Irrigation district notifies county of director's death; commissioners direct staff to prepare appointment process

Representatives for the South Columbia Basin Irrigation District informed Franklin County commissioners on March 18 that director JJ Dance had died and presented a resolution honoring his years of service.

John Crotty, attorney for the district, and Kelly Pearson Geddes, the district treasurer, told the board the district had passed a resolution honoring Dance and notified the county that it is the county's responsibility to appoint a replacement for the Division 2 seat (Basin City and surrounding areas). The district offered to assist with the process and submit applications if the board wanted staff to advertise the vacancy.

Commissioners discussed the selection approach and preferred that the district present several candidates for consideration. Commissioner Didier noted a preference to see all applicants if more than three apply; other commissioners said it was fine to receive a curated list of three names to expedite the process. Commissioner Baumann moved that the board direct the county administrator to prepare a process with standardized questions for appointment candidates; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The board also read and accepted a letter of recognition and condolences for JJ Dance; several commissioners and community members offered personal recollections of his community service.

Next steps: County administrator Danzel will draft candidate questions and a selection process and interface with the irrigation district to receive applications and recommendations for an appointment.