Pheasant raising paused due to facility damage

POMEROY–The Garfield County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) discussed the county's pheasant raising facility and receiving an opioid settlement payment at their meeting on February 21, and signed an opioid settlement, and designated an ADA/504 coordinator.

The pheasant raising facility that is located at the landfill endured snow damage to the flight pen during the winter. Due to a lack of man power for repairs and operation no pheasants will be raised at the facility this year, and the commissioners are looking into options for next year.

A payment of $5,158.46 was received from the Opioid Abatement Council, a partial payment of the opioid settlement money for 2023. Another payment is expected in July, after which the money will be paid in one transaction per year of approximately $7,500.

The BOCC signed paperwork on February 27, for the settlement through the Opioid Abatement Council with the companies Teva, Allergen, CVS, Walgreens, and Wall-Mart, that was discussed during the February 13 county commissioners meeting. The settlement is for $217,000,000, which will be distributed to cities and counties throughout Washington State through the Opioid Abatement Council. Garfield County's portion is expected to be approximately .03% of the total.

The commissioners appointed Chairman Justin Dixon as temporary ADA/504 Coordinator, until a person to fill the role permanently is appointed. They also discussed the need for an ADA grievance procedure and policy to be drafted, due to new requirements coming from Washington State level.