Commissioners hear reports on CRAB tour plans, 988 application and new forensic mental-health positions

At the start of the Aug. 6 meeting, commissioners reported several external-board developments: a planned County Road Administration Board (CRAB) tour of Thurston County sites next year, an application to serve as the local 988 crisis hotline provider, and newly funded forensic mental-health positions that county speakers said will add capacity across the system.

A commissioner told the board that CRAB — which rotates its touring schedule among counties and typically brings legislators, county engineers and public works staff — has not previously toured Thurston County and that a visit is being planned for April of next year.

Separately, commissioners said an application had been submitted to serve as the local 988 crisis hotline provider and that the county was awaiting a decision. The transcript notes Thurston County itself did not submit recommendation letters because that would have been a conflict; commissioners said partner organizations had supplied letters of support.

Commissioners also reported that at a recent Behavioral Health Organization (BHO)/Administrative Services Organization meeting, state funding additions will create several forensic-focused positions in the county system — the speaker cited roughly eight full-time equivalents and mentioned roles such as a registered nurse practitioner and a medical assistant. Several of those positions were described as likely to be stationed at the county jail because many forensic clients come through that facility.

No formal actions or votes were taken on these report items during Wednesday’s meeting.