DAYTON– The Columbia County Commissioners adopted three standard year-end resolutions during a regular meeting held on December 2.

2019-56 – The Basin Disposal rate for 2020 is $94.10 per ton. This is for delivery to Columbia County Transfer Station for landfill. By contract, Columbia is required to bill at the same rate as Walla Walla. When the contract comes up for renewal (possibly 2023), this option will be revisited.

2019-57 – Under the provisions of Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 36.75.270 and RCW 46.44.080, Roads under the control of Columbia County are restricted for travel of vehicles exceeding (weights listed on a specific schedule for size and number of tires) for a period of 365 days. This order shall be in force only when a specific notice is posted at the end point of the specific roads. County Engineer/Director of Public Works Charles Eaton, mentioned that it would be helpful if this were in a City Ordinance and not be required in an annual resolution. He stated that police have a difficult time enforcing this, that most other counties have gone to an ordinance.

2019-58 – This is for winter road closures. [A designated schedule of specific County Roads with earth or gravel surface] are only used seasonally. These specific roads will be closed to all wheel driven motor vehicles for 180 days provided the appropriate notice is posted at the end points of the restricted roads.

Cost of employee health insurance significant hiring issue for potential county employees. Eaton mentioned that three potential employees in the last year have turned down job offers with Columbia County, and a new hire was almost lost because of the cost of health insurance as part of the benefit package. He managed to counter a job offer resistance by offering higher “step rates” within the pay scale. (It was noted that a pay raise means more taxes, a benefit raise does not raise taxes.)

Currently, Columbia County employees select insurance from a menu of providers with different rates. Columbia County provides a subsidy of $850 per month towards the cost of each employee’s insurance, regardless of self or self and family. The difference is deducted from County employees’ paychecks. A representative from Walla Walla County Commissioners reported that the subsidy depends on whether the employees are union or not. Employees in that county also select from a menu of providers.

As a minimum, Walla Walla County will subsidize $1,276 a month for 2020. A representative from Garfield County Commissioners reported that health insurance is provided through Washington Counties Insurance Fund, Tumwater, Wash. Employees pay a co-pay and have a $5,000 deductible. However, if employees sign up for a Health Savings Account, Garfield County pays the entire $5,000 to the Health Savings Account, which will cover the $5,000 deductible. Bottom line, Garfield County employees basically pay only co-pays. Commissioner Michael Talbot mentioned that the Commissioners are gathering information to make decisions on options to be more competitive on health insurance to attract qualified employees.