The Clark County Council voted this week to amend its rules of procedure, granting a majority of councillors the authority to dictate how an appointed member votes on any county board or commission and to remove that member for any reason. The change, which took effect immediately, has reignited discussion about the council’s 2025 decision to remove former C‑TRAN Board of Directors member Michelle Belcott.
What the new rules entail
Under the revised procedure, a simple majority of council members can issue binding instructions to an appointed official on how to cast votes on matters before the board. The amendment also adds language allowing the council to dismiss an appointed member without specifying a cause, effectively giving the council broader oversight over appointed boards.
Why the change matters to Belcott’s removal
Michelle Belcott, who served on the C‑TRAN board until her removal in 2025, argues that the council’s new rules validate her claim that the original removal lacked clear statutory authority. At the time, the council cited performance concerns, but no specific procedural provision was cited to justify the action.
Supporters of the amendment say it clarifies the council’s power to ensure appointed officials align with county policy. Critics contend that applying the rule retroactively could undermine the legitimacy of past decisions, including Belcott’s removal.
Public input sought
Clark County Today is inviting readers to weigh in via an online poll. Respondents can choose one of four options: “Yes, the new rules show the authority was not previously cleared,” “Possibly, but the circumstances still matter,” “No, the council was justified,” or “Not sure.” The poll aims to gauge community sentiment on whether the council’s procedural overhaul casts doubt on the 2025 removal.
Background on C‑TRAN and the council’s oversight role
C‑TRAN operates the public transit system serving Clark County and parts of neighboring Vancouver, Washington. The board of directors, composed of appointed members, oversees budgeting, service planning, and fare policies. Historically, the county council has exercised appointment power but has not directly instructed board members on specific votes.
The council’s decision to modify its procedural rules reflects a broader trend among local governments to tighten oversight of appointed bodies. Proponents argue that such measures promote accountability and ensure that board actions reflect the elected officials’ policy priorities.
Community reaction
Local business owners, parents, and transit riders have expressed mixed feelings. Some worry that increased council control could politicize transit decisions, while others believe it will align services more closely with taxpayer expectations.
“We need transparency and clear authority,” said a longtime Clark County resident who asked to remain anonymous. “If the council can tell a board how to vote, they should have been able to do that when they removed Ms. Belcott, too. Otherwise, it looks like a double standard.”
Others argue that the council’s ability to remove appointed members is a necessary tool for maintaining effective governance.
Next steps
The council will review poll results and may consider further adjustments to its procedural framework. Meanwhile, the C‑TRAN board continues its work on service expansions and fare adjustments, with the next public meeting scheduled for early October.
Readers can cast their vote and read the full discussion at ClarkCountyToday.com.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
