A request was made a few months ago that the San Juan County Hospital Board consider live or video streaming of their meetings so more of the public could be involved without having to physically attend.

The initial setup cost, along with the annual fee was minimal, but the Board cited budgetary constraints and wasn’t sure if there was enough public interest, and rejected it.

With help from a handful of people, and the permission from the County Council, the request for live-streaming was presented to the Board once again and they were strongly persuaded to vote in favor, which now allows for a greater number of people to watch the meetings from home.

This will shine a larger spotlight on the Board’s conduct and decision-making, and it allows for greater transparency to the taxpayers.

Meetings are now held at the County Council chambers every fourth Wednesday, at 5 p.m. Otherwise, feel free to go to the San Juan County website to view “streamed meetings” at home.

Leslie Brennan/San Juan Island