These notes were taken by an Okanogan County Watch volunteer. Every attempt is made to be accurate. Notes are verbatim when possible, and otherwise summarized or paraphrased.
Note takers comments or clarifications are in italics. These notes are not the official county record of the meeting. For officially approved minutes, which are normally published at a later time, CLICK HERE.
The time stamps refer to the times on the AV Capture archive of the meeting on this date at the County livestream archive. To locate items in real time, the clock on the wall in the AV Capture screen can be helpful.
07.01.2025 Tues AM BOCC
Meeting Highlights:
During the Finance Roundtable discussion, Pam Johnson, County Treasurer, tell the commissioners that she received an email from the State Treasurer telling her that other “entities” say state budgets have been reduced—due to certain cuts, etc.—and so the county’s budget had to be cut. As a result, the state sent less money ($32,000+) to the county in June than was expected. The commissioners are greatly surprised that the state can reduce the county’s share of money it receives from various taxes, especially excise taxes. Johnson says that none of the county treasurers in the state understand the situation and they hope there will be more explanation later.
Johnson also reported that the county has received the $3,442,381 in federal PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes), $200,000 more than the county had budgeted.
Mike Worden, County Dispatch Center, tells the commissioners of a problem with a county building under construction. Plumbing and ventilation pipes were installed a few inches from where they should have been, and the mistake wasn’t noticed until after the concrete was poured. The contractor is responsible for the cost overruns, and the commissioners discuss whether to move the walls in the new building or chip out the concrete.
James De Salvo and Erika Halm of Methow Trails tell the commissioners about the grant they’ve received from the Washington DOT to fund a study to help them find the best route for a trail from Winthrop to Twisp. They need the county to agree to administer the grant. Commissioner Hover was reluctant to sign until he heard from Methow Trails that they would not pressure reluctant landowners to allow the trail across their property. Now that AH has heard from Methow Trails, he and the other commissioners agree that the county should administer the grant.
Meeting adjourned at 12:09.