Walla Walla County commissioners approve hiring exception, appointments, bridge agreement and contracts in March 9 session

The Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners approved a slate of routine and project items during its March 9, 2026 meeting, including hiring and procurement actions and a project agreement that advances a federally funded bridge reconstruction.

Key votes and approvals:

- Hiring‑freeze exception for an HR benefit specialist (HR Risk Management). Moved and seconded after HR explained the position’s role in benefits administration and Workday implementation; approved 3–0.

- Appointment of George Robinson to the Columbia Mosquito Control District Board of Trustees. Commissioners discussed the district’s limited geographic scope (near Burbank and river wetlands) and approved the appointment 3–0.

- Spend Authorization No. 73: out‑of‑state same‑day travel for Public Works Director Dan Mack to attend a Coeur d’Alene gravel roads workshop; approved 3–0.

- Approval to sign a local agency agreement and project prospectus so WSDOT can obligate Federal Highway bridge program construction funds for the 7 Mile Bridge project. Staff said environmental permitting and right‑of‑way recertification are complete; the motion passed 3–0.

- Contract execution with Humbert Asphalt Inc. for hot‑mix asphalt. Staff confirmed the bid calculation and correction of a backup error; the board approved the contract 3–0.

- Approval of county vouchers, warrants and electronic payments, and payroll action forms. These routine financial consent items were approved without discussion.

Other business included approval of a Courthouse Lawn permit for the Walla Walla Activism Network on March 28, 2026, and direction to Public Works to return next week with an ordinance revision reflecting a proposed 20 mph limit on Hatch Grade (steep road) as part of a larger speed‑limit study. All listed motions passed unanimously where recorded.

What’s next: staff will return with the revised gravel‑roads ordinance (including the Hatch Grade adjustment) and process the administrative paperwork to implement the bridge project agreement and asphalt contract.