Okanogan County Commissioners waive charge for new 911 addresses

Editor’s note: The following meeting summary of the Board of Commissioners of Okanogan County (BOCC) for May 30, is taken from notes provided by County Watch (countywatch.org).

OKANOGAN – The county commissioners approved a resolution that waives the $75 fee for those who lost homes in a fire or other disaster and need to register another location for a new 911 (E-911) emergency address.  Okanogan County Emergency Management uses the E-911 address to help emergency services locate residents with faster response time. The difference can make a significant difference in survival and degree of recovery.

In other BOCC business:

Tuesday, May 30, morning

•        Approved Resolution #63-2023, a generic 911 fee waiver for individuals who have lost their residence in a fire or other emergency and need to get a new 911 address.

•        Discussed costs for repair and maintenance of Tonasket/Oroville EMS buildings and some specifics regarding whether consolidation of these EMS districts makes sense from a service and dollars and cents point of view. There are five ambulances together between Tonasket and Oroville – with some in need of repair. May need feasibility study.

•        The county assessor that the housing market is still doing well – values remain high, sales have slowed down.

There is a 20-30 percent increase of sale price in most areas of the county. The Assessor’s office is on time with workload and notices to the taxpayer this year.

•        Held a code amendment hearing for setting of minimum office hours for most offices of the courthouse. Approved an ordinance and resolution governing procedure for emergency closures and business needs.

•        The county auditor will recommend the vendor for the courthouse weapons detection system. BOCC accepted the quote from CEIA, the manufacturer of Opengate scanners.

•        The county solid waste manager discussed implementation of an apple maggot quarantine in the North County. He suggested different boundaries to minimize the impact on residents.

•        The county engineer updated the board on public works.