Commissioners' report

Lajuana Winger brought a request to construct a road on an undeveloped county-owned parcel off Clover Street between two properties. This road would provide access to Winger’s and her neighbor’s property and would be entirely paid for by them, costing the county no money. Public Works Director Chuck Beyer explained that if the county were to vacate that parcel of property, Winger would not have to build to county road standards, which would be significantly more expensive. Beyer noted that vacating would also be the easiest process for everyone. A member of the public commented, “With the budget constraints, I wouldn’t think that vacating the county road and just giving it away would be in the best interest of the county’s budget,” said local business owner Dusti Coulter. “Rather than vacate it and just give [the parcel] away, why not sell it and put that money back into the county’s coffers. Beyer will be working with Winger to develop a plan for the road.

Emergency Technology Coordinator Bea Renfro presented the commissioners with an Omnibus Interlocal Agreement between the emergency services departments, local school districts, and County departments with the Sheriff’s Office. This agreement creates a method of effective communication between all parties in the event of an emergency and is something Renfro has put a lot of time and effort into. “You’ve been working on this a long time, and to get [the departments] to agree and sign on,” Said Commissioner Gene Strong. “It’s been a long time coming and quite the project,” said Renfro. The commissioners also approved the purchase of iSpyFire, an emergency notification system for responders that will replace the current system. Funding for this initiative will be drawn from the Radio Fund and is projected to result in cost savings compared to the previous system.

The commissioners approved a contract amendment that would extend the term of the contract between ESD 113 and HHS for the Youth Cannabis & Commercial Tobacco Prevention Program. This program will cost up to $35,000 and comes out of the Public Health Fund.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ryan Murillo gave a presentation on the progress made this year, spoke about the Chamber of Commerce's contributions to the county, and discussed some goals for the coming year.

The meeting ended as the commissioners entered into executive session with Prosecuting Attorney Dan Bigelow for “litigation or potential litigation.” The next meeting will be Tuesday, September 2, at 9:30 a.m.