2017-03-02 Meeting with Susan DeLaireMeeting with local media
March 2, 2017
Attendees: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Jackson, Susan DeLaire, Natalie
Johnson, Becky Butler, Steve Mansfield, Steve Walton, Town Crier
Recorder: Rachel Hunt
Meeting time- 2:30 p.m.
Commissioner Stamper started the meeting with introductions.
Commissioner Stamper made the announcement that Steve Mansfield will be taking over the 911
center. Steve Walton will then be the liaison between the board and oversee the new finance system.
Commissioner Stamper added this change has been in the works for a while.
Commissioner Jackson added this is part of the County strategic plan.
Commissioner Fund added the previous implementation of a financial system failed and the BOCC wants
to ensure the implementation of the new financial system is successful. She reiterated the Board
believes Steve Walton is the best fit for this.
Steve Mansfield’s new title will be Director of Emergency Services
Steve Walton said there will be a minimal impact to the budget.
Town Crier asked if the new financial system is successful anywhere else. Steve Walton replied that
Thurston County is currently using the system. Steve Walton said it will be a 1 ½ - 2 years before it is
fully implemented.
Natalie Johnson asked how long the County has been discussing the change at 911. Commissioner Fund
replied it has been talked about for a while. But the specific change was brought up by Commissioner
Jackson.
Steve Mansfield added the background information of the Department of Emergency Management. He
also added this is where the discussion of the transition started.
Commissioner Jackson added one of his goals as a Commissioner is to streamline processes within the
County which lead to the original discussion with Steve Walton.
Commissioner Fund reiterated this transition was not a snap decision.
Natalie Johnson asked if this is another attempt to stabilize the rocky 911 center. Commissioner Fund
said absolutely.
Town Crier asked what the main goal of the transition is. Commissioner Jackson replied streamlining
processes with minimal impact to the budget.
She also asked how the employees at 911 have taken this news. Steve Mansfield replied he has met with
the employees twice today and he will be implementing specific policies, procedures while asking for
their input. He also added the local chiefs have pledged their support.
She also asked if Steve Mansfield has a strategic plan. He has a plan in mind but that a strategic plan
would need further input from the employees and chiefs. He also added he will be meeting with the
employees individually. Steve Mansfield expressed immense confidence and respect in the 911
dispatchers citing that they do a job he could not do.
Commissioner Fund wanting to assure the citizens of Lewis County their money is being well spent.
Commissioner Jackson added he wants the message being sent is that the County is moving forward.
Commissioner Stamper also added this conversation would not have been happening if Steve Mansfield
wasn’t already in his current position.
Natalie asked if there will be any future press conferences. Commissioner Fund said it was originally
planned for a Monday announcement but the information got out before that and the Commissioners
wanted to be proactive in getting the information out.
Meeting ended at 3:06 p.m.