Cascade County Board of Health Needs a Course Correction

On November 5, 2025, I attended the Cascade County City-County Board of Health monthly meeting and spoke during public comment.  I have also been following recent reduction in funding to this department and the potential decline in ability to service our community.

In this meeting, the Family Health Services Division Manager’s report communicated how these deficiencies in funding and staffing have impacted the performance of the department.   It should be understood that this is a responsibility of all County management staff . . . to identify and address to the governing body, concerns regarding health, welfare and safety of our community members.

One must have courage to bring problems to a higher board and I applaud Ms. Jones (Division Manager) for holding these qualities.  This was a demonstration of her commitment to the success of her staff, our City-County Health Department and the citizens of our community.

In doing so, Ms. Jones was chastised by the Chair of the Board of Health, labeling her attempt to educate and inform, a “tirade”.  From that point forward, the atmosphere in this meeting declined.   This was unlike what was experienced when attending past meetings and listening to past recorded meetings.  The Chair’s stricken demeanor halted the performance of the entire Board of Health.

Additionally, public participation in the meeting was met with the same stricken demeanor.  Initially rising to give public comment, I was told by the Chair that I had four minutes to speak.  Reviewing past BOH meetings and referring to BOH bylaws, I see no reference to a time limit for public comment.  As a matter of fact, many comments in past meetings went far beyond 4 minutes without constraint.

Secondly, when Ms. Jones rose to give public comments, the Chair said, 

“Jo Viviane, ‘we’ are referring your quote unquote report as a public comment so you’ve already had your public comment for today.” 

If the Board indeed came to the consensus to not allow Ms. Jones to make public comment, you must know it is unlawful to deny any citizen their right to participate based on open meeting laws (MCA Title 2, Chapter 3) which apply to the Cascade County Board of Health.  Government employees and managers retain rights as private citizens to comment during this time, especially on topics unrelated to their official presentation.  In fact, it has been common for BOH officials to contribute personally.  During COVID-era BOH meetings, public health staff provided official input and fielded public questions informally, showing flexibility in engagement.  

This restriction by the Chair gave the appearance of a partiality toward Ms. Jones likely due to concerns brought forward in her report which explained an expedited date of her forthcoming resignation.

Note:  A different Chair was in place, where it is evidenced meetings were more productive and inviting.  

It would be serve the community for the Board of Health to appoint a different Chair for the reasons stated above and that also the integrity of the placement of Commissioner Briggs on the Board of Health is flawed.  Current State law, MCA 50-2-106(2)(a) and Cascade City-County Board of Health bylaws mandate; 

“A city-county board of health consists of: (a) one person appointed by the county commissioners who serves at their pleasure;”

The current BOH Chair, Commissioner Briggs, had not been appointed to serve on the Board of Health by his peers.  Serving as a County Commissioner in the entirety of 2023 and 2024, the Board of County Commissioners held no meetings to assign community board appointments such as the Board of Health, and you will find no meeting minutes to reflect any such appointment.  Commissioner Briggs is serving on the BOH in a self-appointed, unlawful capacity.

Research after the November 5 meeting brought about another observation that should be addressed by the Board of Health sooner rather than later.   Current state law, MCA 50-2-106 (3) and the Cascade City-County Board of Health bylaws mandate;

“The board must be composed of at least five persons. Terms of appointed members must be staggered and must be for 3 years each.” 

The definition of “staggered” is not present in the bylaws, other than that the County Commissioners and the City Commissioners shall establish the staggered order.  The current expiration of BOH members looks like this:

Staggering terms of board members is practiced to enhance continuity and reduce heavy turnover, particularly during stressful events.  Viewing the expiration chart above, continuity is poorly balanced and also shows an expired officer on the Board.  Accessing the meeting minutes from January – March of 2025, I hear no mention why Dr. Amthor has been retained after the expiration of her term in this position.

Note:  Historic county records were not able to be found regarding a pattern in term succession being set within months between appointments, rather than within years.

Understandably, it is difficult to fill volunteer positions on local boards.  However, a welcoming atmosphere where participation is encouraged, lending a sense of accomplishment to those participating, offers incentive for recruitment.

With all of the above aforementioned, the Board will want to think about succession now with organizing of officers taking place the first regular meeting following the first day of January each year.  

When sensitive subjects such as those brought up in the November 5, 2025 meeting go before a Board, it is imperative that leadership embrace the viewpoints and expertise of those willing to contribute.  Strong leadership is knowledgeable, patient, principled, captivating and forward-thinking.  Citizens of our county look for these qualities in our Board of Health as we seek to comprehend and control the internal crises currently before the Cascade County City-County Health Department.

Be a part of the changes you wish to see Cascade County.  Become a board member and become a voice.