Appointment allegations overshadow new Lincoln County commissioner's first meeting
Commissioners accused of predetermining Otten’s selection; future of county’s historic courthouse debated
The dysfunction that has become synonymous with the Lincoln County Commission greeted the board’s newest member during his first full meeting this week.
Just days after Herman Otten’s appointment to the District 2 commission seat, the commissioners who backed his selection were accused Tuesday of orchestrating the outcome before the public appointment process had concluded.
Commissioner Doug Putnam and some residents alleged county leaders predetermined Otten’s appointment, casting a cloud over his first meeting as a commissioner. Otten now joins the five-member board as it prepares to make decisions on the 2027 budget, property taxes, county roads and the future of the county’s historic courthouse.
 | A guest post by
|