County aids SEWEDA with small business support

POMEROY–The Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) voted to contribute $25,000 to the assistance of local small businesses in conjunction with $50,000 in funds being distributed through the Southeast Washington Economic Development Association (SEWEDA), at the August 17 meeting. Garfield County received COVID-19 funding through the CARES Act, which must be spent by the end of October, 2020.

All COVID-19 related County expenditures by all departments were totaled and determined that approximately $25,000 is available to use for small-business support. SEWEDA also has $50,000 for the same use, which will need to be spread across Asotin, Columbia and Garfield counties. SEWEDA sent out a request for local businesses apply if interested in participating in this second round of assistance during the pandemic. Applications will be reviewed and discussed at the August 24 meeting.

The BOCC met again with Garfield County Fair Board President Sara Lunsford to review the restructured fair plan which will include an in-person livestock show and sale (buyers only), and still-life entries for judging. The plan also outlined the requirement for all participants, judges, and observers, to wear masks at all times, observe required social distance, and no congregating before or after participation. Observers would be limited to buyers during sales.

Lunsford stated she will meet with Martha Lanman, Garfield County Health District Administrator, to review the plan, make necessary changes, then ask for approval. Garfield County Commissioner Justin Dixon stated with Lanman’s acceptance of the fair plan, the BOCC will then approve it.

Commissioner Bob Johnson raised concern over the possibility of large numbers of people participating in the livestock show and sale, and those who could disregard the requirements set forth by the State. Commissioner Wynne McCabe reiterated that the BOCC should defer to Lanman’s opinion and approval. Larry Ledgerwood asked the commissioners for some immediate direction to help move forward with the livestock show and sale plan. Dixon gave his go-ahead with the time-sensitive preparations.

A Garfield County rancher contacted Dixon regarding a probable wolf attack on an animal. The rancher requested that a third party be designated by Garfield County to accompany Fish and Wildlife personnel when investigating cases of wolf predation. According to Dixon, when cases like this are reported in northeastern Washington, sheriff’s deputies are serving as a third–party investigator. Dixon stated he spoke with Asotin County Commissioner Brian Shinn, and will contact Columbia County about searching for and selecting an individual who can fill this role in the tri-county area.

Deputy Jim Nelson was recommended due to his experience as a Fish and Game Officer. Nelson stated the Sheriff’s Office is currently short-handed with two open deputy positions, to seek other agencies for help.

McCabe reported he had met with the Garfield County Fire District (GCFD) at their meeting on August 11 to ask that the new Fire Chief, James Cleveland,serve as the County Emergency Management Director (EMD). The GCFD Commissioners and Cleveland accepted with the stipulation that current EMD John Hirsch remain in his position through new fire chief’s transition into the position. Hirsch has agreed to assist after his exit date on August 31, 2020. Cleveland will begin as Fire Chief on August 30, 2020.

Another person is interested in the EMD position so the County may have three candidates.

Currently, the EMD functions as a contractor for the County, which requires more involvement from the BOCC, and the responsibility for the County to contribute to his salary.

The second option is to place the position within the GCFD, which would remove the BOCC’s involvement, and would give the GCFD the authority and use of grant funding that comes from the State through the EMD.

For the third option, another County department, such as the Sheriff’s Office, could take responsibility, which Hirsch believes is the best scenario, since twenty percent of the EMD’s time must be used for the Sheriff’s Office. The person filling the position must complete some required training classes, which Cleveland has done.

Hirsch stated that he believes there may be people in the Sheriff’s Office who also have some of that training completed as well. McCabe stated aspires that a decision should happen immediately, since Hirsch’s resignation takes effect in two weeks.