Jerry Brummer

Crook County Commissioner Jerry Brummer wrote three letters of resignation Monday: One to the county clerk, one to staff and one to the residents of Crook County.

He thanked the people for their support. He said stress from the job had been negatively impacting his health. He said the number of years behind him is greater than those in front of him, and he wanted to spend that time relaxing with family and friends.

“I hated to do it,” Brummer, 74, told The Bulletin on Tuesday. “I love the county.”

Brummer’s resignation came less than a week after he threatened to do just that because of an impasse with Judge Seth Crawford over whether to change the governance structure of the County Court.

In his letter to the people of the Crook County, Brummer wrote: “I think three part time commissioners and a county administrator would put this county in the best position for success in our future.”

The conversation about the change in governance structure put a large amount of strain on Brummer.

The discussion is not dead, said fellow Commissioner Brian Barney.

“The price of it,” Barney said, “is the loss of Jerry.”

Brummer, who has been vocal about his worsening health, said he made up his mind nearly a week prior to giving notice. He said his health has already improved.

“I just can’t believe what a difference it’s made,” he said.

Brummer’s seat isn’t officially vacant until 12:01 a.m. Thursday, per state statute. Clerks are required to hold onto resignations for three days — a grace period of sorts — to allow for any uncertainty from the person resigning.

The court, sans Brummer, who said his resignation was effective as of Sept. 28, was scheduled to discuss the vacancy appointment process at a regular meeting Wednesday morning. The remaining members of the court, Crawford and Barney, can nominate potential candidates. The public is also able nominate potential candidates within 30 days of the declared vacancy, according to Crook County code.

For Barney, the appointment process will be about finding someone who was as invested in Crook County as Brummer has been.

Barney said he’s heard interest from political strategist Bryan Iverson, husband of state Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson, R-Prineville.

“I’m hopeful that Judge Crawford and I can come to the right decision,” Barney said.

Crawford had praise for Brummer.

“Jerry Brummer is an amazing man, and I’ve been blessed to be able to work with him, and I hope all the best for him moving forward,” Crawford said.

The last appointment process in Crook County was in 2017, when Brummer and Crawford appointed Barney to the court. Ten people applied at the time, according to Cheryl Seeley, Crook County clerk.

Brummer will remain on the various boards and committees he serves on, including the fire board. He was first elected to the court in 2016 and began his term in 2017. He wasn’t planning on running for reelection in 2024.

“I hope that I did some good things during that time,” Brummer told The Bulletin. “I think I did.”