Commissioner discloses family connection to County Attorney hire; chairman later changes recusal stance

Commissioner John (sic) Bowers read a statement for the record Oct. 4 saying she made a mistake related to recent County Attorney Office staffing and payroll paperwork and that the paperwork involved her husband, John Bowers. She said she recused herself from any discussion or decision involving her husband and asked to receive notice in advance of future items that might involve him so she can fully recuse and leave the room.

"I made a mistake... Once I discovered this, I immediately spoke to the County Attorney’s Office then personally contacted the County Clerk and asked her to pull the document and not make any payment or take action on it," Commissioner Bowers said as she recused herself and requested future notice for potential conflicts.

Chairman Hansen had earlier declared a potential conflict of interest related to a business relationship with an attorney proposed for hire by the County Attorney’s Office and asked the other two commissioners to decide, saying he would not sign a payroll change notice. Subsequently, after further discussion with legal counsel, Chairman Hansen said he does not feel he has a conflict and will approve the County Attorney’s payroll change notice.

Deputy County Attorney Austin Dunlap separately reported that the Topp/Sunroc case was docketed; the plaintiff has 45 days to submit a petition and the county then has 45 days to respond from the date of the filing.

The board’s minutes show Commissioner Bowers’ recusal statement was entered into the record and that the payroll matter and timing related to pending litigation were discussed; no final disciplinary or personnel decision is recorded in the minutes.