The sum of $72,000 has been granted to Bonner County Business Operations Manager/Deputy Clerk/Public Information Officer Jessi Reinbold following her request to terminate her employment with the county.
Following an executive session on August 1, Commissioner Steve Bradshaw moved “to proceed as discussed.” Based on approval from legal counsel, Commissioner Asia Williams added details to the vague motion, “to pay out a year’s severance to Jessi Reinbold for her request upon her severance from the county.” This was later referred to as “preventing of litigation,” even though there has been no litigation filed or notice of tort claim submitted. The payment will be taken from the interest earned on ARPA funds.
The reasons provided by Reinbold for her resignation and severance request focused on accusations that Williams treated her rudely. In a September 5 email to Bonner County Clerk Michael Rosedale and Prosecutor Louis Marshall, Reinbold recorded a list of allegations against Williams and described an office environment as “one of fear and frustration.”
Williams had remained silent until now, “as to not unnecessarily draw more attention to the behaviors of the people in this building.” As she began to read the finding of an investigation regarding the death threat made by Bradshaw, Chairman Luke Omodt abruptly talked over her, forced the vote, and adjourned the meeting.
Williams continued to speak to those who remained in attendance and explained the investigation found the witness, Risk Manager Christian Jostlein more credible than Omodt’s and Reinbold’s accounts taken collectively. Magistrate Judge Justin Julian ruled in Williams’ favor granting a temporary restraining order.
To determine if she was doing something wrong to staff, Williams requested a subsequent independent investigation of herself. The Prosecutor’s Office gave her permission to share its conclusion that “the investigator did not find evidence that Commissioner Williams engaged in rude and disrespectful behavior. Instead, the deputy clerks’ claim regarding what they perceive as rudeness coming from Commissioner Williams reflect their frequently opposing political positions'” and “any claim that the deputy clerks are subject to abuse or rudeness from Commissioner Williams is inaccurate.”
Among the requirements in her job description, the Business Operations Manager “must be able to remain circumspect and respectful in situations that are charged with passionate political opinions and disagreements.”
Williams explained that this issue has gone from the local level to the state level, and “has been taken up by the federal government” and there is still an open investigation.
Several audience members commented that the severance appears to be misuse of funds and public office and they plan to submit complaints to the Attorney General’s Office.
Public records requests for the investigation reports and the opinion from the Prosecutor’s Office regarding the matter were denied. A records request for Reinbold’s request for severance and her resignation letter provided nothing. An attempt to contact Reinbold for comment was unsuccessful.
A previous effort to give severance to another county employee was made last year. Bradshaw proposed awarding the outgoing Veteran Services Officer a year’s salary, but after pushback from taxpayers the idea was withdrawn.
