Commissioners decline to pay for office holiday party

On Tuesday morning, the county commissioners opted not to authorize a $379 expense submitted by the Crook County Treasurer’s Office. The charge, which appeared in the mileage and travel line, was for a Christmas dinner hosted for office staff.

The commission was unanimous in the opinion that it would be inappropriate for such an event to be funded by the taxpayer.

Commissioner Jeanne Whalen commented that, while she understands the desire to treat hard-working staff, it is not customarily paid for through an organization’s budget.

“You guys are all free to take your employees somewher...