The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on December 13, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Debt Policy
Del Shove reviewed the debt status of the county. He stated that the county has room for an additional 4 million dollar debt before having to change its policy. Del suggested the county get a bond to cover the cost of several county projects and perhaps could be consolidated with current bonds. The bonds could be paid off using revenue from Public Works and future .08 revenue. In Del’s opinion, if we don’t do something with these buildings the county could end up without means to fund construction or repairs, etc. The only thing that doesn’t fit is the Public Works Administration Building. The Health District is looking for funding to purchase the Admin Building. The Commissioners asked if a bond would be restricted to certain projects. Del noted that the wording could be general enough that funds could be used for other projects.

Motion – Bond - Treasurer
Commissioner Hover moved to authorize the Treasurer to contact Jim Nelson, Bonding Agent, to consider a bond of up to 3.5 million dollars for the construction of a New Public Works Area 1 & 2 shop, possible purchase of a Public Works Shop in Brewster, replacement of the courthouse HVAC system, possible re-roof of the Juvenile Building and other unanticipated projects. Motion was seconded and carried.

Update – Public Works
Rob McGaughey updated the Commissioners on the status of various engineering projects.

Resolution 137-2005 - Supplemental Appropriation - Planning
Commissioner Peterson opened the hearing and noted that no public were present to provide comment. Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 137-2005, supplemental appropriation to the Planning budget in the amount of $37,500. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Resolution 134-2005 – Wauconda Store Fuel Tank - Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to adopt Resolution 134-2005, certification for fuel tank replacement for the Wauconda Store. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Resolution 135-2005 – Chesaw Store Fuel Tank - Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to adopt Resolution 135-2005, certification for fuel tank replacement for the Chesaw Store. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Resolution 136-2005 – Bonaparte Lake Resort - Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to adopt Resolution 136-2005, certification for fuel tank replacement for the Bonaparte Lake Resort. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Motion – Consent Agenda – Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of item #3 which was approved by separate motion. Motion was seconded and carried.

Resolution 138-2005 – Supplemental Appropriation - Fair
Commissioner Peterson opened the hearing and noted that no public were present to provide comments. Commissioner Hover moved to approve a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $10,000. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Quest Property Assessment Appeal - Assessor
Scott Furman explained that there are some companies that have values across county lines and the state places the value on the property. Quest is one of those companies and has paid taxes under protest. This reserves their right to sue and they have done this for 2001-2004. He explained that in other areas of the country the award has been more than it would have been if it had been settled out of court. The attorney general’s office feels this should be settled. The impact on Okanogan County will be $81,000. In 2007 we will have to add to the levy rate. Scott explained that most of the prosecutor’s in the state feel that the settlement would be the best way to handle the situation. The Commissioners agreed.