Snohomish County to refer interjurisdictional health-officer appointments to Jan. 20 consent agenda

Snohomish County staff on Tuesday asked the Health and Community Services Committee to move two motions authorizing the executive to appoint Whatcom County co-health officers to provide temporary coverage in Snohomish County to the Jan. 20 consent agenda.

Counsel staff Nicole Corley told the committee that "the health department has agreements with multiple jurisdictions which allow both Snohomish County's and the respective jurisdiction's health officer to cover for each other at no cost when there is an absence, vacancy, or if the individual is unable to fulfill their duties." The county specifically cited an existing agreement with Whatcom County enacted by Ordinance 23-039.

The two motions — Motion 25-567 for Dr. Amy Harley and Motion 25-568 for Dr. Megan Leilinoch — would give the executive authority to appoint either co-health officer to provide services to Snohomish County when necessary. Corley said the request was to move both items to Governmental Legislative Services (GLS) for consideration.

Committee members raised no objections and the chair instructed staff to place the two items on the Jan. 20 consent agenda. No final appointment or vote occurred at Tuesday's meeting; the motions were referred for later consideration.

Next steps: both motions are scheduled for the Jan. 20 consent agenda and will return to the committee or council if pulled from consent.