POMEROY–County Commissioners favorably consider lawn service as an essential service to the community and social distancing can be maintained through advanced preparations.

During the teleconference meeting Monday, April 6, the issue of allowing lawn services to do business as essential services was discussed. Sheriff Drew Hyer stated legal counsel advised lawn service as a business allowed under the current COVID-19 restrictions. Commissioners Wynne McCabe, Bob Johnson and Justin Dixon deemed lawn services as an essential service especially for those individuals who are not physically capable of mowing their own lawns.

According to McCabe, several people with an existing cliental are seeking approval to do lawn care. The services appear to be prohibited because of personal contact during exchange of instruction and making payment. McCabe said a solution is to provide instruction by phone and mailing an invoice or payment. Johnson concern is the potential of friends congregating at one location and having contact with the costumer. The issue is to weigh the potential of harm to the customer. They will consult with County Prosecutor Matt Newburg after a more extensive review of the restrictions.

Pomeroy Assist has requested the allocated payment of $3,000 of the approved annual $12,000 funding for the second quarter which was approved.

The Port of Garfield has requested a payment of $100,000 for the broadband system being constructed by the Port. It was previously promised by the County in exchange for including the fairgrounds in the fiber network. The fairgrounds is part of the second phase of the project. A "Port District Interlocal Agreement for Funding and Fiber Lines" had been drawn up which will be forwarded to Newburg to review.

Grant Morgan, Garfield County Public Works Director, informed the commissioners that each county is facing significant revenue decreases due to the decrease in gas taxes being collected. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 restrictions, gas sales have been greatly reduced due to the "stay-at-home" orders. He is expecting about 60% less revenue to be used on County roads until the crisis is ended.

Dixon has asked the commissioners to review the existing resolution regarding RV rentals at the fairgrounds. However, due to the Governor's orders, they cannot ask current space occupants to leave.

The next meeting of the Garfield County Commissioners will be Monday, April 13, 2020. The instructions for joining in the teleconferences are posted on the Garfield County website: co.garfield.wa.us.