Commissioners meet with planning director, Economic Alliance

Summaries for the week of Nov. 28

              Monday, 11-28,  a.m.

• Commissioners and Director of Planning, Pete Palmer, discussed the upcoming meeting of the Planning Commission (PC). Also discussed were options if the PC makes a recommendation about rezoning of Tunk Basin that the BOCC disagrees with.
• Karen Beatty, Director of Central Services updated the Commissioners on two cybersecurity tools used by the county—the Albert Sensor and CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency). Commissioner Hover had received an email from a constituent concerned about the cost and safety of both tools.
• The Commissioners and members of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) learned about Tread Map, an app designed to inform users about outdoor recreation in Washington.
                                                                                                                                               Monday, 11-28,  p.m.
• Year-end report of Okanogan County Tourism Council (OCTC) showed increased tax revenues due to more payments from short term rentals. A discussion followed about how to increase tourism in Okanogan County.
• Prosecuting Attorney’s budget reviewed.
• Noxious Weed Board budget reviewed. BOCC approved an increase for noxious weed tax assessment.
• BOCC discussed the possibility of hiring an administrator to handle day-to-day management of county business. 

Tuesday, 11-29,  a.m.

• Budget work (2023) with Treasurer and Auditor.
• Planning for addition of a Chief Deputy Coroner plus car.
• Public Works/Solid Waste updates:
  • New law regarding composting,
  • Bids are out for two shops.

 
            Tuesday, 11-29,  p.m.

• Economic Alliance members debated a change from redistributing rural development funds among county, city, and emerging opportunity projects on a 40-40-20 ratio, to supporting large scale, well-planned building projects spread around the county. People need to know the loans and grants available to them. Bonding, policing, mental health, and housing were discussed.
• District Court will not replace a second probation officer in 2023 in order to cut costs. Therapeutic court is probably eligible for opioid settlement money.
• The Tunk Moratorium was extended for 60 days
• Resolutions passed concerned salaries, overtime, and minimum wage; Fire District No, 6 hydrant project approved. District’s request for ARPA funds to cover station construction cost over-runs to be discussed further.