Chris Kemp

The meeting addressed requests made open to the public, including permission sought by the Community Services Director to fill a Temporary Direct Support 1 position to service the Pullman area, which the Board approved. The Commissioners also approved several claims and warrants for payment across various county funds. Significant portions of the meeting involved multiple executive sessions to discuss Pending Litigation, Contracts, and Personnel matters.

The meeting included several actions and public hearings. Key discussions involved granting permission to fill a temporary Witness Advocate Position within the Coroner's office. Resolutions were approved concerning the adoption of a De Minimis Indirect Cost Rate and the establishment of Vehicle Rental Rates and Shop Rates for 2026. A public hearing resulted in the approval of Resolution 26-07, the Asotin County 5 Year Homeless and Housing Plan. Other public hearings addressed the Vacation of roads within Vineland Cemetery and the 2026 Asotin County Noxious Weed List, for which public comments were accepted following the hearings. Business also included approval of an addendum to the Inmate Telephone Agreement, an amendment to the Food Service Agreement with Summit Food Service, LLC, and resolutions granting funding for tourism promotion to Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau DBA Visit Lewis Clark Valley, Asotin County Public Facilities District (Aquatic Center), and Asotin County Fair. The Board also approved changes to the Board of Equalization Hearing Examiner Services Contract and an Intergovernmental Agreement Apportioning Salary of Court Administrator. Claims totaling $241,964.15 were approved and ordered paid across multiple funds. The body later entered executive and work sessions on the following days, where consensus was reached to split the HR Specialist/Clerk of the Board into two separate positions.

The meeting covered discussions regarding the potential vacation of Fitzgerald Drive and Vinland Drive within the Cemetery District borders, as well as parking complaints from residents on Rimview Drive. The Public Works Director/County Engineer addressed these items. The Building Official provided an update on Growth Management Periodic Updates. The Board approved claims and payroll warrants totaling over $817,000. An executive session originally scheduled for January 7, 2026, was canceled, and the Board convened an administrative work session before adjourning until the next scheduled meeting.

The meeting addressed several key discussion points. The Public Works Director/County Engineer discussed the potential vacation of Fitzgerald Drive and Vinland Drive within the Cemetery District borders, as well as parking complaints from residents on Rimview Drive. The Building Official presented on Growth Management Periodic Updates. Claims and payroll vouchers were approved for payment totaling $130,143.49 and $687,677.76, respectively. The Board recessed, reconvened the following day to announce the cancellation of a previously rescheduled executive session, and attended an administrative work session before adjourning.

The meeting agenda included the presentation and approval of Resolution 26-01 regarding the intent to vacate a right-of-way within Vineland Cemetery, and the approval of a Supplemental Agreement Number 8 with the Washington State Department of Transportation for Snake River Road. The Board also approved a Communication Site Lease for the Puffer Butte tower site with the State of Washington Parks and Recreation Commission. Key operational discussions involved the proposed Local Emergency Planning Committee by laws. Permission was granted to fill two vacant positions: the Victim Witness Coordinator in the Prosecutor's office and the Clerk to the Board/HR Specialist. The Board also provided a letter of support for a grant application by Quality Behavioral Health. Following executive sessions concerning Personnel and Contracts, the Board unanimously approved a 2.75% cost of living wage increase for non-represented merit employees for 2026.