County makes money moves

Whitman County commissioners Monday decided to withhold the county’s historic preservation dollars next year to let the fund build up for another year.

Currently, the fund has a balance of just over $4,000. Last year, after years of letting the fund build, the county distributed $18,000 to historic projects around the county.

Whitman County’s Historical Society, the rural library district and Rosalia all received money for projects.

Commissioners also Monday set aside $100,000 of the county’s .09 state public facilities funds to be awarded to projects in county towns by the Blue Ribbon Advisory Task Committee.

The allotment was the same as was set aside for small town projects for the past two years.

The remainder will be set aside to guarantee an anticipated $9.1 million bond issuance to fund infrastructure at Boise-based Hawkins Companies’ proposed Stateline Shopping Center.

Last year, .09 funding paid for projects in Pullman, Tekoa and the Garfield/Farmington Hospital District.

The county’s .09 fund currently sits near $720,000.

Also Monday, commissioners approved payment of $32,167 worth of annual dues to eight associations.

Commissioners approved paying $5,000 to the Community Education and Training Center’s governing board.

Commissioner Pat O’Neill questioned what would happen to that money if the county decided to tear down the building, which has been mothballed since last October because its roof was damaged by heavy snowfall last winter.

Commissioner Greg Partch said no funds can be spent on the building without commissioner approval, so the $5,000 pledge was more an earmark than a guaranteed payment.

Commissioners approved payment of $8,508 to the Washington State Association of Counties and $7,200 to the Washington Association of County Officials. Both groups lobby representatives Olympia lawmakers on behalf of counties and local officials.

The National Association of Counties, a federal county lobby, will receive $865.

Commissioners continued to contribute to the Palouse Basin Water Summit, pledging $250 to the meeting.

Commissioners also agreed to contribute $5,000 to the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee, the regional aquifer research organization.

Eastern Washington Aging & Long Term Care will receive a $5,194 payment, and commissioners pledged $150 to the Office of Minority & Business Women.