County Auditor Deal to retire

POMEROY- After 37 years of service, County Garfield County Auditor Donna Deal, presented a letter of retirement to the Garfield County Commissioners during their regular meeting March 2, 2020. Her resignation will take effect April 30, 2020, leaving two and one-half years of her term. Deal included a recommendation of McKenzie Lueck to be considered to fill the position. She stated that she has been working with the staff to prepare for her departure and to make the transition as smooth as possible. “We now have all our ducks in a row,” said Deal, and added that she almost didn’t even run for re-election the last time.

The person who fills the remainder of Deal’s term will have to run for that position in the next election.

District Court Clerk Katie Magill, stated that she has consulted Judge Thomas Cox, Sheriff Drew Hyer, and two Superior Court Judge candidates, about the new sound system. It was agreed upon that video conferencing capabilities would increase safety and allow communication between the courtroom, Sheriff’s Office and other counties. Magill will spend more time researching equipment requirements and costs, as well as grant opportunities. There are some funds available now, but she will search for grant opportunities and other funding.

Rod Norland, Garfield County Public Works, reported that while awaiting final approvals from the State for flood damage repair, they will work on culverts and road repairs for now. Grant Morgan, Director of Public Works, added that they will be inspecting the Camp Wooten and Tucannon bridges, which have been reported to be unsafe. Camp Wooten has had to cancel some events due to road wash out and bridge damage.

Morgan also announced that the Garfield County Building and Planning Department will hold another public hearing for comments on the proposed Bryan Canyon Estates Subdivision, March 16, 2020, 11 a.m., at the Garfield County Public Works Office at Nineteenth St. and Arlington St., Pomeroy.

Garfield County Sheriff, Drew Hyer, reported that there was an employee injury incident February 27, 2020, when the employee slipped on the wet floor in the Sheriff’s Office restroom. The employee has been resting at home due to an injured back, and an injury report has been filed. He also reported that he has received 10 applications for the open Deputy position, and the application period will close March 6, 2020. He received a report from Rachel Anderson that several seniors have experienced fraudulent contacts by scammers, and she requested that the sheriff visit with them at the senior center about their concerns. Undersheriff Calvin Dansereau is attending the FBI Academy being held in Walla Walla this week, to fulfill Undersheriff requirements of a Command College Certificate.

The commissioners went into executive session at 10:30 a.m. to discuss the results of the interviews for the new Garfield County position of maintenance worker.

The next meeting of the Garfield County Commissioners will be held Monday, March 9, 2020, at 9 a.m., at the Garfield County Courthouse. The Seal Coat Aggregate Supply bids will be opened at 9:30 a.m. during the meeting.