Residents and former staff urge caution, say consolidation feels rushed

Multiple residents used the public comment period to oppose the governance change presented to the commissioners, raising concerns about concentration of authority, staff qualifications, and the adequacy of public notice.

Faith NAF, a Granite Falls resident, told the board: "Checks and balances are a fundamental core of the American experiment" and asked commissioners to "please reject this consolidation of power." Jessica Palmerland, who said she previously worked for the county DSS and health department, told the board the change appeared rushed and urged commissioners not to proceed that evening. Roger Patterson said the proposal "appeared to be a sort of a power grab" and argued that governance of health and human services "should be composed and led by mental health and medical professionals."

Other commenters questioned whether the required 30-day notice had been received by the public and requested more time and documentation; one resident asked for resumes or clearer justification before the county moves forward. A county official said the public notice had been posted in the local paper and on the county website as required, but several speakers said they had not received email notice and asked that the board consider postponement to allow broader public review.

The public record on the day included direct denials of a rumor that the county manager had applied for a DSS position (County Manager Shane Fox denied that claim on the record). The board voted to adopt the resolution after hearing public comments; the transcript shows residents remained opposed and asked for more transparency and time for review.