Adams county leaders share 2023 plans

RITZVILLE – Adams County commissioners heard from several department heads about plans for the upcoming year during meetings Jan. 4 and 5.

Public Works Director Todd O’Brien noted some county buildings need repair and/or upgrades. He said a contractor is working to fix the HVAC system at the county jail and the roof needs to be replaced.

The Elections Office on Main Avenue is also due for upgrades, he said. The county will get quotes to replace the front window panes and grant funding will be used to reconfigure doors and locks.

Additional security measures are also planned, he said.

O’Brien also noted the Public Works Department continues to struggle with staffing issues.

As of the end of January, the county will be down 14 workers due to retirements (out of a total workforce of 70), he said.

Emergency Management Director Sandi Duffey expressed concerns about the state government’s headlong push toward all-electric solutions and away from other energy options.

She noted several electric sub-stations across the state have been targeted by vandals and/or terrorists.

Supporting that observation, recent news reports said substations in Washington and Oregon were attacked at least six times in November and December; firearms were used in some cases. On Christmas Day, four substations were vandalized in Washington state, cutting power to more than 14,000 customers, news reports said.

Geographic Information

Cory Stolsig, director of the county’s Geographic Information Systems, was the next department head to share.

The department spent much of December performing data maintenance, he said, noting a contract for better imaging technology is being considered.

In the meantime, GIS continues to provide data on various geographical parameters throughout the county, including information pertaining to section lines and public district boundaries, he said.

Building and Planning Department Assistant Director was up next.

He said the Planning Commission continues to upgrade the county’s building codes.

He also discussed rezoning issues in the town of Hatton and noted that county citizens will soon have an online portal to apply for building permits.

Adams County Development Council Director Kyle Niehenke laid out his schedule for the coming year, including working with investors to consider warehousing options in Ritzville.

He also discussed the council’s long-term development plans and a change in its composition. Recently new members were voted in, previous members were voted out, and the board was reduced from 21 to 15 members.

He noted that a few board positions are still open.

Niehenke shared his plans to meet with stakeholders and investors at upcoming meetings in Las Vegas, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

At those conferences, he will learn about and discuss broadband opportunities, real estate options and even film industry prospects for Adams County.

Regarding this latter option, Commissioner Blankenship observed that the county’s scablands, open prairies, and isolated county roads provide great movie-making potential.