State capital budget includes $670,000 for courthouse rehab

Editor’s note: The following meeting summaries of the Board of Commissioners of Okanogan County (BOCC) for the last week of April 2023 are taken from notes provided by County Watch (countywatch.org)

OKANOGAN – The recently approved state capital budget allocates almost $9 in funding for the 2023-25 biennium including $670,000 in funding to rehab the Okanogan County courthouse. The BOCC discussed that and other issues at its meetings on April 24-25.

Monday, April 24

• Planning Director, Pete Palmer and the commissioners discussed a gravel pit operated by Lloyd Logging that’s out of compliance with the Planning Department (its Conditional Use Permit (CUP) expired in 1987) and is also out of compliance with its Department of Natural Resources (DNR) permit. Discussion included enabling the Planning Department to issue fines to ensure compliance.
• Palmer and the commissioners continued discussions about Zone Code revisions.
• The commissioners, DNR and the Okanogan Conservation District (OCD) discussed wildfire resiliency planning in the county and the importance of tailoring Firewise programs to each community.
• The commissioners and Dave Mullins discussed funding issues of the Tonasket EMS District. Mr. Mullins has a list of possible solutions to provide more hours of service in the district. Commissioner Branch promises that the BOCC will consider the items on his list.

Tuesday, April 25, a.m.

• Deputy Prosecutor Esther Milner negotiated contract agreement with rep from County’s on-call Engineering firm; Licensing Dept. doorway, Fairground barns, Jail geo-thermal to benefit.
• Coroner presented Snohomish County autopsy services contract for approval and is excited about imminent purchase of Randox machine for drug testing.
• WA State Capital Budget passed approving $670,000 for Courthouse rehab with 5-7 percent administrative fee.
• Decision made for Auctioneer Services for County Surplus Auction on May 15 – GovDeals – online and in person,
• Update from Solid Waste and Public Works – Upcoming meeting with Environmental Protection Agency regarding Air Quality – new rules
   

Tuesday, April 25, p.m.

• Discussion regarding incorrect notice for Planning Meeting and no public comment period – zoning and rural character of county.
• Approved two subdivision proposals: Long Plat (Park Place) 2021-2, and Warner (on East Lake) Long Plat alteration 2022-1.

• Approved Fairgrounds' Manager bid recommendation for

• 40 stall Horse Barns with Noble Panels.

• Letters of interest for District 1 & 3 LTAC position.