Commission approves final-draft process for town-hall amendment, aims for 2026 ballot

The Clallam County Charter Review Commission approved moving forward with final draft language for a proposed charter amendment requiring each county commissioner to conduct at least one town-hall meeting in each commissioner district each year, with meetings to be scheduled outside normal working hours and posted at least 30 days in advance.

Commissioner Johnson Ingram introduced the amendment language, which reads in part that "each member of the board of county commissioners shall conduct at least 1 town hall meeting in their commissioner district each year" and that meetings must be posted at least 30 days in advance. A motion was made to draft the language as the final version for steps toward the ballot; the motion was seconded and the commission approved it by voice vote.

Why it matters: commissioners said the change is intended to increase accountability and public access to elected officials by ensuring each commissioner holds a regular, widely noticed forum in their district.

Supporters noted the language reflects feedback gathered at town-hall meetings and that the proposal had been refined by a subcommittee. Commissioner Richards said he "support[s] this wholeheartedly." The commission confirmed the plan to provide public notice and to place the amendment on the 2026 ballot if the procedural deadlines are met.

Outcome: The commission voted to prepare the language as a final draft and move the amendment to the next steps in the charter process, including public notice and placement on the 2026 ballot.

Next steps: Staff will publish the required public notice and include the amendment language in materials for the voters' pamphlet. The commission indicated the item will return to a future meeting for final procedural steps as required by charter rules and election law.