Commissioner Miller Investigation Completed

On Friday January 17th the County released the results from a 5-month long investigation into the actions of County Commissioner Casey Miller. The county hired the firm of Miller Nash LLP to conduct an independent fact-finding investigation to review whether Lincoln County Board of Commissioner Casey Miller violated Lincoln County policy when he made his Commissioner Reports at the September 18, 2024 and/or October 2, 2024 Board of Commissioners meetings. Specific allegations reviewed included

• Miller’s actions included disclosure of confidential information related to personnel

matters.

• Miller’s actions constituted bullying or disrespectful behavior towards his fellow

Commissioners and/or County staff.

• Miller’s actions constituted conduct that reflected poorly on the County and/or were for

personal gain.

During the September Board of Commissioners meeting Commissioner Miller expressed frustration regarding the county’s handling of meetings, hiring and review of county administration. After the meeting there were complaints to Human Resources from county staff against Miller, prompting the investigation. During this time Miller was asked to work from home and was limited in interacting with county staff. At the October meeting Miller spoke up about this investigation and said he had questions about what it meant for him to be able to continue to do his work. He again was told that this was not something he could speak about in a public forum.

The county recently announced the completion of the 5-month investigation. The county also put out impact statements from those affected by Miller’s comments from the board meeting. The fact-finding investigation found Commissioner Miller violated Lincoln County policy when he made his Commissioner Reports at the September and October Commissioners meetings. Specifically, the investigation found Miller had violated Lincoln County Personnel Rules by disclosing confidential employee information concerning the County Administrator and discussing the fact that he was under investigation. It was found that Commissioner Miller did not engage in prohibited bullying or disrespectful conduct in violation of County Personnel Rules. The investigation also found that Commissioner Miller likely violated County Personnel Rules against discrediting the County and acting contrary to the County’s best interests.

Commissioner Claire Hall, chair of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, called the report disappointing but not unexpected. "Commissioner Miller’s actions harmed public trust in the important work of our elected officials and staff,” Hall said. “I hope Commissioner Miller will take accountability and allow us to move forward from this unfortunate situation.”

When I spoke with Commissioner Miller he stated he was relieved the investigation was completed. "The investigation is an analysis of my behaviors and actions as they are applicable to the county's personnel rules. This investigation does not address my continued concerns of public records and meeting laws and others that are still ongoing for me."

Miller said he was disappointed in a segment of the press release put out by the county that accused him of creating a toxic work environment. "I have never been accused of such things, and it is not pleasant to be labeled with this kind of alleged behavior. So, it’s a big relief to have this piece resolved." "However, Miller continued the county information release on Friday said I “did harm to Lincoln County’s reputation by creating a toxic workplace environment.” "I request that this be corrected. The word “toxic” is not used in our personnel rules and not a valid finding in the investigation. I feel this is an irresponsible statement as written in this official media release to the community."

When asked about if he felt that everything was resolved with the completion of the investigation Miller said "Please consider that my 9.18 meeting comments and my continued effort to ensure that the Board of Commissioners functions as a "cohesive governing body" is still my priority and one that our employees and community believe is of value." Miller added "The objective of support/administrative staff is to be an organized and cohesive team that brings all relevant information to the "entirety of the Board" to make the important decisions necessary to run a professional and accountable government." Miller added he feels that "the community should be empowered to follow and participate in that process as it unfolds. While it's ultimately the Board who makes the final decisions our community should have every opportunity to be at the table along the way."