POMEROY–Chairman Justin Dixon announced Garfield County received official approval from the state to move forward to Phase 3 of the Governor’s Safe Start plan and confirmed the receipt of $250,000 from the Department of Commerce at the meeting of the Garfield County Board of Commissioners Monday, June 8, 2020.

Opening into Phase 3 allows groups of up to 50, government offices can reopen and meetings can resume in person, but have been recommended to continue meetings through telecommunication. The commissioners question as to how it affects public meetings, and whether face masks are required to be worn by all business employees. For the present, the County Commissioners will continue to conduct meetings by teleconference until more information is received. Dixon stated that he will also be working with Garfield County Prosecutor, Matt Newburg, and the state to clarify other requirements.

It is required that each office or business must have a safety plan on hand and the state has provided a template for businesses to use to formulate such plan. It will not require the approval by the Public Health District. The template is available online as the “Safe Start Plan Template,” and the Phase 3 requirements are included in the “Safe Start Reopening Plan,” also online. Dixon stated that the Labor and Industries (L&I) office is requiring all employees to wear protective masks, which must be supplied by employers.

Garfield County received $250,000 as a Coronavirus Relief Fund Grant from the Department of Commerce. The new relief fund grant comes through the CARES Act, and allows counties to allocate funding to local businesses. Dixon explained the funds are for Garfield County alone, and can be used a few different ways. He also stated Garfield County will determine what is needed to make up shortfalls that the County is experiencing first. Dixon offers an “open invitation” to anyone who with ideas on how the County can save money at this time.

Some counties have used their relief funds to support local businesses. Asotin and Whitman Counties will use the Southeast Washington Economic Development Association (SEWEDA) to distribute money to businesses in their counties. In Garfield County, SEWEDA has already given assistance to about 10 local businesses, and have depleted their resources.

Sheriff Drew Hyer reported he had further contact with the Corps of Engineers (USACE) regarding their plans to reopen the dunes to the public. The USACE acknowledged trying to limit the area to 50 people would be a difficult and agreed to keep it close for now.