County seeks permission to re-open businesses

POMEROY–Garfield County Commissioner Justin Dixon discussed a letter received from the Stevens County Commissioners during the Garfield County Commissioners’ meeting April 27, asking Governor Inslee and Secretary Eastman to consider allowing northeastern Washington counties to begin re-opening businesses that have been shut down due to the “Stay at Home” requirements relating to the COVID-19 pandemic 27.

The letter stated northeastern Washington counties have not been hit as hard with the coronavirus as western Washington counties. Stevens County is requesting permission to rescind the Governor’s Proclamation, with the commitment to continue observing the recommended precautions to protect their employees’ and citizens’ health.

Dixon stated he has seen similar letters from other surrounding counties, and feels that Garfield County should also support these other counties, in addition to our own local businesses, by taking a similar action. Commissioner Wynne McCabe responded by saying he would support a statement tailored to our own community, but not an actual rescinding of the Proclamation. Commissioner Bob Johnson agreed that they should support the neighboring counties.

Dixon will draft a letter to be reviewed and discussed at the next meeting, Monday, May 4, 2020. He added that Columbia and Whitman counties are considering the same action, but he has not heard from Asotin County. He reported that eight local business have requested financial assistance from SEWEDA, and Columbia Pulp is closed for a total of about 60 days.