Dunbeck to retire from civil service board

POMEROY-The Garfield County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) discussed June Dunbeck's retirement from the civil service board; a newly received grant; and concerns raised about at their meeting on December 18.

June Dunbeck is retiring from the civil service board after serving for over 30 years. She will attend her last meeting on January 9. "We appreciate the years of service June has given the county," Commissioner Justin Dixon stated.

The county has received a shoreline planning competitive grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology, in the amount of $150,000. Use of the funding is still under discussion.

Public concern was raised about the United States Forest Service's renewal of the Blue Mountain Forest Plan and its effects on the county, particularly in regards to grazing standards and the recent loss of fire-damaged timber and lowered recreation, both of which cause loss of tax revenue to Garfield County.

In further business, the BOCC approved an amendment to an existing agreement with Pac Soleil, acknowledging Pac Soleil's transfer of all interest in their energy project to QSells. They also passed a memorandum of understanding with Washington State University Extension that updates their existing agreement by providing $10,660 for 2024, an increase of 4% over the amount provided for 2023.