The Lane County Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 Jan. 13 to appoint Dave Hunter to the Blue River Water District board of directors, restoring a quorum after recent resignations.
Assistant county counsel Steve Thiel explained the board’s statutory obligation to fill the vacancy and said commissioners had been provided applications to consider. Sarah Hunter, who identified herself as living in the Blue River Water District, urged the board to appoint someone so the district can have a quorum, pay its bills and conduct business: “All we’re asking for is to appoint someone to the vacancy on the water district board so we can have a constant quorum,” she said.
Vice Chair Buck moved to approve Order 26-01-13-06 and appoint Dave Hunter effective immediately; Commissioner Lovell seconded the motion. Commissioners noted that the applications were thin but that the district’s need for a quorum and a recent resignation made filling the seat urgent. The motion carried 5-0.
The board also approved a consent calendar change earlier in the meeting substituting Commissioner Buck for Commissioner Farr on the Lane Workforce Partnership Board. The consent item passed 5-0.
The Blue River Water District appointment will allow the local district board to meet and address outstanding business; commissioners said they expect the district may appoint a second applicant to fill another vacancy once the board is functional.