2023-10-09 County Manager UpdateCounty Manager Update
October 9, 2023
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Steve Wohld, Becky Butler, Nic Scott, Doug Carey, Meja Handlen, Amber Smith
Guest(s):
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Emergency planning: Ryan Barrett reviewed county policy regarding emergency closures and late starts.
He discussed Lewis County Alert and the county’s Inclement Weather Policy.
Lewis County Seniors contribution review: Becky Butler said the Lewis County Seniors group has been
asked to submit documentation regarding its cash-handling policy before the county releases funds. She
noted the Seniors group has not submitted an official request for second half funding.
Budget-planning process: Ryan said he has reached out to offices and departments regarding hiring
freezes and other cost-saving measures.
Becky said the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has indicated the Auditor’s Office has legislative authority
over the budget process and could opt to take control of the budget process. Becky noted the county’s
current process has been in use for 30-ish years and that the Auditor’s Office has indicated it is not
interested in changing the county’s process.
Commissioner Pollock said she met with the Coroner’s Office and requested detailed expenditures
related to the office’s transport request.
The group discussed parameters for the upcoming budget meetings and budget requests.
Meeting ended at 10:31 a.m.