Walla Walla — The Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners on Monday discussed proposed revisions to the bylaws of the Walla Walla–Columbia Accessible Communities Advisory Committee (ACAC) and directed staff to forward the committee’s markup and reviewer comments to the county prosecuting attorney and to Columbia County for review.

Commissioner Quayton, the county’s designated commissioner to ACAC, told the board he had reviewed the proposed changes and recommended more time before board approval. “I will say that this was February or March, so there's been quite a lag in the board taking action on this,” Quayton said, noting the committee is still working through membership, officer terms and governance language.

Interim ACAC Chair Jerry Cummins spoke to the board and asked for timely action on items that have delayed officer elections. Cummins said the committee could adopt the present revisions and then revisit matters involving the Department of Community Health in the 2026 review cycle. “If you would adopt what we have presented ... we will look at changing in 2026,” Cummins told commissioners.

County staff noted an interlocal agreement with Columbia County governs parts of the joint committee and that some changes—such as membership allocations—may require agreement by Columbia County. Diane (county staff) reminded the board that because ACAC is a joint board some elements cannot be changed without Columbia County’s concurrence.

Nancy Winslow of the Department of Community Health said the department values the committee’s work but that certain proposed changes would shift administrative responsibilities to the department; she asked the board to consider whether ad valorem funding or other support would be required if the department assumed a heavier administrative load. Winslow also suggested board‑formation support such as open‑public‑meetings training and help clarifying roles.

After discussion, commissioners agreed not to approve the bylaws at Monday’s meeting and asked staff to add commissioners’ comments to the draft. The board directed county staff to send the proposed bylaws and reviewer comments to the county prosecuting attorney and to forward the materials to Columbia County for its review; staff said they will return the revised package for consideration and possible adoption in 2026.

The board’s action preserves ACAC’s request for more autonomy while ensuring county legal review and coordination with Columbia County before any binding changes are made.