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Commissioners ask city to consider cost‑sharing before approving downtown sidewalk fixes
Summary
A proposal to remove pavement around street trees and replace it with bark in two downtown locations was tabled while county staff seek a written cost‑sharing response from the City of Walla Walla. Commissioners cited joint custody of the walkways and asked the county prosecutor to help draft a letter to the city.
The board tabled a request to proceed with a right‑of‑way permit and bid process for sidewalk improvements at two downtown locations until the county receives a written response from the City of Walla Walla about cost sharing.
Rob Grandstaff, the county’s facilities director, described the work as maintenance in two locations where tree roots have lifted paved surfaces: “The two areas we’re looking at is on 4th Street in front of the sheriff’s office and also on 5th Street, across from courthouse parking,” he said, describing the paved strips around mature trees that the county plans to replace with bark to avoid further root damage.
Commissioner Clayton asked why the city had not committed any funding for the proposed repairs, noting the city shares liability and that the trees may have been planted under city requirements. “I think they should bear some of this cost, and I think that we should make that argument to them and see if they'll partner with us on this project,” Clayton said.
Mr. Grandstaff said the city ordinance assigns responsibility to property owners for the area and that the city had not indicated financial assistance “at this time.” He projected the county’s estimate “to be under $40,000” and said the larger resolution amount in the agenda was included to give options.
Commissioners asked that staff, working with the county prosecutor Jesse Nolte, send a formal written request to the city asking whether it will share costs and explain any prior obligations regarding tree plantings. The board agreed to table the proposal until the county receives the city’s written response.
