BOCC hears presentation on Emergency Management Requirements

DAYTON–The Columbia County Commissioners held a special meeting where they heard a presentation on Emergency Management plans by Tina Bobbit On January 22. Commissioners also approved a new position and salary for employee Ashley Kilts. 

Bobbit's presentation included information about RCW 38.52, which outlines the requirements of the state and local agencies to ensure that steps are made to ensure disaster preparedness. Bobbit stressed the importance of the need of locals to not only volunteer, but to register with the Columbia County Emergency Management Department in order to attend training to be certified when an emergency happens.

"The biggest thing with training is that they can benefit from someone that has an expertise," said Bobbit. She said it was important to keep a record of volunteers for insurance purposes and to have a list of who can be called upon for different emergencies. Other service opportunities that would require additional training and certification would be search and rescue or rescue divers. 

The new position combines Human Resources and the Deputy Clerk Position and the new pay scale of this position. The position is filled by Ashley Kilts. 

Commissioners also discussed salary adjustments of future commissioners starting in 2028. "I think we should just leave it where it is at," said Commissioner Marty Hall. "I don't feel like I am cheating the county, and I don't think the county is cheating me."

The commissioners unanimously agreed that they did not want to change the current pay scale. Currently commissioners get a yearly salary of $40,000. The commissioners will sign this as a resolution at the meeting on February 5.