Klamath County appoints Dennis Holmes interim Community Corrections director with 5% stipend

The Klamath County Board of Commissioners voted May 27 to appoint Dennis Holmes as interim Community Corrections Director effective June 1, 2026, and approved a 5% stipend for the duration of the appointment.

Human Resources representative Andrea La Salle told the board the appointment was requested by staff and Commissioner DeGroot and that the interim role is needed to preserve continuity after the incumbent’s departure. "We're requesting to appoint Dennis Holmes as interim Community Corrections Director effective June 1st, 2026," La Salle said. A commissioner moved approval; another seconded and the motion passed by voice vote.

Board members discussed forming a six‑person hiring or advisory committee that would include a board designee, a judge, representatives from the sheriff's office and the district attorney or defense bar. One community partner asked that judges, the sheriff and defense attorneys be included "in whatever committee is put together to either approve Mr. Holmes or do a search for other candidates." Commissioners directed Human Resources to post the job and begin the recruitment while the interim appointment provides leadership continuity.

The 5% stipend for Holmes was described by staff as compensation for the additional responsibilities of the interim role; the board said stipends are typically limited to short term periods and agreed to keep the process moving toward a permanent recruitment.

The appointment followed a voice vote; the transcript records commissioners responding "I" in support. The board did not record a roll‑call tally in the meeting record presented in the transcript. The board also emphasized that posting and an open search should proceed while the interim serves.