Spokane County appoints two non-elected members to regional health board; recent elected member temporarily steps aside
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Summary
County commissioners approved two non-elected appointments to the Spokane Regional Health District Board of Health and included language that the most recently seated elected member would temporarily step down until a third non-elected appointment is made; the measure passed 3–1 with one abstention.
The Spokane County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 17 approved a resolution appointing two non-elected community representatives to the Spokane Regional Health District Board of Health and included provisions to ensure compliance with state rules limiting elected representation.
County counsel Jim Macchio explained that state law and WAC regulations require elected officials not to outnumber non-elected members on a local board of health. Two non-elected community representatives' two-year terms had expired Feb. 13, 2026; the regional board recommended two replacements but had not agreed on a third. Macchio said the resolution would appoint the two recommended community representatives and include temporary language that the most recently appointed elected representative on the regional Board of Health would step down until the county appoints the third non-elected member.
Macchio told the commissioners the WAC regulations and the RCW interpret representation based on actual appointed members, not on the roster of positions, and that leaving a position unfilled could require an elected member to stand down to maintain the elected/non-elected balance. He described the vetting process for non-elected applicants as extensive and noted that the county can set rules around how vacancies and referrals are handled.
The resolution appointed Dr. Bleichowski May to represent public health/health care facilities and providers and Patricia Kinholtz to represent consumers of public health. Public comment on the by-leave item was solicited; none was offered. Because of the provision affecting elected membership, one commissioner abstained and one voted against the motion. The board recorded the vote as three in favor, one opposed and one abstention; the chair said the action will be temporary and the county hopes to restore the full panel promptly once the third appointment is completed.
Commissioner Chris Jordan was identified in the discussion as the most recently appointed elected representative; the resolution's language would have him step down temporarily pending the third non-elected appointment. Macchio said he had spoken with the health board attorney and reviewed the WAC guidance before recommending the approach.
The resolution passed and county staff said they will continue work to identify and appoint the remaining community representative to restore the board's intended composition.
Votes at a glance: resolution to appoint two non-elected members and include temporary stepping-down language passed 3–1–1 (three yes, one no, one abstention).
