2023-05-15 County Manager UpdateCounty Manager Update
May 15, 2023
10:15 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Interim County Manager Steve Wohld, David
Bailey, Nic Scott, Amber Smith, Becky Butler, Meja Handlen, Doug Carey, Treasurer Arny Davis, Graham
Gowing
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Agenda change: Commissioner Pollock made a motion to add “campsites” to the meeting agenda.
Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Public comment: None.
Legislative tax change for cemetery and public access held by nonprofits: Commissioner Brummer
asked about tax breaks for nonprofit recreational lands, such as Carlisle Lake. Arny Davis said he will look
into tax breaks for recreational properties, such as the tax breaks Yakima County has for the Kiwanis.
Fireworks – derby update: Steve Wohld said the city of Centralia is moving the location of its fireworks
show to Seminary Hill instead of at the fairgrounds. He said the cost of fireworks would be
approximately $15,000, but that the derby nets only $5,000.
Fairgrounds electrical: Steve said L&I provided a correction sheet regarding electrical work at the
fairgrounds.
Mountain View Cemetery update: Steve said the previous cemetery owner has provided Mountain
View’s records. He said the previous owner also said there is an endowment fund with roughly
$163,000. David Bailey said it’s possible those funds will be swept by the state.
US Bank program over limit: Steve said US Bank has recommended the county increase its cumulative
credit cap from $120,000 to $200,000.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to authorize Interim County Manager Steve Wohld to increase
the US Bank overlimit to $200,000. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Campsites: Steve requested permission to allow propane campfires – not wood fires – at county
campsites.
Executive session: At 10:50 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going
into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 10 minutes to discuss two topics: Isaac West
litigation and opioid litigation.
Executive session started at 10:51 a.m.
Executive session ended at 11:01 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made.
Announcements / new business: Meja Handlen asked for clarification about work on the interim and
long-term shelters. She said she’d like to focus on the long-term shelter. The commissioners said their
intent is to focus on the long-term shelter, not the interim shelter. The group said they will add the topic
for Wednesday Workshop.
Becky Butler said she learned May 12 that the county will receive funding from a bequest.
Meeting ended at 11:08 a.m.