Washington County board reappoints chair by acclamation, elects committee chairs and honors retiring supervisors

The Washington County Board of Supervisors conducted officer elections for committee chairs and vice chairs, confirmed the incumbent chair would continue, and adopted commendations for three outgoing supervisors.

Chair opened nominations for chairperson; with no competing nominations the current chair said he would continue to serve. The board then held a draw and nomination process for standing committee chairs. The clerk read results after ballots: "Supervisor Kelling wins as chair for the land use and planning committee with 12 votes," the clerk announced, and other committee chairs were selected by unanimous ballot or by vote as recorded.

Balloting for leadership continued: Supervisor Mike Schwab won the first vice chair position; Dennis Kelling won the second vice chair position after ballots between him and Doug Newman. The board also nominated and confirmed chairs for Public Works, Human Services and Public Safety, with Doug Newman selected for Public Safety by unanimous ballot.

The board moved and seconded commendations recognizing Lois Krieger Gundram, Jody Schulteis and Linda Gorath for their service. The clerk read standard commendation language for each departing supervisor, the board approved the resolutions by voice vote, and the honored supervisors offered brief remarks thanking colleagues.

The board adjourned after completing the elections and commendations and set the next regular meeting for Wednesday, 05/13/2026 at 6 p.m.