Commissioners approve 2021 budget

POMEROY–The Garfield County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) approved Resolution 2020-27, Garfield County 2021 budget for all departments, in the amount of $16,472,927.93, and all supplemental budgets, at its December 28 regular meeting. In addition, COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in Columbia County.

The BOCC met on December 28, 2020 at 11 a.m. in the Commissioners' Chamber at the Courthouse for the purpose of making and adopting the budget for the fiscal year of 2021 and giving citizens within the limits of said county an opportunity to be heard upon said budget. "We have met the budget sits in front of us and a copy will be on file in the County Auditor's office," said Chairman Justin Dixon. Resolution 2020-27 was unanimously approved.

Supplemental budgets for 2020 were approved without discussion or change.

Garfield County's application for vaccines is being processed at the state level, and may be done in two to three weeks, according to Martha Lanman, Public Health Director. The time frame depends on how quickly applications are processed, and the Department of Health is behind, Lanman said.

The county is expected to receive the Moderna vaccine, she said, which is distributed in lots of 100 doses.

The first recipients will be classified "1A," which is health-care workers. The next group is 1B, which is essential services such as teachers, people at the bank, court house, any business that stayed open during the shutdown. 1C will be individuals over 65 years of age, Lanman said. This arrangement, however, is subject to revision, she said.

Lanman, who also serves as Public Health Director in Columbia County, advised commissioners of the current situation there, which has received 300 Moderna doses. Over the next few weeks, Lanman said, the group designations established in Columbia County will be determined and those in these classifications will be notified as to when a vaccine is available to them. Starting in Columbia County will identify troublesome issues and lead to a more efficient rollout in Garfield County, she said.

"We will do a town hall in the middle of January regarding vaccine," Lanman said, "to give the public a chance to ask questions."

Those interested in receiving a vaccine must call to have their names placed on the list. More information regarding the vaccine list will be available in the coming few weeks.

Garfield County COVID-19 numbers as of December 26 show total tested 554, negative 458, positive and recovered 54, active cases 21, and one pending.

Other resolutions approved are as follows: Resolution 2020-24 Criminal Justice transfer of $400,000 to current expense. Resolution 2020-25 Ending E911 balance of $373,497.44 will move to current expense. Resolution 2020-45 Garfield County Health District 2021 fee schedule will remain the same except for the birth and death certificates, which increase to $25 from $20. Resolution 2020-46 Department of Ecology Solid Waste Agreement to reduce the funding amount from $10,000 to $5,400 due to lack of activity. Resolution 2020-26 repayment to current expense for a loan made to Solid Waste Management.

In the matter of Resolution 2020-26, the board agreed to give $10,000 as operating capital to meet their obligations. It is a process to document the movement of these funds. It was Resolution 2020-13 the BOCC gave the funds to Solid Waste Management, then because of remaining money from 2019 not transferred, the loan was forgiven, claiming it as a capital contribution from current expense.

The BOCC approved the letter to surplus of 10 pistols; the State of Washington Department of Corrections contract K9580 Amendment No. 5 for a five percent cost increase for holding inmates destined for the State Penitentiary, and the Interagency contract Attorney General's Office to allow a 30-day hold on inmates destined to the State Penitentiary.

Sheriff Drew Hyer requested the BOCC to approve and sign the letter to surplus some 10 department pistols which will offset the purchase of new firearms. He also asked for approval and signature for the Department of Corrections contract K9580 Amendment No. 5 expressing the five percent cost increase for holding of inmates at the Pomeroy facility, and the Interagency Contract with the State of Washington Attorney General's Office to bind the department over for the next two weeks to 30 days to allow a person or persons sentenced to prison to be held at the Pomeroy facility because of the COVID-19 outbreak happening at the penitentiaries statewide. The governor is anticipated to pass a proclamation to allow the holding of incarcerated inmates in smaller facilities. The rate has been raised to $98 per day for those 30-plus days held in county jails until they can ship them to state run facilities.

In other Sheriff business, it was reported recently, a Garfield County deputy assisted a cyclist who was in need of a place to stay, found a location in Clarkston. In the process of getting the cyclist to that destination the deputy helped load the bicycle into the back of a truck. It was then the deputy's can of bear spray went off accidentally, contaminating the officer's clothing and skin, requiring a deep 45-minute shower to remove the irritant and a change of clothing. The deputy returned to work the following day with no further complications.

A public request for the County Bylaws. After review, the bylaws which were signed in 1995 stated each January there will be an annual meeting to appoint a chair and vice chair.

Commissioner Dixon expressed appreciation to Commissioner Bob Johnson and Commissioner Wynne McCabe for their time and service to the community over the years and a heartfelt farewell. They will both receive a parting gift commemorating their service.