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Hartford resident asks commissioners why complaints aren’t always shared, questions deputy reassignment
Summary
At the March 17 Oxford County Commissioners meeting, resident Joan Kelly asked whether all complaints are logged and shared with commissioners and questioned why a deputy reassignment to the Criminal Investigative Division was not called a promotion; the administrator said he forwards complaints to the board.
Joan Kelly of Hartford raised questions during the public-comment period about how complaints to Oxford County are handled and whether commissioners see full complaint files. Kelly said she remains “still waiting on a response to her FOAA request” related to the matter and asked whether complaints are logged centrally or maintained only by the administrator.
Administrator Loper told the board that "he passes all complaints on to the Commissioners," and Commissioner Timothy Turner explained that the administrator and chair determine whether an investigation is needed and, if so, consult the county attorney. Kelly also questioned a recent staff move described as a reassignment to the Criminal Investigative Division rather than a promotion; Commissioner Lisa Keim said a sheriff can assign deputies to roles but cannot unilaterally create positions and that affected employees may bring concerns to the board or union stewards.
The exchange highlighted citizen concern about transparency in complaint handling and a pending FOAA response. No formal action was taken on the complaint procedure at the meeting, and commissioners directed that staff follow established processes for investigations and payroll notifications when reassignments occur.
