2023-11-20 County Manager updateCounty Manager Update
November 20, 2023
10:16 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, David Bailey, Lee Napier, Beky Butler, Stacey Werner, Susie Palmateer, Meja Handlen, Terry
Jouper, Ross Nielson, Lynn Richard, Chris Lanegan
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Swigert Road update: Ryan Barrett and David Bailey discussed county work performed at Isaac West’s
Swigert Road property to mitigate action the owner had taken, putting neighbors at risk.
2024 budget requests: Becky Butler reviewed 2024 requests:
WSU: Becky Butler noted she had requested additional information from Gary Fredricks and had not yet
received it.
Action: The commissioners denied WSU’s increase request and opted to keep the funding at 2022 levels.
The commissioners said they will consider revisiting the request in 2024 if their performance concerns
have been addressed.
Assessor’s Office: Ross Nielson discussed a request for $55,355 for Granicus software to address homes
being used as AirBNB and VRBO rentals.
Action: The commissioners said they would like to pay for Granicus as part of the county’s Lodging Tax
fund for administration. The commissioners said they would like to postpone the budget decision until
after it’s determined whether Lodging Tax administrative fees can cover the costs.
The commissioners denied the remainder of the request and directed the Assessor’s Office to try to
absorb the costs and request an amendment if needed.
Law and Justice security: Susie Palmateer said Superior Court is facing a $966 per month increase for
armed security guards. She said she is seeking grant funding and other opportunities.
Action: The commissioners denied the budget increase but directed Superior Court to sign the contract
and look for outside funding if possible. The commissioners directed Superior Court to submit a budget
amendment in 2024 if needed.
Becky discussed the upcoming informational budget meeting planned for Nov. 21.
The group discussed steps being taken to address any potential financial downturns in the future.
The group discussed the day’s upcoming meeting with the East Lewis County Public Development
Authority (ELCPDA), which is asking that the county forgive its .09 loan.
Correspondence: The commissioners discussed an email received regarding protections regarding Green
River mining.
Meeting ended at 11:21 a.m.