Commission votes to refer question of an appointed county treasurer to voters

Commissioners considered whether to change the county treasurer from an elected to an appointed position and whether to place that question on the November ballot. Staff explained the process and timing (a deadline in mid‑August to submit the question), and commissioners debated the fiscal and governance implications, including salary estimates and checks-and-balances. One member noted that four counties currently have appointed treasurers, while others retain elected treasurers.

Members of the public spoke during the meeting. Nathan Hills (speaker 15) urged retaining elections and warned against removing voters' choices: "If elections aren't working and they're not giving you the candidates you want, then that needs to be talked about, not canceling them." Another commenter, Richard Morton Farrington (speaker 10), also urged the commission not to support the change and raised concerns about added costs for a professional financial director. Despite opposition, the board voted to prepare and send the required letter to the Secretary of State to put the question on the ballot; staff were asked to prepare cost estimates and more details for voters.