Okanogan County is reviewing and updating its county code to conform to changes in state law and eliminate references that are out of date or no longer relevant. Most of the proposed changes, which affect 10 sections of the code, are minor housekeeping matters.
One change would create consistency in terminology and abbreviations. One eliminates a reference to employment of prisoners in agriculture, since state law has been changed, making this section of the code outdated.
Another change eliminates the reference to the Okanogan County Fair Association, since that association was dissolved this year and no longer operates the fair.
One change deletes a reference to reimbursement for the juvenile director and probation counselors, since employee compensation is addressed in personnel policies and in collective bargaining agreements.
Another revision updates the county’s risk management policy because the county is now a member of the Washington Counties Risk Pool.
The changes eliminate references to the Board of Adjustment, which was dissolved when its duties were transferred to the county’s hearing examiner in 2013.
Checks returned for insufficient funds will now result in a $30 handling fee, updated from the fee structure set in 1985.
Another change brings the county’s Law and Justice Council up to date with state law, making the council’s duties permissive instead of mandatory. Members of the council include the county sheriff, attorneys, and a county commissioner. The changes specify that the Colville Confederated Tribes are invited to send representatives.
The default penalty for violating any provisions of the code would be switched to an infraction from a misdemeanor.
The commissioners will review the proposals in a series of public hearings starting at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 27. Review of the last set of changes is scheduled for 2:10 p.m.
For more information, contact Clerk of the Board Laleña “Lanie” Johns at (509) 422-7105 or johns@co.okanogan.wa.us. People can comment at the hearing or send written comments to Johns in advance.
