County reviews health-board roster, notes vacancy after member's death; appointments expected in January

Crawford County commissioners reviewed the makeup of the county health board Dec. 9 after an executive-session briefing with a health-board representative.

Speaker 5 summarized the statutory framework for counties under 200,000 population, which requires seven board members and limits the number of members from a single political party. He listed current members and terms, including Ray Stroud (RN, term through Dec. 2025), Donna Hough (RN, term through Dec. 2027) and Annette Gilliland (RN, term beginning Jan. 2025). He said Linda Apple, previously listed with a term through Dec. 2026, is deceased and that vacancy must be filled; the Marengo town board is expected to submit a recommendation of three candidates for the commissioners to appoint.

Speaker 5 also listed other members and appointment types, including Gina Mason (general public), Melissa Allen (veterinarian) and Gary Holloway (county-council appointment), and said no official action was taken during the executive session — the purpose was to gather information. Commissioners discussed timing and indicated they will likely make appointments in January; under the statute nominees continue to serve until replaced, so no statutory deadline forced immediate action.

Next steps: the county will await Marengo’s recommendation for the vacancy and will place appointments on the January agenda for formal action.