2020-02-24 Update with County ManagerUpdate with County Manager
February 24, 2020
11:21 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, County Manager Erik
Martin, Lara McRea, Becky Butler, Steve Wohld, Janelle Lindsey, JP Anderson (by phone)
Guest: Dr. Lindsey Pollock (11:23 a.m.)
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Personnel
Health PAF: Erik Martin discussed a PAF to increase the hours of the Veterans Benefits Specialist position
from a 0.6 to a 1.0 FTE.
JP Anderson said Heidi Palmer serves in the position and recently received accreditation to begin the
veterans benefits application process for veterans. He noted that there is funding in the budget to cover
the added expense. Becky Butler noted that the fund balance is at more than $550,000.
Erik directed JP to provide quarterly updates on the changes implemented as a result of the expanded
hours for the Veterans Benefits Specialist position.
The group outlined priorities for the advisory board, including veteran housing.
JP discussed an upcoming meeting with the Housing Resource Center during which businesses and
individuals can air their concerns.
The commissioners approved the change in hours for the Veterans Benefits Specialist position.
JP left the meeting at 11:37 a.m.
Budget
Becky Butler said the SAO will be on site to perform its annual audit. She noted the group will audit for
years 2018 and 2019.
Defender of the Day contract
Erik Martin said Rachel Tiller has requested a 21 percent increase for her Defender of the Day contract,
which would take her roughly from $80,000 to $95,000. Erik said Rachel noted that the previous
Defender of the Day made more than she is requesting but that in 2016, Judge Lawler stated that the
contract for Rachel’s predecessor was too high.
Erik said he understands the position entails roughly 25 hours a week at the county, noting that her
hours are listed as noon to 5 p.m. weekdays.
The commissioners directed Erik to ask Judge Lawler and Judge O’Rourke to meet with them to discuss
the topic.
Erik said Judge Tiller will need to submit her billings.
Public Works
Water-Sewer District 5: Erik said the county has an agreement in principle: $350,000 to cover
everything, including land acquisition. He noted that the district would receive whatever is left over
after the purchase of the two pieces of land (for example, if the land is purchased for $60,000, the
district would receive $290,000). Erik said the district’s new attorney understands that the district needs
to do what’s best for the customers. He said the district’s satellite operating group no longer will provide
billing services, so the county is taking over billing responsibilities.
Erik noted that a former Water-Sewer District 5 commissioner, Deborah Hilliard, has sued for time she
devoted to the district. He said she was awarded $40,000 but that the courts would determine how
much or whether she would be paid during the dissolution process.
Erik said he would reach out to Amber Smith regarding stand-by fees.
Risk Management
Restorical Research: Erik said the Firemans Fund has submitted a counteroffer of $620,000, with
$101,000 for attorney fees, which would cover 85 percent of what the county requested.
The commissioners directed Erik to proceed with acceptance of the offer from Firemans Fund.
Internal services
Future Board updates: The commissioners approved twice monthly Internal Services updates.
Becky noted that a roof leak damaged radio equipment that had been donated. She said replacement
will cost $11,000. Steve Wohld noted that the insurance company has been notified. Becky discussed
ways to pay for the replacement. The commissioners agreed to pay for the equipment and then explore
an insurance claim.
Announcements
Commissioner Fund said an Onalaska resident informed her that Water District 2 plans to shut off its
street lights near the school. The group directed Rieva Lester to add the topic to agenda for the BOCC’s
upcoming update with the PUD.
Commissioner Jackson left at 12:11 p.m.
The group discussed calendars.
Erik reminded staff to fill out the online strategic planning survey.
Meeting ended at 12:26 p.m.