BOCC approves Environmental Health position

DAYTON–The Columbia County Commissioners approved a job description and salary to establish an Environmental Health position for Public Health during the October 3 meeting. They also heard from a panel of representatives from a task force working to improve courthouse security in the State. County Treasurer Carla Rowe introduced State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, the Walla Walla and Columbia Counties Accessible Communities Advisory Committee Chair provided an annual update, and the Commission made their annual proclamation that October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Public Health Administrator Katie Roughton provided a job description and salary schedule for a new Environmental Health position. They formerly contracted with Walla Walla County for environmental health services, but they are implementing a new quality improvement program that the Commission decided did not fit for Columbia County. Roughton said of establishing an environmental health program, "It is really exciting bringing this to our community...and keep it local." Environmental health provides a range of services including septic and food service inspections, water, and soil tests as well as some disease control and public education. They decided to alter the description from 24 hours to 32 hours to make the job more attractive. The change is supported by the Public Health budget and State foundational public health funds.

Representatives from a State task force including Co-chairs Sean O'Donnell Superior Court Judge and Rebecca Robertson District Court Judge, both for King Court presented information about their work to increase court security and to request a letter of support from the Commission to work towards legislation for funding. Representatives were also present from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

The task force, formed in 2019, is designed to form partnerships between judges, law enforcement, county prosecutors, and State representatives to implement at least the minimum needs for court security by assessing security conditions for county, district, and municipal courts without imposing the burden of costs on the courts but through requests for funding through legislation.

They found as a result of a survey that half of the courts in the State do not have any security at all, the majority in smaller counties. Standards are being set by the State Supreme Court and legislation is being introduced for $5 million in funding. They are working to build a matching grant program for smaller counties where the match requirement would be based on size. For Columbia County it would be ten percent. The largest qualifying county in the State is Thurston County where the match would be fifty percent. The grant program would include an assessment to determine security needs. The Commissioners agreed to submit a letter of support.

Following the presentation and discussion, County Treasurer Carla Rowe briefly introduced the Commissioners to State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti who was passing through. The Commissioners welcomed him and expressed appreciation for him stopping by.

Walla Walla and Columbia Counties Accessible Communities Advisory Committee Chair Connie Taylor-Randall provided an annual update of their work of seeking grants to increase accessibility in the counties and collaborating with local entities to create more employment and housing opportunities for those with disabilities.

Commission Chair Marty Hall proclaimed October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month and to "call upon employers, schools, and other community organizations in Columbia County to observe October with appropriate programs and activities, and to advance its important message that people with disabilities add value and talent to our workplaces and communities...and that the Board of Commissioners of the County of Columbia pledge to continue to take steps throughout the year to recruit, hire, retain, and advance individuals with disabilities and work to pursue the goals of opportunity, full participation, economic self-sufficiency, and independent living for people with disabilities."