2020-07-21 PA UpdatePA Update
July 21, 2020
2 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, County Manager Erik
Martin, Heather Slusher, Lee Napier, Russ Walpole, Scott Tinney, Cullen Gatten, Amber Smith, Jonathan
Meyer, Brittani Bonahoom, Natalie Dunlap, Eric Eisenberg, Steve Walton, Daleyn Coleman, Shandi
Cardin, Becky Butler, Tammy Martin, Kevin McDowell, Rob DeRosa, Pete Crosby
Guests: Various members of the public and press
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Jonathan Meyer discussed concerns regarding recent raises as well as concerns regarding paying for a
salary study. He said a 1 percent raise countywide would cost roughly $100,000. He said paying a salary
consultant $40,000 takes away from what could constitute a .5 percent raise countywide.
Jonathan said current employees are seeing their workloads grow.
Jonathan said his salary is tied to the Superior Court judges’ pay, as set by the state.
Steve Walton outlined the county’s options:
• Implement the state portion of the $4,345 increase
• Implement the state portion with a county match
Eric Eisenberg urged to go through a resolution process if the county opts to implement a county match.
Commissioner Fund made a motion to sign a memo authorizing the state funding portion of the
prosecutor’s salary to be paid.
Commissioner Jackson seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Commissioner Stamper asked for documentation about the raises Jonathan cited.
Eric Eisenberg said Lewis County won its case research case and will get $75,000 back. He noted that the
county will receive $61,000 for the law library case it won.
Steve Walton left at 2:25 p.m.
Amber Smith discussed Water-Sewer District 5’s upcoming dissolution hearing. Amber said the district’s
documents – minutes, etc. – will not be acquired by the county. Erik Martin noted that he has been told
escrow for the property purchase is not yet ready. He asked if Amber, Commissioner Stamper and Josh
Metcalf could meet with Mr. Fox during the week.
Amber and Commissioner Stamper discussed rates.
Erik Martin said he would like to resurrect discussions outlining the County Manager’s authority.
Jonathan and Eric said they believe spectators are limited to 10. They said they believe county
employees are not limited to 10 people because they are conducting county business as a government
body.
Jonathan discussed holding jury selection at the Fairgrounds. He said the Supreme County has approved
of holding the process outside the county seat.
Jonathan said his understanding is that the local health officer will issue a new health order, which
cancels indoor and outdoor sports tournaments for youth under the age of 18 from outside of Lewis
County. He cited the RCW that gives the health officer the legal authority to make the determination.
Amber said Dr. Woods was looking at preventing a spread among school-age kids. Erik noted that
parents would be attend those events.
Jonathan said the county will need to again address telework as schools go back into session since it’s
unlikely schools will return to pre-COVID schedules.
At 3:03 p.m., Commissioner Stamper announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session
under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 10 minutes to discuss the O’Connor v. Lewis County case. Executive
session started at 3:05 p.m.
Executive Session ended at 3:15 p.m. Commissioner Stamper noted that no decisions had been made.
Meeting ended at 3:17 p.m.