Spokane County sets draft 2026 meeting calendar, assigns boards-and-commissions administrative leads

The Board reviewed the proposed 2026 meeting calendar and a roster of boards, commissions and advisory committees that county commissioners or staff oversee. Gina distributed draft calendars and staff walked commissioners through month-by-month scheduling, strategic planning placeholders and options for adjusting meetings around holidays and conferences.

Commissioners debated whether to hold a January meeting on the 6th or defer to a later week to give staff a break after budget work; several commissioners supported flexibility to convene if time-sensitive items arise. Staff proposed placeholders for strategic planning (for example, April 27 and December 14) and agreed to add a Nov. 30 strategic planning slot that could be canceled if not needed.

On boards and commissions administration, staff noted a deputy-clerk position is being reduced to 50% and recommended that legislative assistants or relevant county departments assume administrative tasks for advisory boards (posting notices, managing applications and vacancies). Commissioners agreed to meet and divide assignments among themselves and asked staff to return with an implementation plan the week of the 15th.

Several standing appointments were confirmed or left unchanged (airport board, Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, Spokane Regional Health District, waste and planning advisory roles); where turnover or travel conflicts exist, commissioners discussed options for alternates or travel timing. No formal votes were taken; staff will include any final changes on next week's adoption agenda.