Flood Control Zone District dissolution being considered

DAYTON–Columbia County Commissioners held the first Flood Control Zone District meeting since August 1 ahead of the regular meeting on December 5, during which County Engineer and Public Works Director Grant Morgan discussed dissolving it.

During the Flood Control Zone District meeting, Morgan discussed with the BOCC that a resolution will be needed to dissolve the district, and any funds will be dispersed to appropriate departments.

Morgan also presented the public works special budgets during the regular meeting, and the new position and office space was discussed for the land surveyor/engineer manager. He included in his discussion that he will be making an offer of employment to a land surveyor/engineering manager that day. They also approved the leasing of office space for this person to use. He also said they would hold a public hearing to work on a six-year public works plan and update the ER&R program by mid-year next year. Morgan then presented the special budgets for public works.

Newly hired Emergency Management Director Tina Bobbitt was introduced. She asked about use of a vehicle that has a connection to the internet, radio service, and search and rescue capabilities. She is residing in Starbuck, where service is spotty. Commissioner Rundell, who reports to City Council for the County asked for her to report for her department going forward at the council’s monthly meetings.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney April King has resigned to take other employment. Following an executive session, County Prosecutor Dale Slack made a request for a stipend to supplement his salary until they hire someone to replace her.

Slack also met with Town of Starbuck representatives, including Mayor Zonia Dedloff about a need for an agreement if they want to continue to use County Law enforcement, dispatch, and municipal services as per State law.

Commissioner Ryan Rundell drafted a letter to be sent to the legislators to be signed and presented to the City of Dayton. Mayor Zac Weatherford and City Council also wanted to send a letter to bring awareness to the limitations in removing the sediment from the Touchet River for flood hazard mitigation.

A public hearing was held for changing the county road name of Barclay Lane to Tamarack Lane. Passing resolution 2022-42 approved the change after comment was heard from one of the residents who spoke with neighbors, and they are supportive of the change.

Treasurer Carla Rowe came to discuss discrepancies that she found in the 2022 current expense budget in wages and overall that she cannot track. She said revenues have gone up, but expenses have also gone up. They will meet again to look over the items in the budget.

The Commission met in executive session for the afternoon to interview candidates for the Human Resources Director position.