Columbia County Working with Leaner Budget in 2017

DAYTON—Wed., Jan. 4, was Norm Passmore’s first day of service on the Board of Columbia County Commissioners. And it was a busy day for the commissioners, who are working with a leaner budget in 2017.

The commissioners are facing a budget for 2017 that is $2.5 million less than last year. Last year’s board, including Dwight Robanske, who just retired, spent most of November and December working with the county auditor and various department heads to craft the 2017 budget.

Early in December the commissioners were working with a revenue shortfall of $86,775, due in part to lower than normal filings in District Court, resulting in cuts in state funds to the county.

On Dec. 28, the commissioners approved a $19.2 million budget for 2017, which includes $5.5 million for various funds, a $4.4 million current expense budget, and a $9.3 million public works budget.

The board’s morning session on Jan. 4 included a public hearing, during which the commissioners adopted a resolution to allow work to begin on demolition of the Fairgrounds East Grandstand. The board also adopted an amended 2017 Public Works Fee Schedule for solid waste fees, as well as equipment rental and revolving rental rates for the Public Works Department.

The commissioners also approved the Grendahl short plat for the Building and Planning Department, and they heard updates from Emergency Management Director Lisa Caldwell, and from Roger Trump at the Parks and Recreation Department.

Trump presented the commissioners with quotes for upgrades to the electrical system at the fairgrounds, and for the HVAC system, which is to be installed at the Fairgrounds Youth Building.

Debbie Dumont, with the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health, discussed a proposal that the county share with her department a portion of the 2.5% per $1,000 of assessed property value that has been set aside for mental health in Columbia County, to provide developmental disability services to the county.

The commissioners also heard from Rachel Hutchens at the Columbia County Weed Control Board about a proposal to have internet service installed at the Fairgrounds Pavilion, and about purchasing a projector and screen to be used there. She said these can be accomplished with financial help from the Columbia County Wheat Growers and the Agriculture Improvement Group.

The commissioners also appointed Rose Englebreit and Ty Lane to the Columbia County Fair Board.

“It is exciting, a challenge,” said Passmore of his new position. “I’m working with two great commissioners, and staff.”

When asked about his personal goal for getting a human resources manager on board at the county, Passmore said, “I see a need for that. It would be beneficial. We’re working with a challenging budget, and we need to get creative.” Passmore said he thought 2018 was a likely target for that goal.