In an early morning special meeting on Tuesday, July 20, the Washington County Board of Health appointed Karri Fish as its Privacy Officer and Peggy Wood, signatory authority.

Both appointments resulted from the announced resignation of Administrator Danielle Pettit-Majewski, effective August 4. Pettit-Majewski submitted her letter to the board July 8, officially accepted at its regular meeting July 15.

The board also, after a full discussion, approved posting for applicants (at three key sites), setting a deadline of 4:30 p.m. August 27 to receive applications.

During the discussion, board member Jack Seward, Jr. noted that there were four replacement options outlined last week to consider as well as the “structure of the position.” He explained that the board can consider proceeding with one of the four or a possible fifth. The options are sharing an administrator, subcontracting for one with another agency, continuing with a county one and a hospital partnership. The fifth would be a different “structure” for the job.

Board member Chris Grier, DC, agreeing with the posting, stressed that the board has some time to make its decision and should gather information about all options.

The major discussion was obtaining an interim administrator and Chairman Cathy Huffington reported she had spoken with Chris Estle, administrator for Jefferson County Public Health whose board “were okay with the idea.” The interim position, if pursued, could be from August through November.

Seward noted that his experience with similar situations in the past should involve discussions between both boards to determine not only the time period but also salary, responsibilities and related issues.

Further suggestions were to seek staff and employee input and to allow sufficient time for them, the board set work sessions for 7 a.m. Friday, July 23 and a second for 7 a.m. August 3. The sessions are open meeting for discussion; no formal decisions will be made.