There is hereby established the Whatcom County veterans' advisory board.
(Ord. 2006-025 Exh. A; Ord. 2020-007 Exh. A)
The board is created pursuant to RCW 73.08.035 to advise the county council on the needs of local veterans, the resources available to local veterans, and programs that could benefit the needs of local veterans and their families. The county council and county executive shall consult with and solicit recommendations from the advisory board to determine the appropriate services needed for local veterans.
(Ord. 2006-025 Exh. A; Ord. 2020-007 Exh. A)
Only veterans who are residents of Whatcom County are eligible to serve as board members. Veteran status is defined per RCW 73.08.005 or 41.04.005. No fewer than a number constituting a majority of the board members shall be members from nationally recognized veterans' service organizations. The county council and county executive shall solicit representatives from either local branches of nationally recognized veterans' service organizations or the veterans' community at large to serve on the board.
(Ord. 2006-025 Exh. A; Ord. 2020-007 Exh. A)
Members of the board shall be appointed by the county executive and confirmed by the county council. The board shall consist of up to nine members, appointed to terms of four years. A majority of that number of potential members must be present at any meeting to constitute a quorum for purposes of conducting business. Members may be reappointed and confirmed in the same manner as provided herein for initial appointment.
(Ord. 2006-025 Exh. A; Ord. 2020-007 Exh. A)
Service on the board is voluntary. The county council may provide for reimbursement to board members for appropriate qualified expenses, consistent with county procedures and policies for such reimbursement.
(Ord. 2006-025 Exh. A; Ord. 2020-007 Exh. A)