Acceptance of project, HVAC funds and resignations

DAYTON-The Columbia County Board of Commissioners (BOCC), in the absence of Commissioner Charles Amerein, approved the Acquisition of the Willow Creek property, accepted the engineering firm for HVAC and accepted the resignations of Columbia County Rural Library Board members Heather Stearns and June Riley at the work session October 12.

After the Commissioners approved moving forward on the Acquisition of the Willow Creek Property for use of the quarry for Public Works, they had a discussion of the use of the funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as was on the agenda.

The Commissioners expected an update to the estimate from the engineering firm for the Courthouse HVAC system project, but it had not been received yet. Commissioners Ryan Rundell and Marty Hall agreed that without the estimate which is anticipated any day and without Amerein present, they should wait to take action on approving any use of the funds.

However, there was discussion for use of the funds for the broadband project grant between the Commissioners and Executive Director of the Port of Columbia Jennie Dickinson, Port Commissioner Shawn Brown and Inland Cellular Business Solutions Representative Shane Laib who were all present. Inland Cellular offers Emerge broadband internet through the community and has committed to continue offering it using the new fiber network once built.

Dickinson has asked the County to contribute $96,500 of the $500,000 matching funds required for the $2 million grant awarded to the Port from the (Community Economic Revitalization Board) CERB.

She went on to discuss plans to expand the project into the County west along highway 12 to the Walla Walla County line and the intent to continue expansion to make the service available to all County residents. Commissioner Rundell reasoned broadband would benefit the community, especially since surrounding rural towns already use broadband. It puts business and industry in Dayton at a disadvantage. "I agree with Marty that we should fund the broadband," said Rundell. "It puts us at a competitive disadvantage if we don't get it especially if Waitsburg, Garfield County, all the surrounding small communities have it and then we don't. That would be a disadvantage to any business or industry that comes in. Whether it's the full $96,500 or partial, I think that we should chip in. You have at least two of the three assurances that we are looking in that direction for you guys too."

The Commissioners acknowledged the resignations of Heather Stearns and June Riley of the volunteerary Board of the Columbia County Rural Library District (CCRLD).

An evening public meeting was added to the schedule for the Commissioners to hear general comments Oct. 18 at 6 p.m.