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SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners voted Tuesday to revise an anti-mask resolution that had been proposed last week by Commissioner Steve Bradshaw.

The discussion ended with Bradshaw making a motion to revise the resolution to be brought before commissioners next Tuesday.

The resolution is a pre-emptive measure prohibiting Bonner County from implementing a mask mandate, should one ever be proposed.

“I think the masks should be your choice, not somebody else's. Your medical decision should not be sent down by somebody forcing you to do it. That should be your option,” said Bradshaw in an interview with the Daily Bee.

This is the second week the resolution has appeared before commissioners. Last time, a vote on the resolution was delayed because not all commissioners were present to vote on it.

With all commissioners present Tuesday, the board listened to public comment and then discussed the specific wording used in the resolution.

“I have a problem with this structurally while I agree with the content,” said Commissioner Dan McDonald.

Concerns over the wording of the resolution focused on the limits of the commissioners’ authority over what they can and cannot enforce.

“This year we’ve gained authority from the state Legislature that if they try to push a mask mandate, if Panhandle Health does, then we’re the final say and it goes county by county,” said McDonald.

Commissioners grappled with the question as to whether it was reasonable to pass a resolution that was not related to any specific law or mandate.

Currently, there is no mask mandate imposed for Bonner County. Due to a recent change in state legislation passed this year, counties now have the final say in recommendations made by non-legislative bodies, such as Panhandle Health.

But in exchange for the increase in power, counties are now shouldered with paying for all of the health districts’ expenses. Before, the state paid over half of the costs.

“The governor never mandated mask wearing, Panhandle Health mandated mask wearing,” said Commissioner Jeff Connolly at the beginning of the discussion. “If Panhandle Health brings a mask mandate forward, or suggests that’s what we do, then it comes before us and we have a discussion in front of the public and vote accordingly.”

McDonald expanded on Connolly’s point after public comment.

“If this would have been written a little bit more focused with mask mandates, I would probably support it,” he said. “It’s best and most prudent for elected officials to wait and hear arguments from both sides.”

Commissioners will be listening to all sides at their next business meeting on Sept. 14 at 9 a.m. in the County Administration Building,1500 U.S. 2. Meetings are open to the public. Those unable to attend in person can stream the meeting on the Bonner County YouTube channel and Zoom.