County goes shopping for cheaper insurance

POMEROY-The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) passed levy certifications, approved a law enforcement contract with the City of Pomeroy, and signed a letter of intent to withdraw from the Washington Counties Risk Group at the Nov. 25 meeting, and approved a contribution to the Community Heart and Soul project, approved the purchase of an internet switch, and discussed ways to bring down the county's insurance premiums at their meeting on Dec. 2.

The BOCC passed resolution 2024-28, the general fund levy with a 1% increase of $8,352. Also passed was resolution 2024-29, the county road levy with an increase of $9,163.59, also 1%, and resolution 2024-30, certifying levies for all taxing districts in Garfield County including: the general fund, county road, mental health, City of Pomeroy, Port of Garfield County, Garfield County Fire District #1, Garfield County Hospital District, Pomeroy School District, and PSD bond.

Commissioners approved an inter-local agreement with City of Pomeroy to provide law enforcement and court services and a liaison officer. The contract replaces an outdated one with renegotiated compensation and services, as well as updating the signatures with current officials.

The BOCC also approved a letter of intent to withdraw from their current insurance provider, Washington Counties Risk Group, due to large increases in rates. The letter notifies WCRG that Garfield County is looking at other options. Rescinding the letter and remaining with WCRG is one of those options. Garfield County will remain with the Group for the year of 2025 while they look into other sources of insurance.

In further business on Nov. 25, the commissioners approved an inter-local agreement between the Garfield County Sheriff's Office and the Whitman County Sheriff's Office. WCSO will house Garfield County inmates at the rate of $105 per inmate per day. The contract will be valid from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2025.

On Dec. 2, the BOCC approved a contribution of $5,000 to the City of Pomeroy's Community Heart and Soul project. The project is to hire a local citizen to gather feedback and foster cooperation between community and governmental groups in Pomeroy, as well as to promote Pomeroy to the outside world. The project will be funded primarily through a grant from the Innovia Foundation. Garfield County's contribution will come from their economic development fund.

The main switch for the county courthouse's internet reached the end of its life in 2011. The commissioners approved the purchase of a new switch for approximately $11,000. The money will come from the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund money. Funds to replace switches throughout the county entities will be built into the computer equipment rental and replacement (ER&R) fund.

The commissioners met with Adam Hodges and Rachelle Williams, of Obenland & Low, as well as Wes Crago, Frank Andrus and Rob Hill, representatives of the WCRG, to discuss options to reduce insurance premiums. The majority of the rising cost is related to law enforcement liability coverage, which is directly related to Washington State laws that cause high liability costs. "The market continues to be bad," Crago stated. Options discussed included adjusting the statement of value on certain storage sheds and pole barns, self-insuring low-priority buildings, and engaging in trainings.

The BOCC also discussed federal funds at their disposal. The American Rescue Plan Act funds have been spent; $169,000 has been obligated but not yet spent in the LATCF funds, and $40,000 of the LATCF funds are unobligated. These numbers do not account for the switch purchase approved at the meeting.