Flathead commissioners turn down health officer applicant

May 11—Flathead County Commissioners on Tuesday decided to continue the search for a new health officer.

Following the recommendation of the Flathead City-County Board of Health, the commission voted 2-1 against hiring applicant Michael Chambers. Randy Brodehl was the lone vote in favor of hiring Chambers.

"I'm going to have to honor the heath board decision," commissioner Brad Abell said prior to the vote.

There was no other discussion on the matter at Tuesday's meeting.

Chambers was the first candidate to make it to the public interview process since the search for a full-time health officer began more than two years ago.

Last week the health board voted 4-2 in it recommendation against hiring Chambers, citing concerns about his lack of experience. Chambers is administrator for the Macon County Health Department in Missouri, where he oversees 14 employees. There are about 67 full-time employees at the Flathead County Health Department.

The county was aiming to fill the role by June, when Interim Health Officer Joe Russell's most recent contract expires. Russell has indicated he won't renew his contract again.

The search for a permanent health officer dates back to 2020 after former health officer Hillary Hanson, who replaced Russell, and former interim health officer Tamalee St. James Robinson, each resigned.

A firm hired to assist with the candidate search will now go out for a second round of applicants.

The salary for the health officer position is listed at $125,000, plus benefits and an additional $12,500 to cover moving expenses.

The health officer reports to the county commissioners and the board of health.

Montana law requires that a health officer holds a master's in public health, be a physician or have equivalent experience and education.