The Southern District Health Board saves about $2000, plus travel and other expenses, every month Health Minister Tony Ryall does not make the final appointment to its board.
It is nearly six months since Mr Ryall named three ministerial appointments to join seven elected members. In November, Mr Ryall said the fourth appointment would be "soon".
Funding and finance general manager Robert Mackway-Jones said the unfilled spot contributed to a $194,000 "democracy" cost saving for the first six months of the board's term: meeting fees, mileage, accommodation and other expenses.
Most of the savings were because fewer members were required for the merged DHB, which had its first election in October and took office in December.
Mr Mackway-Jones said "democracy" expenses incorrectly showed as unfavourable in the board's finances because all the anticipated direct savings from the Otago and Southland district health board merger - $500,000 a year - had been mistakenly booked to it when they should be spread to different budget areas.
Board members get $25,000 a year, as well as $250 for each committee meeting attended, for a maximum of 10 a year.
Mr Ryall is in Europe and could not respond, but the Ministry of Health, which manages the appointment process, told the Otago Daily Times it was still seeking someone.
Under the Official Information Act, the board released the cost of advertising its position in March on the controversial Queenstown health services configuration.
The advertisements' stated purpose was to counter "alarm" caused by publicity about the issue. The board spent a total of $4898.52 for advertisements in The Southland Times, Otago Daily Times, and Mountain Scene.
