2020-08-18 PA UpdatePA Update
August 18, 2020
1:30 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Jason Mattson, County
Manager Erik Martin, Jonathan Meyer, Eric Eisenberg, Cullen Gatten, Steve Wohld, Becky Butler, Daleyn
Coleman, Steve Walton, Josh Metcalf, Dianne Dorey, Lara McRea, Suzette Smith, Katie Conradi, Grace
Jimenez, Brittani Bonahoom, Tailor Allbright, Natalie Dunlap, Katie Nissell, Larry McGee
Guests: Jason Mattson, Frank Corbin
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Jonathan Meyer said the Salary Commission presented its report, recommending a 10 percent increase
for all Lewis County electeds.
Eric Eisenberg said the Salary Commission’s decision about the commissioners’ salaries takes effect
immediately, whereas the commissioners must decide whether to accept the group’s recommendations
regarding the other electeds’ salaries.
Eric said the commissioners can accept and then donate all or a portion of the salary increases if they so
choose. He said they cannot refuse their salary increases.
Jonathan said the commissioners could set a new salary for the next term of each seat.
Commissioner Stamper said he is in favor of approving the 10 percent raises for all of the electeds.
Commissioner Fund said she is undecided.
Dianne Dorey discussed her feelings in support of providing raises.
The commissioners said they would like to return to the topic later in the week.
Jonathan discussed the County Health Officer’s recommendation for distance learning. He discussed the
possible creation of an education pod where a tutor could help county employees’ school-age children.
The group discussed the feasibility of the idea, including whether it could be replicated countywide.
Jonathan noted that roughly one-half of the county works under the BOCC, while the remaining half
works for other electeds. He said there is a discrepancy regarding the raises provided. He said there also
are discrepancies regarding the schooling needed and the resulting pay. Jonathan outlined other
perceived pay disparities.
Erik Martin said he and HR are ready to help in whatever direction the BOCC
Commissioner Fund left at 2:16 p.m.
Commissioner Stamper directed HR and Erik to work with Jonathan on a proposal.
Commissioner Fund returned at 2:18 p.m.
Jonathan said he believes the reorg was presented as a cost-saving measure but that it actually has cost
the county.
Erik said Jonathan has submitted a package of PAFs.
The commissioners asked Erik to review the information and provide a recommendation.
Josh Metcalf left at 2:39 p.m.
Erik said he would review any budgetary impacts of – or compression issues or union issues that may
arise as a result of – Jonathan’s request.
Eric Eisenberg said Amber Smith has met with Water District 2 regarding a proposed MOU.
Becky Butler and Cullen Gatten said the U.S. Treasury has not yet issued guidance about the president’s
executive order regarding the deferral of payroll taxes.
At 2:48 p.m., Commissioner Stamper announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session
under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 10 minutes to discuss L and I as well as a Central Shop settlement
negotiation. Executive session started at 2:49 p.m.
At 2:59 p.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 5 minutes.
Executive Session ended at 3:04 p.m. Commissioner Stamper noted that no decisions had been made.
Meeting ended at 3:07 p.m.