Sequim Gazette staff

A state review board upheld Clallam County Auditor Patty Rosand’s termination of a Sequim vehicle licensing subagent.

On May 18, Rosand closed the Sequim Vehicle/Vessel Licensing operation and issued a written termination to subagent Karen Shewbert, who was under contract with the county for 12 years.

Shewbert appealed the termination and also sought a preliminary injunction to prevent the closure of her business pending the appeal. Superior Court Commissioner William Knebes denied the preliminary injunction May 16.

On June 19, the Department of Licensing Review Board met with Karen Shewbert as part of the review process.

The board consisted of Kittitas County Auditor Jerald Pettit; Bill Cox, an appointee with the Cascade Licensing Agency, a state licensing sub-agency; and DOL Operations Director Jan Smallwood.

After two days of testimony, evidence and discussion involving Shewbert, her attorney Craig Miller, Rosand and county Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Mark Nichols,the board recessed into executive session.

In a letter to the attorneys June 30, Cox said the board concurred with Rosand about the termination of the contract for clause.

Rosand said the closure was mainly for contract noncompliance issues surrounding financial reconciliations.

Rosand is awaiting approval from the DOL to seek a replacement subagent for the Sequim area.

In the meantime, licensing business may be conducted at the Clallam County Courthouse in Port Angeles or tabs may be purchased online at www.dol.wa.gov.