County to join lawsuit against police-reform legislation

POMEROY–The Garfield County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) discussed proceedings with County Prosecutor Matt Newberg to join a multi-county lawsuit against a Washington State police reform statute at their meeting on July 26.

Lewis County has filed suit against the legislation on the grounds that its requirement for a Sheriff to get the highest elected official's approval before using tear gas. This violates the balance of power in the county infrastructure and invests the board of county commissioners' chairman with more power than the position holds. Several other Washington county commissioners have intervened to join the lawsuit. Prosecutor Newberg will draw up papers for the BOCC to sign that will include Garfield County.

Garfield County Sheriff Drew Hyer asked the commissioners to observe a moment of silence at the beginning of the meeting to honor a Clark County deputy who lost his life on duty.

Fair board president Sara Lunsford brought a change of livestock judges' payment to the BOCC for approval. Payment will be based on a tiered mileage package. For judges under 100 miles from the Garfield County Fairgrounds the pay will be $150 a day. For judges 101 miles and more miles away the pay will be $200 a day. This change will not affect static judges, who are within 50 miles distance.

Lunsford also brought an opportunity to join the Harvest Host to the commissioners' attention. The Harvest Host is an association that would give the Fairgrounds national advertisement in return for Host members receiving one free dry camp a year each. The commissioners are favorable to the idea, their approval waiting for further details.

The BOCC appointed Pat McGreevy from the planning board to a temporary board of adjustment member to make up a quorum.