Klamath County commissioners recommend termination of tax collector after confidential investigation

Klamath County commissioners voted on Jan. 28, 2026, to recommend termination of the county tax collector after reviewing confidential investigatory materials and the employee’s written rebuttal, the board chair said.

The recommendation was made in a human resources meeting convened at 2:49 a.m. by Commissioner Minty. Commissioner Minty moved a resolution saying the board had received an investigator’s executive summary, county counsel’s confidential submission to the employee’s attorney, and the employee’s written rebuttal. The motion states that, following an executive session under ORS 192.660, the board found evidence supporting substantiated violations of county policy regarding conduct and performance standards and recommended termination.

“The public holds our leadership…to very high standards,” Commissioner Minty said during the meeting, adding that county officials “govern public money and people” and must maintain integrity and public confidence. An unnamed board member said, “I support this motion to terminate based on the materials presented to us, the employee’s response. I find that the trust has been compromised to a degree that makes continued employment unattainable.”

The motion was seconded on the record (the transcript does not identify who seconded). The board recorded two ayes and the motion passed. Commissioner de Groot was recused from these proceedings; the meeting record notes Commissioner Nichols was present alongside Commissioner Minty.

The board resolved that the recommendation and the confidential investigatory file be forwarded to county counsel to work with human resources for final determination and implementation, and that related proceedings and materials remain confidential consistent with applicable law. A council or HR representative asked the board’s permission to work with HR and affected departments to examine the department’s structure and return to the board with a proposal.

No final employment action was recorded in the meeting minutes; the motion forwarded a recommendation to county counsel and human resources for final determination.