Klickitat County Health Department down $380k

“We would like to backfill,” he said. “That is a budgeted position.” Hunter emphasized the position was needed to keep regular contact with the state’s Emergency Operations Center and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, particularly during winter storm events. Hunter said Hewey was working half-time, though the budget supports a three-quarter-time position.

Commissioners did approve the request, since it was a replacement and not a new hire.

And County Auditor Heather Jobe attended to certify the August primary election, and issue a strong suggestion for voters in the Nov. 3 general election.

“Of the 118 ballots that we rejected,” she said, “78%, or 92 of those ballots, were rejected because they were too late. So, it is really important to mail timely. Please use the ballot boxes, and in the name of all things holy, please do not go on Facebook the day after the election and complain that you did not get your ballot. It is too late at that point for anybody to help you out.”

In the afternoon session, commissioners heard an update from Public Health Director Erin Quinn, who reported that WIC (which offers supplemental nutrition to women, infants and children) enrollment had increased, but onsite septic permits had decreased to 2021 levels.

She also noted a significant state funding loss of $380,000, though she was confident it could be managed through the end of the year. A presentation by Lacey Villamor on Klickitat County Behavioral Health followed, where she outlined the department’s mission, funding, and programs, including 24/7 crisis response, jail-based services, and limited outpatient care.

A key topic of discussion was the current gap in post-inpatient care and the lack of a staffed outpatient mental health program, which the department aims to address. The conversation also covered emerging initiatives, including a pilot outpatient therapy program at Skyline Hospital and a new program to place a nurse and provide medication-assisted therapy in the county jail.