Chelan County appoints Cappell to vacant auditor seat

WENATCHEE — The Chelan County Board of County Commissioners has appointed chief deputy auditor Brandt Cappell to fill the vacated position of Chelan County auditor.

The decision fills the term of former Auditor Skip Moore, who retired in late April, eight months before the end of his term. Cappell has been serving as the acting auditor since May 1, according to the county. 

The commissioners reached a consensus on June 15 to offer the appointment to Cappell, one of three names submitted by the Chelan County Republican Central Committee to fill the role. According to county officials, the commissioners held interviews with the three applicants before reaching a consensus. A resolution will be presented to the board for signature at its June 22 regular meeting. Cappell accepted the appointment, which will begin July 1. 

Cappell will hold the office until voters elect an auditor during the general election on Nov. 3. Cappell is on the ballot alongside Brian Brett, a recently retired Wenatchee Valley Fire Chief and CPA. General elections are typically certified in late November. 

“The state constitution clearly outlines how these appointments are made. At the same time, the board is very sensitive to the fact that a general election is approaching,” said Commissioner Shon Smith, chairman of the board. “Our decision today is not an endorsement of any candidate vying for the office of county auditor. That person will be chosen by the voters.”

The county’s legislative authority is required to fill the vacancy, provided that the person appointed is from the same legislative district and is of the same political party as the elected official who left office. The person appointed must be one of three people nominated by a county central committee. The Republican Central Committee provided the following names for consideration: Cappell, Moore and Aaron Young, who is currently vying for a seat on the Chelan PUD Board of Commissioners this election.

The commissioners have up to 60 days from the vacancy to make a selection. After that, authority is given to the governor to make an appointment from the list of three names.