Court Opinion

ID: 9531913
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 04:15:57.265436+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:28:37.128016
License: Public Domain

GARRARD, Judge,
concurring.
It seems to me that as a practical matter Judge Harris’ approach, which would have imposed upon the Commissioners the obligation of a due process hearing, has much to commend it. I must agree, however, with the majority that the statute does not appear to contemplate any hearing by the Board. Perhaps the Legislature did not wish the Board, itself, to conduct hearings for the removal of zoning board members. In any event, the statute provides for appealing the removal to the circuit or superior court.
Thus, to me the issue becomes that of who bears the burden of proof in the proceeding before the Board. Since the statute requires that removals be for cause but permits the Board to remove a member by mailing notice stating the reasons for removal, it would appear that upon appeal to the circuit or superior court the burden of proof must rest upon the Board of County Commissioners to establish that removal was for cause and for one or more of the reasons specified in the notice. I would hold this to be so because the Board may only remove for cause, and the appeal to the circuit or superior court is the first opportunity for any hearing to establish cause.
In all other respects I concur with the majority.