News

Commissioner Vacancy: Community First

Lincoln County is choosing an interim county commissioner, and this decision belongs in the open. I’ve created a new Vacancy page on this website to share the same information commissioners are reviewing — including the full list of applicants, a proposed public meeting timeline, and areas where the process can be improved.

Transparency matters. When information isn’t showing up in agenda packets or public meetings, the community still deserves access. I invite you to review the applications, learn about the process, and share your thoughts. This is your county, and your voice should be part of the conversation.

👉 Visit the Vacancy page to learn more and review the applicants.

Commissioner Vacancy

MEDIA STATEMENT – Commissioner Casey Miller
January 30, 2026

Thank you for submitting your application for County Commissioner!

Lincoln County invited interested county residents to apply to serve in the seat of the late Commissioner Claire Hall until the next election. The deadline for applications was 1.30.26.

Hall was re-elected to the Board of Commissioners in November 2024, with her term ending Dec. 31, 2028. Commissioner Hall passed away Jan. 4. In accordance with Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS 236.210(2)), the county will accept applications to appoint a commissioner until the next election.

I have requested that all applications to be posted online by the end of the day on February 2, 2026. Please check the website for details.

Applicants and community members should review the complete list once it is posted publicly. If any applicant does not see their submission reflected, I ask that they contact me directly and immediately so the issue can be addressed.

I will not move forward with a review process until I am confident that we have full transparency and that every individual who took the time to apply has been properly accounted for.

The community deserves assurance that no one will be left behind in this process.

— Casey Miller, Lincoln County Commissioner

2.4.26 – Meeting Agenda

2.4.26 – AGENDA ITEM MEMO – COMMISSIONER VACANCY APPOINTMENT

To: Walter Chuck & County Counsel
Cc: Board Administrative Staff & MTEAM
From: Commissioner Casey Miller
Date: January 30, 2026
Re: Commissioner Vacancy Appointment Process 2026

History

The January 7th BOC meeting identified that a agenda discussion item was needed to structure the 2026 Commissioner Vacancy process. A subsequent work session was held on January 14.

No published meeting packet items or written memos were provided to the Board in advance. A general application was reviewed, and draft timeline was briefly highlighted. No framework details or official motions were made. Miller was not allowed to review his framework in the work session.

The January 21st regular BOC meeting was cancelled without Board deliberation. Additionally, Miller requested a special meeting on the 28th which was not facilitated. “Commissioner Vacancy” as discussion agenda item was requested in both meetings by Miller.

Purpose – Commissioner Vacancy Process 2026

Direction and framework for the 2026 commissioner vacancy process. (This is very strongly aligned with the Clackamas County process if reference is desired.) https://www.clackamas.us/bcc/appointment

2.2.26 – All Applicants Published Online

BOC Public Meeting Timeline

2.4.26 – Commissioner Vacancy Framework (Agenda: Discussion)
2.11.26 – Develop Interview Questions & Community Feedback/Engagement (BOC Special Meeting)
2.18.26 – Board Deliberation to Select 4 Finalists (Agenda: Discussion)
2.25.26 – In-Person Interviews (BOC Special Meeting)
3.4.26 – Review Community Feedback and Candidate Meet and Greet, MTEAM (Agenda: Discussion)
3.18.26 – Board Deliberation & Appointment (Agenda: Action)
TBD – New Commissioner Onboarding (BOC Special Meeting)

Commissioner Vacancy Framework Overview

Vacancy Occurs
A commissioner seat becomes vacant by resignation, appointment, or another qualifying event.

Board Review of Vacancy Process
Staff brings a memo to the Board proposing directions on timeline, criteria, application questions, and public input.

Public Notice & Application Period
The vacancy is publicly noticed, and applications are accepted for a defined period (typically 2–3 weeks).

Eligibility Review by Staff
Staff verifies statutory eligibility (residency, voter status, etc.) and prepares applications for review/publication.

Applications Published Online and Distributed to the Board
Verified applicants are published online, media release and meeting packet (all announced at the same time).

Board Develops Interview Questions, Community & MTEAM Feedback Form, Meet and Greet Details

Board Deliberation & Selection of 4 Finalists
In a noticed meeting, the Board deliberates and narrows the applicant pool to a short list of finalists.

Board Interviews Finalists
Interviewed in a publicly noticed meeting, using standardized questions and formats.

Review Community Feedback and Hold Meet and Greet Opportunity
Board reviews community feedback and holds meet and greet event for interested community members and MTEAM

Board Deliberation & Final Appointment
The Board deliberates and appoints a commissioner by formal action.

Onboarding Discussion (Special Meeting)
Commissioners talk freely about: How to submit agenda items, Commission and Board membership overview, meeting deliberation framework, discussion of commissioner handbook, MTEAM discussions, etc.