COVID emergency officially ends in Columbia County

DAYTON-The Columbia County Commissioners (BOCC) approved three resolutions during their November 7 meeting, two for county roads and another ending the local state of emergency due to COVID. They also reviewed their budget, as well as departmental budgets for the Prosecutor's Office and Superior Court. The BOCC held a discussion with District Court Judge Kim Boggs, Prosecutor Dale Slack and Superior Court Clerk Krissy Chapman about the caseload for Superior Court Judge Brook Burns and the Court's needs. They also heard from former WSU Extension Interim County Director Stephen VanVleet regarding the new acting Director Naedene Shearer.

The BOCC approved Resolution 2022-35 "Sunsetting the state of emergency due to COVID." It read, "Whereas on February 29, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency in Washington State in response to the continued and growing threat presented by COVID-19, an new strain on coronavirus that can easily be spread from person to person...on March 9, 2020 the [BOCC] declared a local state of emergency...and whereas on October 31, 2022, Governor Jay Inslee declared the state of emergency in all 39 counties lifted, now therefore be it hereby resolved that the [BOCC] hereby sunsets, effective November 1, 2022 Columbia County's local declaration of a state of emergency."

County Engineer Grant Morgan presented two resolutions for County Roads. Resolution 2022- 33 was approved for weight restrictions for a period of 400 days on the Tucannon Road from milepost five to 13 limiting the axel weight to four. Also limited are empty trucks over 10,000 lbs. on the Hartsock Grade and Hatley Gulch.

The Commission reviewed their budget which has no substantial changes from 2022. They had discussion about the proposed Human Resources (HR) Department. Currently, the HR budget is coming mainly out of current expense since they will serve all departments much the same as the Internet Technology (IT) department. The exception is the salary and benefits for the Director which is listed in the Commissioner's budget. Slack will provide a preliminary budget that will include expenditures for training and travel, for an IT assessment, and rent for office space.

Previously, they had discussed not including risk management in the HR Director's duties, but Commissioner Ryan Rundell shared that he learned while at WCIF (Washington County Insurance Fund) meeting that in most counties, their HR departments usually handle the risk pool management.

Prosecuting Attorney Dale Slack presented his budget for review. He said they are still trying to fill the vacant deputy prosecuting attorney position. To better attract candidates, he is having to increase the pay. He reported some increases for autopsies since they went over budget in 2022, for training and travel, though some of the cost would be paid for by grants, and for utilities due to inflation.

Superior Court Clerk Krissy Chapman then reviewed the department's budget. Following the review, Slack, Chapman, and District Court Judge Kim Boggs presented information and concern about the workload of Superior Court Judge Brook Burns. They stated that she is doing the work of more than two positions. The judge's salary is paid for by the State.

To adequately get through the caseloads, Slack proposed three possible solutions for the Commission to consider. One is to "hire a full-time court commissioner who would be appointed by the judge and approved by the commissioners. Second, would be to request the legislature to approve a second judicial position within our circuit. And the third is that...we would split the circuit." This would be to work the circuit court, and approach Walla Walla County to ask if they would take Columbia County cases.

Former WSU Extension Interim County Director Stephen VanVleet spoke with the Commissioners by Zoom about new Director Naedene Shearer. He said that WSU has agreed to pay her compensation for the added work and asked the County follow up to assure that the funds come through. Following the brief discussion, Shearer said, "I think it's a really good time to thank Steve VanVleet for what he has done for our County. He served as interim director for over 14 months and has seen us through a difficult move. He has been really great to work with." The Commissioners thanked him for his time with the County. VanVleet responded with an invitation to them to come for a parting event that is planned for him when he is in town later in the week.