2026-03-16 BOCC Wrap-UpBOCC Wrap-Up / County Manager Update
March 16, 2026
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Becky Butler, David Bailey, Alex Murray, Jonathan Meyer, Fionna Velazquez, John Abplanalp,
Wes Anderson, Geoff Soderquist, Graham Gowing, Larry Grove, Matt Patana, Amanda Price, Arny Davis,
Undersheriff Kevin Engelbertson, Shad Hail, Angie Hodge, Brittani Halverson, Dahkota Harmanson,
Marni Larson, Scott Tinney, Natalie Kamieniecki, Tom Stanton, Ross Nielson, Lynn Richard, Sarah
Hensley, Rachel Lester, Matt Patana, Mindy Brooks, Meja Handlen, Rudy Rodriguez
Guest(s): Judi Brummet, Peggy Rath, M. Anthony, Lisa Striedinger-Hubbard
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Executive session: At 9 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the Board would be going into
executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:20 a.m. to discuss the following six topics.
• Lyden Byron tort claim
• Daniel Sanford tort claim
• Michael Dover tort claim
• Fire District 3 bond interest
• Proposed state action involving LEOFF funds
• Bellacosa arbitration
At 9:20 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:25 a.m.
Executive session ended at 9:25 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made.
2025 and 2026 budgets: Becky Butler discussed impacts of benefits and COLAs on offices and
departments. Commissioner Swope noted that the commissioners approved the collective bargaining
agreements and benefit changes. Becky said the commissioners could consider approving restricted
funds to cover salaries and benefits only.
The commissioners directed staff to determine the five-year history of salary / benefit rollbacks from
offices and departments to help guide their decision regarding providing additional budget capacity to
cover the salary and benefit increases.
The commissioners said they are in support of earmarking restricted funds to cover salaries and benefits
and will further discuss the topic March 23.
Rodeo contract: Fionna Velazquez said the county received three responses to its request for proposals
for the 2026 rodeo. She said the review committee recommends contracting with Plus One Productions,
which provided a quote that reflects a $2,750 increase over its 2025 contract. Becky urged caution to
make sure the company is able to secure the required insurance.
The commissioners directed staff to move forward with a contract with Plus One Productions.
.09 / Distressed Counties funding requests: The commissioners directed staff to move forward with
grants for the two projects the .09 advisory committee has proposed for approval.
Timberland Regional Library: Commissioner Swope said he’d like to schedule an executive session
discussion regarding the Timberland Regional Library.
Announcements: Geoff Soderquist said Peters Road in Randle and SR 31 remain closed in response to
weekend flooding. Geoff said an individual drove around the county’s barricade on Airport Road and
had to be rescued from floodwaters.
Meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m.