The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on September 26, 2005, with Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present. Commissioner Peterson was attending a hearing in Spokane.

Discussion – Fair Results – Parks & Recreation
Carl Christensen briefed the Commissioners on the results of the 2005 Fair. He also explained the need to tear down race horse stables for safety reasons.

Discussion – Survey Results – MVSTA and Methow Conservancy
Representatives of MVSTA and the Methow Conservancy presented results of an economic survey that was done in the Methow.
There were two conclusions drawn from the survey results:

There were also three areas that need to be addressed to protect the area.

Public Hearing – Festival Permit – Okanogan Family Faire
Commissioner Hover opened the hearing to public comment. No comments were given. Members of the Faire Association presented documentation meeting all the requirements for the permit. There were no concerns from last year. Wendell Harris stated that he has been working with the organizers and everything seems fine. The Health District will be sending up people to monitor health issues.

Commissioner Lampe moved to approve the Okanogan Family Fair Festival Permit. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Budget – Tonasket EMS District
Del Shove, Leah McCormick, and Laurie Pruitt

Del explained that the Tonasket EMS District is short of cash and payroll will be due this week. The Commissioners will make contact with the advisory board to see how the district plans to handle this situation.

Discussion – Fire Ban – Gordon Hennig
Gordon explained that he has discussed the lifting of the burn ban with the advisory group and it was decided that they will monitor the fire situation on a week to week basis before lifting the ban. At the present time they feel it is still to dry.

Grant Application – WA State Justice Assistance - Sheriff
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve an application for grant funding in the amount of $9,999 and authorize the vice-chairman to sign. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Discussion – Medical Insurance – Benefax
Ward Sandberg explained the county’s experience and noted that the preliminary increase is at 12% due to the early request for premium cost. However, he believes he can get it down to between 8% and 9% increase based on several factors including the county’s experience.

Discussion – Budgets – Commissioners
The Commissioners’ reviewed the Central Services and the District Court 2006 budget requests.