Benton County

The Board meeting included discussions on line item transfers for various departments, the purchase of IT equipment, and several contract agreements, including a lease for road surfacing materials and restroom renovation projects. The Board also reviewed the approval of an interagency agreement for Coronavirus Relief Funding, discussed a grant award for the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program, and addressed concerns regarding reopening phases during the pandemic. Furthermore, the Board approved a letter to local churches, a grant opportunity for corrections to assist transitioning inmates, and recognized a staff member for her years of service. A special meeting was also held to approve the application to move into Phase 2 of the Safe Start Washington plan.

The board approved a consent agenda covering various financial and operational matters, including payroll check postings, line-item transfers for juvenile facility construction, the Janssen Opioid Settlement participation agreement, and several construction change orders and contract amendments. Additionally, the board authorized the Sheriff's Office to apply for a body-worn camera grant to cover costs for digital data storage licenses. Various resolutions were passed, including those for surplus property disposition, health care services at the jail, and purchasing agreements for law enforcement equipment.

The board discussed and took action on several items including the sale and minimum bid for a 1973 Cessna aircraft, multiple fund transfers, the appointment of a member to the Columbia Irrigation District Board, and various easement releases. The board also accepted work performed on the Courtroom Audio-Visual Upgrade Project, approved a contract for inmate commissary services, authorized a grant application for therapeutic court services, reviewed a contract for jail bed space, and discussed agreements for body and vehicle cameras for the Sheriff's Office. Additionally, the board addressed a feasibility study for the Benton County Fairgrounds and received updates on pending litigation.

The Board approved various administrative actions including line item transfers for overtime across multiple departments, contracts for bituminous surface treatments, road surfacing materials, and software for the Auditor's office. Additional business included the approval of a temporary Rule 9 Intern position in the Office of Public Defense, the creation and classification of a new Risk Management Coordinator position, and authorization for the County Administration to hire a construction manager. Furthermore, the Board authorized a contract extension for counseling services for Sheriff's office employees and reviewed multiple resolutions related to surplus property, reappointment to the Water Conservancy Board, and various financial transfers. The Board also conducted executive sessions regarding real estate acquisition and pending litigation with no formal actions taken.

The board approved an invoice of $600.60 payable to the Washington State Auditor and authorized the payment of invoices for the calendar year up to a total of $1,000.00.