Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-05 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update August 5, 2026 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer (online), Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, Mindy Brooks, Geoff Soderquist, Amanda Price, Jeremy Mannikko, Erika Katt, Jessica Davis, Matt Patana, Chief Civil DPA David Bailey Guest(s): Recorder: Kate Chatterton Public comment: None. Executive session: At 9 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the Board would be going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:20 a.m. to discuss the Winlock City Council appointment, Lewis County investment pool, Sticklin Greenwood Memorial property tax foreclosure and Board of Equalization (BOE) membership requirements. • At 9:20 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:25 a.m. Executive session ended at 9:25 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made. Commissioner Swope made a motion to authorize the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to proceed as discussed in executive session regarding the Sticklin Greenwood Memorial property tax foreclosure. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Microsoft 365 multi-factor authenticator: Jeremy Mannikko discussed upcoming changes Microsoft is making for Microsoft 365 users, which will take effect Dec. 31. Jeremy said the changes would affect the county’s current authentication options and discussed continuing to use Duo as the county’s single multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution rather than transitioning to passkeys. Jeremy presented two cost scenarios, ranging from approximately $6,500 to $15,000 through December 2027, with an estimated annual cost of $25,000 thereafter. He requested approval to move funds necessary to implement the changes. The commissioners directed staff to proceed. Excess workers’ compensation rates: Becky Butler discussed the need to select an excess workers’ compensation provider. Becky reviewed projected increases associated with remaining with Midwest compared with the rates offered by AMTrust, as well as the county’s ability to maintain appropriate reserve levels. She noted that changing providers would not affect existing claims. Commissioner Swope made a motion to change the county’s excess workers’ compensation provider to AMTrust. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Munis approvals: Kate Chatterton noted that a recurring calendar reminder has been added to each commissioner’s calendar for Monday mornings to help ensure Munis approvals are completed before the Auditor’s Office processes the weekly check run. Roundtable: Ryan Barrett reminded the group of the MMM meeting scheduled for the following day. Becky Butler discussed employee hearing tests and noted that employees may be assigned tasks to ensure required testing is completed. Becky also reminded directors that budgets are due Aug. 17 and said departments can begin working on their final internal service rates. Mindy Brooks’ team is working on the county’s fee structure. Becky also noted that Risk would stagger coverage at the Southwest Washington Fair the following week. Geoff Soderquist reported that the county’s chip seal season was wrapping up that day. Meja Handlen discussed the Eshom Road project, which is expected to begin soon. Mindy Brooks reported that a building inspector has left the county and noted there may be impacts to inspection timelines as a result. Amanda Price discussed an opening in IT for a network technician position. Matt Patana provided updates on several facilities projects. The fairgrounds PA system and Saloon Stage have been completed, and the roof has been replaced. The Midway resurfacing project is progressing well and is expected to be ready for the fair. A preconstruction meeting for the jail roof project is scheduled for the following day. The county is awaiting information from the Lewis County Historical Society regarding taking over the lease agreement for the museum building. Masonry contracts for the south end of the courthouse also are underway. Erika Katt introduced Jessica Davis, the new administrative assistant for the Department of Emergency Management. Meja Handlen thanked the city of Centralia for hosting National Night Out. Meeting adjourned at 9:49 a.m.