changes to meeting practices.
Karen Sherman Perez (speaker 18) urged the board to hold regular evening meetings so working residents can attend and to publish community engagement results; Sandy Head (speaker 19) raised concerns about a 21‑day posting window for the county‑manager vacancy and asked that hiring criteria be strictly followed. Julie Yarnell (speaker 17) and Tanya Maddox (speaker 14) asked for clarity about the phrase "cultural values" cited when the county manager left and recommended reviewing Resolution 77‑2009, which establishes a code of ethics for county appointed officials. Jim Anderson (speaker 20) asked that the board return to public candidate forums and citizen nights for senior finalists.
Board members responded with a reminder that the county manager and county attorney are employees who serve at the pleasure of the board, and that the board aims to balance transparency with personnel and legal considerations. Commissioners acknowledged the comments and said staff would continue to publish meeting schedules and consider additional listening sessions.
