BOCC elects new chair, alters vice chair position

By Soncirey Mitchell
Reader Staff

Brian Domke is the new chair of the Bonner County board of commissioners, after a Sept. 23 vote to alter the terms and election procedures for the BOCC’s chair and vice chair positions.

The change codifies an idea that Domke suggested at his swearing-in ceremony in January. The title of chair will now rotate between the three commissioners every eight months; and, in the chair’s absence, the commissioners will elect a “temporary chair,” rather than relying on an established vice chair.

“During the discussion regarding the election of the chair, I offered the perspective that the chair position is one that creates additional duties and responsibilities for the elected board member and that the position of chair should be shared equally throughout the duration of the two-year term of the board,” said Domke, who replaces Commissioner Asia Williams as BOCC chair.

“I just want to state clearly that this is not anything personal when it comes to the performance of our current chairwoman,” he later added.

Commissioner Ron Korn made the motion to elect Domke as the chair, which Williams seconded “for discussion.” Although all three commissioners acknowledged the value of routinely exchanging positions, Williams said that it made more sense to switch chairs after each election cycle, as has been the historical practice.

“Rotating arbitrarily on an eight-month schedule — I understand the idea behind it and I understand the desire to do that,” Williams said. “I think it should just be done when the county is structured to reorganize its board.”

The motion passed 2-0 with Williams abstaining. Domke will hold the position of chair until May, when Korn will assume the role.

The board has historically elected a vice chair to stand in in the chair’s absence; however, according to Domke, the vice chair’s powers aren’t clearly outlined in Idaho or Bonner County Code.

“The full extent of the duties and authority of the vice chair position is not known to have been formally defined, which can create confusion,” said Domke. “As such, it is my suggestion that the board of commissioners dissolve the position of vice chair and adopt the use of Idaho Code 31-706 … .”

According to I.C. 31-706, when the chair is absent or unable to act, “the members present must, by an order, select one of their number to act as chairman temporarily.” 

Domke further proposed adding language that limits the temporary chair’s duties to the scope of the meeting they chaired and gives them the legal authority to sign documents discussed therein.

When asked what would happen if the two remaining commissioners can’t agree on a temporary chair in the absence of the chair, Korn said, “I think that would be unprofessional.”

The motion passed unanimously.