Walla Walla County commissioners approve interlocal pacts, hiring exceptions and back state public-health funding

Walla Walla County commissioners met Jan. 20 and approved a series of routine administrative actions, including interlocal agreements, personnel replacements and travel authorizations, and voted to formally support continued legislative funding for foundational public‑health services.

The board, with Commissioner Kimball presiding and Commissioner Fulmer participating remotely, approved a revised, condensed agenda to accommodate a short quorum and then moved through action items. Commissioner Fulmer moved and Commissioner Kimball seconded motions on each item; all motions passed on 2–0 voice votes. Commissioner Clayton was absent.

Among the items approved, commissioners authorized an annual interlocal agreement with Franklin County to allow mutual use of jail facilities should the county need to relocate detainees, and approved Amendment No. 1 to an interlocal permitting agreement with the City of Walla Walla so county permitting staff can process permits for county‑owned property inside city limits. The board also approved two landowner acknowledgement forms, acting as Mill Creek Flood Control Zone District supervisors, to support Tri‑State Steelheaders’ grant applications for fish‑passage work at two Mill Creek channel locations; those acknowledgements are required for grant submittal and, if selected for funding, the board will be asked to execute fuller agreements that define roles and responsibilities.

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