Dan Higbee

The agenda for the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, includes a review of the Commissioners Agenda and Consent Agenda, a briefing amongst Commissioners regarding weekly meetings and schedules, a Public Comment Period, and a Public Hearing regarding Budget Supplemental Appropriation for various funds. Key discussion items include a Finance Committee Meeting with the Treasurer, an update from Public Works with the Engineer, discussion on Title 19 Planning & Prosecutor matters, and approval of Commissioner Proceedings from January 20, 2026. The Consent Agenda involves action on an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Bridgeport, a Professional Services Agreement for legal representation of indigent individuals, a Special Occasion License request, and a Resolution creating positions within the Jail for the Jail-Based Reentry Initiative. Commissioners will also set Wednesday's agenda.

The Okanogan County Outdoor Recreation Plan outlines a roadmap to support the maintenance, development, and coordination of public recreation facilities and opportunities across the county. Its strategic pillars include providing diverse recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, protecting historical, environmental, cultural, and agricultural assets, and promoting economic stability through recreation. The plan also emphasizes increasing public awareness of recreation's value, facilitating supportive public policy, and developing ongoing partnerships, with an aim to strengthen the overall recreation system and ensure its continued growth and sustainability.

The proceedings cover multiple days of meetings for the Okanogan County Board of County Commissioners, starting with a reorganization meeting where the Chair and Vice-Chairman were selected for 2026. Key discussions included updates on the Fair Advisory Committee, noting progress, the renewal of the Friends of the Fairgrounds nonprofit, and discussions about potentially increasing rental rates to address a budget shortfall. The Board also discussed reviewing county-owned properties, including the fairgrounds, for potential auction. Public comments addressed technology issues in the hearing room and clarification regarding library tax fund allocation. Staff meetings included updates on Fair Advisory Committee operations, such as gate procedures and a drafted firearms policy needing legal review. The Planning Director discussed revising a vacant compliance position and scheduling a meeting with the Department of Commerce regarding RFQs for critical areas and comprehensive planning updates. Updates were provided on the Sheriff Equipment/Corner Storage Project, pending inspection results, and emergency management noted clearing efforts on Highway 20 and restoration of Little Boulder Creek. Maintenance reported on ongoing painting and planned repairs for courthouse bathrooms. A separate session included an update from the Superior Court Clerk regarding 2025 accomplishments, work on the Enterprise Justice system, and upcoming RFQs. The Board also discussed and reviewed a draft On-Call Architect Agreement with Design West. Subsequent proceedings covered legislative updates, projector replacement ideas, and the division of key card permission setting versus door scheduling responsibilities between the Clerk's Office and Central Services. The Public Works Engineer provided updates on road conditions, SRS Funds, road materials, and ratified an emergency response services agreement with GrayMar. Updates were also given regarding a contract extension for the Ellisforde Transfer Station. A significant portion involved the Juvenile Health Care Authority (HCA) Reentry Initiative, where discussions included approving next steps, job descriptions for new positions, technology upgrade requests, and phase two of a security project, noting that positions are dependent on continued funding. The Board approved several consent agenda items, including Special Occasion Liquor Licenses, appointments/reappointments to the Snowmobile Advisory Board and Board of Equalization, a consultant agreement for survey services, and a resolution for 2026 Road Restrictions. Agreements with Teamsters Local Union 760 for the Public Works Road and Mechanic Divisions were approved, as were reappointment letters for the Noxious Weed Board and a resolution authorizing staffing for the Jail Based Reentry Initiative. Business was also conducted in various EMS Districts, including approving vouchers for the Tonasket and Oroville Rural EMS Districts, while the Methow Valley EMS voucher failed due to an incorrect amount.

The agenda for this special meeting includes calling the meeting to order, approval of the agenda, and new business, which principally involves the adoption of recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regarding Zone Code Revision. Supplemental materials provide detailed information on site analysis (zone permits) versus review of land use, the permit process timelines, building in sensitive areas, distinguishing between existing non-conforming uses and violations, setback requirements in the Methow Review District, and the location of overlay maps.

The board meeting addressed several key areas, commencing with the retention of the existing Chair and Vice Chair. Financial reports indicated 2024 revenue met projections and 2025 expenses are within budget, with invoicing adjusted for published amounts. Updates were provided on the Mobile Command Trailer, which is largely complete, and a request was made for written protocol for its deployment. Progress on the Tunk Fire hardening project, migration of the Spillman database, and implementation of CommsCoach automated QA were noted. Planning is underway for Audio Recorder and Radio Console replacement. In old business, discussions focused on system improvements, deployment schedules for 250 portable radios and 335 mobile radios, and the need for a new dispatch center following the completion of the radio network improvement project. Furthermore, contract amendments for dispatch services were identified as necessary. New business included changes requiring Washington State Telecommunicator Certification and potential cost increases due to binding arbitration. A detailed review of closed channel procedures was conducted to establish best practices for various event durations and staffing levels, emphasizing the need for improved radio discipline among users. Finally, support for agencies using the Everbridge notification system was discussed.