DAYTON—The Columbia County Commissioners met on Monday, November 1. They discussed multiple resolutions, set a date for a public hearing regarding levy certifications, and discussed a behavioral services contract.

The commissioners discussed Resolution 2021-48, Award 2017 Bridge Rail Update. This is a federally funded resolution aimed at fixing bridges, including the Turner Road Bridge. They were unsure of when the work would happen. The commissioners awarded the contract to Frank Gurney, Inc.

The commissioners then discussed Resolution 2021-49, Notice of Weight Restrictions. The resolution was identical to the 2020 resolution. One permanent restriction, on Tucannon for 513, and the two seasonal restrictions included Hartsock Grade and Hatley Gulch. This resolution can be in effect for a maximum of 400 days, in accordance with RCW 36-75.

The following resolution, Resolution 2021-50, covered a long list of county roads that could be closed for the winter. The roads, which are closed for climatic reasons, include gated roads and roads that could be closed for extended or short periods due to weather-related conditions, according to Chuck Eaton, Public Works Director. This resolution does not cover asphalt or paved roads that are regularly plowed.

Commissioner Hall asked if low-use roads that are seeing an increase in houses being built will be included in the resolution or receive snow removal service. Eaton said the county passed an ordinance before his time in the department that allowed landowners to access closed or un-maintained roads to get to their homes. He also noted that the county issues warnings to property owners in affected areas before closing the road.

Eaton said that road classifications could be raised or lowered depending on the situation, if necessary. The commissioners approved the resolution.

Eaton brought up potential equipment acquisitions. The county rents a Flaherty chip spreader with an operator from Asotin County. That machine needs repair, and Asotin officials approached Eaton, suggesting Garfield and Columbia’s counties share the cost of a new Flaherty with Asotin County. The total cost would be roughly $360,000, but Eaton was unsure how the costs would be split. Eaton said that the county spends an estimated $111,500 per year for chip sealing and painting.

Commissioner Hall said he would like to know the cost of the current rental agreement with Asotin County and if the rental option would continue to be an option if the county decided not to partner for the purchase.

Eaton said that Barker Construction is selling equipment, and the county has contracted with them for snow blowing services in the past. The company has offered the snowblower to the county for $24,000. Commissioner Amerein asked if the county could inspect the snowblower which had an attractive price if the machine is in good condition. Eaton said he would be willing to send mechanics to inspect the machine if the commissioners are interested.

Barker Construction also has a contract with surrounding area windmill companies to clear snow from their access roads, and Commissioner Hall asked if there was any possibility of picking that contract up with the purchase of the snowblower. Eaton said that the contract could be possible but could not say for certain.

The commissioners were interested in learning more about the equipment purchases, and Eaton will provide additional information.

The commissioners will hold a public hearing to discuss fee schedules on November 15, at 12:15 p.m. Attendees are welcome to bring lunch and eat during the hearing, keeping people who work during the day in mind.

A public hearing was also set for December 6 to discuss improvement plans, transportation plans, and construction.

Chuck Belany commented on the broadband project, referencing a friend who shared that their internet provider, CenturyLink, had installed its own broadband infrastructure in Weston, Ore. He also said that someone in town asked him if broadband in surrounding areas had attracted new business.

Commissioner Rundell stated that the commissioners have not yet decided on how to spend the money. Still, he felt that the county should provide some money for the broadband project, with Commissioner Hall adding that they may have trouble finding a working home for the ARPA funds if they don’t use it for the broadband project.

Columbia County Extension presented their budget for preliminary review. The overall budget increased by roughly $2,000, attributed to communications, including internet needs, according to extension representatives.

After discussing the vacant administrator position at Columbia County Public Health, the commissioners are considering splitting the position between two interim directors. Current Public Health employees Chelsey Eaton and Delphine Bailey would split the responsibilities. A final decision was not made at the meeting. Pay increases will be discussed later.

The commissioners met with Dimita Warren, a provider at Blue Mountain Counseling, regarding a behavioral services contract. The last contract the county held with the counseling provider ended in December 2020. The renewed contract would be almost identical to previous contracts. Warren said she did not expect anything to happen with the contract being inactive for nearly a year; however, she noted that it may get questioned in an audit. The new agreement will be in effect from December 2021- December 2022.

The commissioners heard from Misty Yost, who shared a letter written and signed by the E-9-11 department staff. The letter, expressed support for E-9-11 Director Ashley Strickland, following aggressive letters and inquiries regarding the director’s use of a department pickup that was purchased through grant money.

The letter expressed that Strickland has boosted morale, with one person saying that, Strickland was the best supervisor they have had in their 25 years with the department. They said Strickland has adequately staffed the office to avoid workplace crisis, kept the equipment in great working order, and encouraged calling him in the event of an emergency. They described the previous workplace environment as toxic, suffocating, and chaotic.

“While publicly scrutinizing the county’s budget is expected and understood, making personal attacks against a county employee is appalling, uncalled for and does not promote positivity,” stated the signees.

The commissioners adjourned the meeting shortly after Yost presented the letter.