County attorney put on leave

County Attorney Jay Lauer was placed on paid administrative leave Monday night, just six months after he was hired.

The 30-day leave is effectively an opportunity for him to resign, and County Commission Chairman Dennis Hisey said the county has no intention of bringing Lauer back after the leave is up.

“Concerns leading up to this had been discussed for quite some time,” Hisey said. “We felt it was time to take some action.” He would not address specific concerns with Lauer’s performance, citing confidential personnel matters.

Commissioner Sallie Clark also would not comment on Lauer’s removal.

Commissioner Douglas Bruce referred to personality conflicts between commissioners and Lauer and called the move a “vote of no confidence,” even though he wasn’t present for the discussion.

Lauer could not be reached for comment.

According to his contract, signed March 27, Lauer’s yearly salary is $120,000, and he is eligible for six months’ pay and six months’ full benefits if he is fired without cause.

Initial discussion of Lauer’s removal was held during a closeddoor session last Thursday, when Lauer was on vacation.

Bruce opposed the closed-door meeting because the agenda did not outline what would be discussed, even though Colorado Sunshine Law states that the topic for executive session must be announced to the public.

When commissioners emerged from executive session an hour later, Hisey said commissioners received legal advice but took no formal action in public.

Former County Attorney Bill Louis, who became head of Development Services as deputy county administrator for external affairs in January, returned Tuesday as acting county attorney.

Louis said the board will have to hold a formal vote in open session to formally remove Lauer.

County Administrator Jeff Greene will take over Louis’ deputy county administrator duties.

The county attorney heads an office of lawyers advising county commissioners and other county officials and represents the county in civil court matters. The office’s other division handles matters for the Department of Human Services.

Lauer was first hired by the county attorney’s office in 1998 and was appointed acting county attorney in January after Louis’ transfer.

After a search, Lauer was deemed best for the job in March and was given the position permanently.

Douglas Bruce was the only commissioner to vote against Lauer’s hire.

Bruce said he did not like Lauer’s answers to questions about “obeying the Constitution.”

“I didn’t have any confidence in his judgment from the beginning,” Bruce said.

Hisey said the county will immediately begin an “open and fairly broad search” for Lauer’s replacement.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0232 or carlyn.mitchell@gazette.com