Commissioners OK some department requests, delay others

Wahkiakum County commissioners approved some requests from department heads on Tuesday and delayed action on others.

Commissioners approved purchase of a new computer program for emergency services dispatching, and they recommended the health department conduct an educational program before implementing tough deadlines of event food permit applications.

Joannie Bjorge, chief civil deputy of the county sheriff's department, asked the board to approve a $20,301 computer program purchase. The program will allow dispatchers to go through a set of questions to gather information for officers responding to calls. The department already has a similar program for dispatching emergency medical services.

The expense, including purchase and a $7,000 annual maintenance fee would be covered by funds already in the budget, she said.

Officers said the program would provide comprehensive, uniform information for officers responding to calls. Under the current system, dispatchers have had different training, and they don't ask the same questions of people reporting crimes.

"I can tell you from previous experience that the system we now have is very archaic," said Undersheriff Mark Howie. "Not having information going into a call is a disservice to the victims; we need that information fast."

While commissioners didn't object to the program in principle, they had reservations.

Commission Chair Lisa Marsyla pointed out that the purchase was a new proposal.

"We've bought radios and computer workstations in the past few years," she said. "I wish we could have a more long term approach for the sheriff's office. I feel like we get these things all the time. I would like long term plans for all departments."

Bjorge responded that the department had just learned of the new program in April. They looked into it and determined it works well and decided to go for it while funds were available.

Sheriff Jon Dearmore added that the department could develop a long range plan, but sometimes things just come along with short windows for action.

Commissioner Blair Brady commented that he is tired of buying computer software. Often, a price is quoted, but the cost goes up as the program is implemented.

However, after more discussion, the board approved the computer program purchase, with a comment that the department should long range plan for purchases.

In other action, commissioners asked health department personnel to go slowly in toughening their handling of applications for event food permits.

Judy Bright, director of health and human services, said the problem is that the department is understaffed, and people aren't applying for permits in time to schedule staff.

For example, Bright said, a person recently applied for a permit for a weekend event when she was ill and the part-time environmental health inspector wasn't scheduled to work. That meant that the inspector had to be called out at overtime rates, around $120 for the event, to inspect an event that had purchased a $50 permit at a far lower cost.

Current policy calls for a two-week advance application, with a $10 late fee and option to deny the permit if there isn't adequate time to schedule a review.

"Many organizations are now applying less than a week in advance," Bright said, "and it is not unusual to have an application the day before."

Bright proposed setting a three-day advance deadline for permit applications. The department would conduct an educational program, and if applications continue to come in late, the late fee could be changed to include the actual cost of review and inspection, including any overtime incurred.

Commissioners weren't ready to go that far.

"I like the first route, education, before we draw a line in the sand," Marsyla commented. Organizations should be notified of the problem and the potential denial of permits, she said.

Commissioner Dan Cothren added that the department should prepare a brochure about the food inspection program and send it to organizations who have had food permits in the past.

Marsyla commented that the department, under existing policy, has the right to deny late permit applications, so education is needed.

"I want to be consistent," Bright said, and, she added, she wanted to be able to charge for any overtime incurred.

Commissioners agreed that an educational program was needed before the department gets tough on late applications.

Send the letter and do other publicity, Marsyla said, "and say that the county commission has okayed it, that the policy will be fully enforced.

"Do the education; then we'll stand behind the teeth of the policy."