Commissioners set to approve health officer contract
This Dec. 1, 2020, file photo shows the building that houses the Flathead City-County Health Department at 1035 1st Ave. W. in Kalispell. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Flathead County Commissioners on Tuesday are set to vote on a contract that would bring the county’s interim health officer onboard permanently.
Jennifer Rankosky has been serving as the county’s interim health officer since June. Prior to taking over in the interim role, she worked as the department’s population health manager and its preparedness coordinator. She has worked for the county department for roughly two decades.
Commissioners are set at 11 a.m. to vote on the two-year employment agreement, which if approved would be effective immediately. The annual salary for the position is listed as $125,000.
Commissioners meet in the historic County Courthouse, 800 S. Main St., Kalispell.
The county has been looking for a health officer for more than two years. Former Health Officer Joe Russell came out of retirement in 2020 to fill the position after each of the two previous health officers resigned, but his contract expired at the end of June 2022.
Following a search, the commissioners in May voted against hiring the lone applicant who made it to a final interview following the recommendation of the health board.
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.