Pacific County commissioners appoint Nicole Deskins as county auditor, effective Dec. 1

The Pacific County Board of County Commissioners voted Oct. 31 to appoint Nicole Deskins as county auditor, effective Dec. 1, 2025, following a second round of interviews and an executive session to evaluate candidate qualifications under state law.

The motion to appoint Deskins — moved and seconded by members of the board — stated the appointment was made “in accordance with RCW 36.16.110” and that she will hold office until the next general election. The board approved the motion by voice vote; the public transcript records ayes but does not list individual commissioner roll‑call votes by name.

Deskins appeared earlier in the meeting for a second‑round interview, where she told the board she would prioritize cross‑training staff, strengthening internal controls, and improving the county’s elections and finance operations. She said she is learning the Department of Licensing and financial duties, plans to be “a strong backbone” for staff, and would prioritize hiring or securing payroll continuity to avoid service interruptions.

The appointment followed an executive session the board held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. that the chair said was convened to evaluate qualifications for an elective office under RCW 42.30.110(1). The board then returned to open session and took the appointment vote.

Deskins’s appointment begins Dec. 1, and the board said the appointee will serve until the next general election, at which point the seat will be on the ballot.