2022-07-25 County Manager UpdateCounty Manager Update
July 25, 2022
10:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik
Martin, Becky Butler, Steve Wohld, Meja Handlen, Matt Jaeger, Daleyn Coleman, Aime Albright, Doug
Carey, Jenn Libby-Jones, Grace Jimenez, Josh Metcalf, Lee Napier, Michelle Sauter, Mindy Brooks,
Tammy Martin
Guest(s): One unnamed guest
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Commissioner Swope made a motion to add to the agenda discussion and possible action regarding
cattle-feeding stations for the fairgrounds. Commissioner Grose seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Public comment: None.
Cattle-feeding stations at the fairgrounds:
Commissioner Pollock said she had reached out to Economic Alliance and that Richard DeBolt discussed
some possible grant ideas that might be available to help pay for the cattle-feeding stations.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to allocate up to $10,000 as a backstop for purchasing cattle-
feeding stations at the fairgrounds. Commissioner Grose seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Becky said the county would ultimately make the purchase. She said the commissioners could increase
general fund contributions to the fair and then have the fundraising group pay the county for the
balance.
County Lobbyist RFP: Erik Martin said interviews will lobbyist applicants will take place the following
week. Commissioner Swope asked Erik to ask the electeds for suggested questions and then invite them
to the interviews.
Washington Counties Risk Pool – 2023 rates: Erik reviewed WCRP’s 2023 rates for liability, property
insurance, cyberattack insurance. Erik said the WCRP is looking at ways to minimize risks. Erik said
insurers require a minimum of funding earmarked for self-insurance and that WCRP has increased its
pot minimum by $1 million, noting that the amount could be pushed higher in the future. Erik said the
alternative would be for Lewis County to leave the Risk Pool and become self-insured. The group
discussed the potentially higher costs of becoming self-insured.
Budget: Becky said preliminary interfund rates for 2023 will be discussed later in the day.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding: Becky said she’d have the commissioners review the ARPA
applications the following day.
Community Development update: Erik said Community Development has processed 158 permits year
to date, compared to 191 the previous year. Lee Napier said the county had processed permits for large
projects – such as the wind farm – the previous year. She also noted that the commissioners set permit
fees in November.
Meeting ended at 10:28 a.m.