East Washingtonian - Your Hometown News Source

POMEROY-The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) made the final decision to approve $44,000 for the new sound system for the courtroom at the County Courthouse, at their meeting on July 13, 2020. The sound system acquisition committee included District Court Judge Thomas Cox, Clerk Katie Magill and Sheriff Drew Hyer had asked for $44,000 with the opportunity to request more if needed to cover extra expenses to complete the project.

Garfield County has received $250,000through the CARES Act and it was determined that the sound system upgrade project was an allowable expense. So far, only $9,000 has been spent for items such as personal protection equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies, and shields for the courthouse offices.

It has also been proposed to give the Port of Garfield $80,000 to include the fairgrounds in the first phase of the broadband installation project. The fairgrounds is the designated County headquarters in the event of a major emergency. Other requests from County departments may also be forthcoming. Commissioner Justin Dixon commented that he felt that both proposals are legitimate requests. The BOCC voted unanimously to approve the purchase of the sound system and to move ahead as quickly as possible.

John Hirsch, Emergency Services Manager, brought two resolutions to the BOCC for approval. The first outlined that the 2021 Homeland Security Grant pays for the salary of the Emergency Services Manager (ESM) and associated training and travel expenses. Hirsch proposed a budget of $15,000 for the ESM salary, and $2,324 for the expenses, while acknowledging that the travel expenses may not be needed due to restricted travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant would run from Sept. 1, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2021.

The second resolution was the 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG), for $27,896, which is used for the purchase of equipment. Hirsch proposed that $23,096 be used to provide radio repeaters in patrol cars of Sheriff's deputies to assist communications in several areas of the county where they encounter dead spots, especially at Lower Granite Dam and the surrounding river area, including the Dunes. The remaining $4,800 could be spent on the Alert Sense Program. This grant does require the County to match the funds ($27,896), covered by the remaining cost of the repeaters to be paid through the Sheriff's office and the emergency vehicle provided for the Emergency Manager. The BOCC will make a decision at the July 2020 meeting.

Hirsch also reported that he had contacted Jack Peasley with SEWEDA, who stated he would be contacting all local businesses to gather requests for more COVID-19 funding. Peasley is making up an application form and will send a draft copy to the BOCC and Hirsch for review.

For his last piece of business, Hirsch announced he is stepping down as Garfield County Emergency Services Manager as of August, 31, 2020, for personal reasons. His goal is to finalize the two resolutions presented, and get the Hazard Mitigation Plan back on schedule after delays caused by COVID-19. He pledged to work with whoever replaces him to help them get oriented, and would remain available for assistance. His resignation was reluctantly accepted by the BOCC, who thanked him for his service.

Sheriff Drew Hyer reported that his office has been busier with more activity and that calls to service had increased tremendously, though no major events were currently ongoing. The Dunes have been shut down, as well as traffic crossing at Lower Granite Dam, for approximately two weeks.

Pomeroy Assist President Roger Pedersen requested their quarterly emergency housing funding, stating the organization had assisted the community with COVID-19 funding in the amount of $21,000, to provide aid in areas not covered elsewhere. With the help of the Shepherd Foundation, the emergency housing units have received all new kitchen appliances, and the bathrooms will also be getting some repairs. The two units have been occupied all year. The request for funding was approved by the BOCC.

Due to the resignation of Mike Wolf, just prior to the COVID-19 shutdown, the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment has an open position that needs to be filled. The opening will be advertised, and interested parties may contact the Auditor's office to be placed on the list for applications.

Dixon announced that the Garfield County Health District's regular monthly meeting will be moved to July 20, 2020, at 10 a.m., as part of the BOCC meeting agenda that day.