2021-07-12 BOCC Wrap-UpBOCC Wrap-Up
July 12, 2021
9:02 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Becky Butler, JP
Anderson, Steve Wohld, Chris Panush, Lee Napier, Lara McRea, Tailor Arrington, Doug Carey, Josh
Metcalf, Matt Patana, Arny Davis, Grace Jimenez, Alison Puckett, Katie Conradi, Meja Handlen
Guests: Claudia Yaw, Edna J. Fund, Nic Scott
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Treasurer Arny Davis said the state Department of Revenue (DOR) failed to deduct its fee from the
county’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) timber excise tax allocation, instead taking it from the
state’s general fund. He said the state therefore overpaid the county a little more than $989,400.
Arny said the county should repay the amount over a three-year period with no interest. Arny said the
county can identify from which timber sales the repayments should be made.
Becky Butler said the repayment will affect the general fund, the roads fund and the special purpose
districts.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to add to the July 13, 2021, Business Meeting agenda the
following items:
• Proclamation affirming Lewis County’s commitment to citizens’ rights.
• Resolution 21-255: Modify Lewis County burn restrictions to a total ban throughout
unincorporated Lewis County.
• Resolution 21-256: Approve a contract for water bank consulting services with Aspect
Consulting LLC.
• Resolution 21-257: Authorize initial placement of Health Services Workers on the current Lewis
County Salary Grid for Non-Union Extra Help.
Commissioner Swope seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Becky Butler provided an update regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). She said the EDC will
hold a stakeholder meeting July 21. Becky said she is attending a conference dedicated to the ARPA and
that spending guidance has not yet been finalized.
Lee Napier discussed details of the recently updated burn ban.
Commissioner Pollock provided additional details about Aspect, the company with which the county
plans to contract for water consultant work.
Chris Panush discussed the resolution to place Health Services Workers on the salary grid for WIC work.
Personnel authorization form (PAF) for part-time Animal Shelter position(s): JP requested permission
to move part-time animal shelter position from a 0.15 to 0.50 full-time equivalency (FTE).
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to approve the increase of the Animal Shelter position from 0.15
to 0.50 FTE effective immediately.
Commissioner Swope seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Lodging tax allocations for 2022 awards: Becky Butler said the reserves have built up, noting that
revenues have nearly doubled and several events have been canceled. The commissioners said they
would like to have the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee chair to review potential allocations and to
make a suggestion regarding allocations.
Fair vacancies: The commissioners said they would discuss the two vacancies the following week.
Lewis County Seniors MOU: Commissioner Swope said he would meet with a Lewis County Seniors
representative July 13. The group noted that the Older Americans Act could provide funding for the
seniors.
Fair: The commissioners said they would cancel the Aug. 17 Business Meeting to accommodate the
opening ceremonies for the fair.
Legislative update: Becky said the Sheriff’s Office continues to work on the state’s body camera
mandate.
Activity reports
All three commissioners discussed the weekend’s Toledo Cheese Days festivities. Commissioner Stamper
discussed his recent visit to Paradise Estates, where residents are concerned about litter and fire
dangers. The commissioners and Meja Handlen discussed an outreach event that took place over the
weekend.
Commissioner Swope said he will meet with stakeholders July 15 and that the group is working on a date
for a housing summit. He said he participated in recent interviews for the Public Information Specialist
positions. Commissioner Swope said he toured the Sports Hub. He said the ballfields should be turfed to
draw tourists to the region.
COVID-19: JP discussed recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. He said he is awaiting
the state’s new guidance regarding school resuming in the fall.
The commissioners approved minute folders for the weeks of June 14 and June 21, 2021.
Announcements
Becky said Munis was upgraded over the weekend.
Commissioner Stamper reminded the group that the BOCC Business Meeting will move to 10 a.m.
Tuesdays effective July 13.
Meeting adjourned at 10:07 a.m.