Commissioners okay pickup purchase

Wahkiakum County commissioners Dan Cothren, Blair Brady and Lisa Marsyla voted 3-0 Tuesday to authorize Wahkiakum Health and Human Services to purchase a new pickup for for the mental health program's Employment Center.

Clients use the vehicle for hauling wood, which they sell as firewood, and tools to sites where they do landscaping and similar work.

Supervisor Chris Holmes said the current 1991 Chevrolet truck which was purchased used is frequently in the repair shop. The Mental Health Program has $28,000 in the budget to purchase a truck, and one is available off the state bid list for $27,220.

Commissioners said that the county's Current Expense Fund supplies $3,400 to the mental health budget, and with money being tight, perhaps Mental Health should purchase a used truck and leave the $3,400 available for Current Expense.

Holmes and Health and Human Services Direct Judy Bright noted that the department budget is over $900,000. They commented that the current expense portion has shrunk over the past few years and that the county shows support for the program by funding it, something that is important to state officials apportioning the funds.

"It's hard for me; it takes Current Expense money that you wouldn't need if you bought a two-year-old pickup," Marsyla said. "Current Expense is tight. Every single Current Expense dollar we can get means we will save a job."

"I agree, but they made their budget and have the money," Cothren commented.

After a bit more discussion, the three commissioners voted to authorize the purchase of a new vehicle, and they suggested Holmes look for other sources than the state bid list.