PORT ANGELES — Mike Doherty was re-elected chairman of the Clallam County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday.
Mike Chapman was elected vice chair for 2010 during a 13-minute meeting at the Clallam County courthouse.
The third commissioner, Steve Tharinger, said he made the leadership motion for the sake of government efficiency and economics.
“We don’t have to change any of the letterhead,” said Tharinger, the outgoing vice chairman. “Just trying to be budget conscious.”
Doherty, a Democrat for Port Angeles, became a county commissioner in 1976. He was re-elected in 1998, 2002 and 2006.
His district covers the western third of Clallam County.
Doherty’s current term expires in December 2011.
Chapman, an independent from Port Angeles, was elected as commissioner in 2000 and has served ever since.
His district includes central Clallam County.
Chapman’s current term expires in December 2012.
Tsunami sirens
The commissioners then approved agreements with the Washington State Military Department for installation, testing and maintenance of tsunami warning sirens at Dungeness and Clallam Bay.
The sirens will add to a network of sirens operating at LaPush, Neah Bay, Lower Elwha, Port Angeles, Sequim and Diamond Point.
Federal funds will cover the $84,100 cost of the new sirens.
The sirens will go on 40-foot-tall power poles. They are tested on the first Monday of each month.
Jamye Wisecup, program coordinator for the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Division, said Sekiu will get its own siren in about two years.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.