County cuts drug taskforce funding

Wahkiakum County commissioners this week made it official that they would not fund their 2009 membership in the Cowlitz/Wahkiakum Drug Taskforce.

Commissioners Dan Cothren, Blair Brady and Lisa Marsyla discussed the matter with Sheriff Dan Bardsley in a budget review meeting in mid-July. Officials acknowledged that the state Criminal Justice funds which financed the $57,500 membership have been reduced.

"We had told the taskforce last fall at budget time that this might happen," said commission Chair Dan Cothren.

The taskforce supplies undercover officers and targets major suppliers of illegal drugs.

"While we value the collaboration our county shares with the task force and the good work the task force does, it would not be prudent for our county to pay this membership when we are struggling to afford basic, mandated services," the commissioners wrote in a letter notifying the taskforce of the funding cut.