Commissioners OK nine-member planning board
By BRENT SHRUM Western News Reporter
Lincoln County's planning board will have nine members, with two each from the Libby, Troy and Eureka areas, two appointed on an at-large basis and one representing the county's conservation district board.
The county commissioners approved the nine-member format on Wednesday after discussing various options. State law requires at least five members, one of whom must represent the conservation district.
"I don't think five is enough," said Commissioner Marianne Roose.
Roose suggested nine or 12 members. Commissioner Rita Windom advocated a larger board, noting plans to create subcommittees representing various unincorporated communities around the county like Happy's Inn.
"I like 15," she said.
But Commissioner John Konzen pointed out that such a large board could become unwieldy.
"I see nine as a reasonable number to be able to all get together occasionally," he said. "The larger you make it, the harder it becomes."
The assorted unincorporated communities around the county can still form their own committees to work on local issues and present their recommendations to the county board, Roose said.
"Nine of those areas truly would be excluded," she said. "It would just be a different process."
Windom agreed on the practicality of a nine-member board and voted to approve the proposal along with the other commissioners.
The commissioners voted in favor of forming a planning board following a public hearing last week. The county is currently advertising for board members, with the application period open through Friday, Feb. 24.
The board will initially be charged with the development of a comprehensive growth policy for the county. State law calls for such a policy to be in place by Oct. 1.
The board will also work with the planning department and advise the commissioners regarding land use policy and development proposals. Responsibilities would include reviewing land use developments and administering subdivision regulations.