2020-04-07 Budget meetingBudget meeting
April 7, 2020
1:33 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper (remotely), Commissioner Fund (remotely), Commissioner Jackson,
County Manager Erik Martin (remotely), Amber Smith (remotely), Candace Hallom
Guest: Frank Corbin (remotely)
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Becky Butler said she is proposing that the county set up a separate COVID-19 Special Reserve Fund to
centralize funding and expenditures related to the pandemic while also allowing for improved tracking
for auditing purposes. She said she expects costs to the county to reach roughly $2.3 million. Becky said
she believes FEMA and the state will reimburse the county for expenses. She suggested frontloading a
portion of the estimated costs.
Becky said the county would have to pay for cleaning services, food services, etc., for congregate and
non-congregate housing at the fairgrounds, as discussed with Lewis County Public Health Officer Dr.
Rachel Wood.
Becky said the cost to create congregate and non-congregate housing at the Southwest Washington
Fairgrounds is estimated at very roughly $2 million. Josh Metcalf said the estimate includes sanitary
sewer hook-ups for 60 RV sites as well as new bathroom facilities.
Becky proposed creating a COVID-19 Fiscal Impact Team (COVID FIT) to review long- and short-term
financial options and priorities.
The commissioners approved her proposals to create the Special Response fund and to create the
COVID FIT financial response / review team.
Becky discussed the creation of a budget / fund to acquire Water Sewer District 5.
Josh said the proposed budget would include funding for repairs, cleaning and inspection. Josh said
Public Works used the Vader water system as the model for its cost and price estimates for Water Sewer
District 5.
Eric Eisenberg joined at 1:57 p.m.
Meeting ended at 2 p.m.