Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Whitman County commissioners and other officials convened for their weekly workshop Monday morning, now being done online or by call-in.
Commissioner Michael Largent appeared on the screen first, sitting alone at the commissioner's bench at the courthouse, Commissioner Art Swannack appeared from his office down the hall and commissioner Dean Kinzer in his office.
Largent talked about looking to hire a consultant to help navigate the federal CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) – from which Whitman County has been awarded $2.7 million – since it has no current administrative services director.
Largent then asked about continuing to broadcast these work sessions after the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
“I don't want to spend the money Pullman's spending on hi-definition,” he said, adding that he would like to keep it going in some form.
Commissioner Swannack came on screen to concur, then Kinzer.
“I am in favor of continuing to broadcast, even if we are back in the (original work-session) room,” Kinzer said.
A total of 22 people were signed in to listen or watch online or by phone call.
Lance Bishop appeared onscreen next from the county I.T. building and said he will present options on this to commissioners next week.
“It gives us more flexibility too,” Largent said, noting times when commissioners may not be able to be in Colfax on a Monday at 9 a.m.
Swannack added one more comment.
“We gotta be careful on what we spend on this,” he said, noting costs of archiving broadcasts or otherwise. “For now, just livestreaming.”
FURTHER ITEMS
Commissioner Swannack reported on the Whitman County unemployment rate for April.
Kinzer reported on being on a half-hour phone call last week with Governor Inslee, with other Eastern Washington representatives. The mayor of Clarkston took up 15 minutes with her questions.
“They were good questions,” Kinzer said.
Later, out of time, Inslee requested a question from Whitman County and Kinzer asked about economic relief from the state for businesses with over 10 employees. Kinzer relayed that the governor said the state is now in a $6 billion hole due to COVID-19 and any help on Kinzer's query will need to come from the federal government.
PUBLIC WORKS
Another figure popped on screen next, in front of a wilderness-scape, it was Public Works Director Mark Storey, to say that the rain and windstorm Saturday, May 30 was not as powerful as feared.
“Little tiny bits of damage all over the county and soft roads everywhere,” he said. “We didn't get any calls though, surprisingly.”
COUNTY SALES TAX
The voice of Chris Nelson, county treasurer, came on next, a white-text phone number showing on a black screen, as she was in on the work session by phone. She reported on county sales tax revenue for March.
COURT CLERKS
Another white phone number appeared on screen, with the voice of Jill Whelchel, who said the court clerk's office is making preparations to open next week to the public.
“Hopefully,” she said in conclusion.
Commissioner Largent then asked Brandy Dean, courthouse facilities director, about masks being secured for employees in preparation for a next stage of reopening.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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