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County releases economic development funds to Waitsburg, approves CJTA plan and creates two new funds
Summary
Commissioners released economic development funds to Waitsburg for a pool‑to‑rink conversion, approved the CJTA local plan for 2025–2027, and established fund lines for emergency communications tax and Healthcare Authority reentry monies; public hearing set for homeless housing plan on Dec. 2, 2025.
Walla Walla County commissioners on Oct. 27 approved several funding and program items affecting county services and community projects.
Economic development: The board approved release of county economic development sales tax funds (previously approved grant of $102,000; receipts submitted were $94,856.12) to the City of Waitsburg for a pool‑site conversion project that the City plans to operate as a no‑cost attraction. Commissioners said the project is expected to draw visitors downtown and support local businesses; the motion carried 3‑0.
Criminal Justice Treatment Account (CJTA): Nori Gregoire, who presented the CJTA local plan, said the Health Care Authority pass‑through provides about $95,000 per year (roughly $190,000 for the biennium) to support recovery services, pretrial assistance (including items like cell phones for released pretrial clients), urinalysis testing and wraparound supports for people in family treatment and adult recovery courts. Commissioners approved the CJTA local plan for the fiscal biennium 07/01/2025–06/30/2027.
New funds and tracking: The board approved two budget‑fund resolutions: (1) Fund 14,500 to track the new 0.2% emergency communications sales tax (effective Jan. 1, 2026) and (2) Fund 14,900 to separately track Healthcare Authority reentry funds for the jail and juvenile justice center so those state‑designated dollars are not co‑mingled in current expense. Commissioners emphasized the need for separate accounting and auditability.
Homeless housing plan hearing: The board set a public hearing on the Walla Walla County five‑year homeless housing plan for Dec. 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in county chambers; the hearing is 30 days prior to the plan’s adoption.
Next steps: Community Development and Finance staff will implement the fund setups and return any ordinance or budget amendments (for HCA subaccounts) as needed; CJTA funds will be used in coordination with local recovery‑court activities and reentry supports.
