Commissioners highlight reentry simulation, state funding and review $4M in weekly warrants

Commissioner Bolles told the board March 3 that she participated in a local reentry simulation organized by the homeless council that placed attendees in the position of people leaving incarceration and seeking housing, identification and work. "It was real eye opener and really beneficial to help understand and gain some compassion for those individuals who are leaving incarceration and trying to get back into the real world," she said, and noted a state appropriations bill passed to continue the program and add case managers.

Commissioner Jim Harvey and Chair Gage Frower expressed support for second-chance efforts and emphasized cross-agency cooperation to reduce recidivism.

County finance staff Ricky Hatch summarized the week's purchasing and warrants. Hatch said the county issued 25 purchase orders totaling $586,000 (about 21% for roads, 19% for IT, 17% for the library, 16% for the conference center and 11% for the paramedic program). He reported 162 warrants for approximately $4,000,000, noting about $2,000,000 of that amount was for road construction paid from transportation tax dollars. Hatch also listed top payees including municipal road payments and several vendors.

After the finance presentation, the board approved the consent agenda containing the purchase orders and warrants by voice vote. Chair Frower then moved the meeting forward to action items.