WASHINGTON

With recent modifications and changes in the Orchard Hill project for relocating county offices, the Washington County Board of Supervisors learned Tuesday that the first phase should be ready in mid-January and the second in February. The project includes relocating the supervisors’ office there and it was suggested that the board start to meet there by mid-January.

The project, financed by American Recovery Program Act (ARPA) funds, involves buildings 2 and 3 at the county owned property, as well as remodeling of the courthouse for some other offices and the new building for the engineer and Secondary Roads department. The latter was discussed Tuesday when the county engineer, Jacob Thorius, explained there are design fees for that building that he had not known about, explaining it had been assumed the building was included in the total APRA project.

Further noted was that with recent change orders, the project still has an untouched $150,000 in contingency funds plus an additional $90,000 that could be used to cover the $60,000 total design fees for the $325,000 new building. It was also noted that county funds also were expected to be used and had been budgeted.

There also was discussion about the remodeling of the basement area in the courthouse and the observation was made that initially the costs estimated were conservative, but proved to be higher, reflecting the total economic situation in the country. The area will continue to house the county attorney’s office and related legal services; however, the courtroom will remain as is.

The board also learned that Brandon Hamilton, county Outreach Program director, is resigning, effective December 31, allowing time for the board to find a replacement. The board acknowledge the planned resignation but deferred official action to next week to discuss his offer to assist with interviewing and training for a new director, even after December 31, and to be compensated for his time at the current hourly pay rate.

Hamilton also presented the Outreach quarterly report, noting it involved assistance to some 750 individuals.

The board also approved two other personnel requests: an annual step pay raise for Nora Reaves, Victim Witness Coordinator, from $22.59 to $23.58 hourly, and hiring Jackson Hesseltine as an equipment operator in Washington with the secondary roads department at $26.98 hourly.

Following a brief discussion regarding the Congressional District 1 election, including a request by candidate Christina Bohannan for a recount, the board approved a resolution ordering the recount in the county precincts. Supervisors noted that a canvas had been done and certified November 13. Indications were that the recount would be held Tuesday afternoon.

In the final agenda item, the board had a presentation from Mike Galloway of Ahlers & Cooney, the firm hired by the board to handle labor and human rights issues, regarding his services. A key provision is providing training for county employees, especially regarding all legal updates for human services departments, but supervisors deferred action to Dec. 10 to allow time to obtain information input from county departments. The plan is for Galloway to meet with the employees for a training session Dec. 20.

During the board comments that close all regular meetings, supervisors learned that the 7 p.m. Public Hearing regarding the proposed Wind Energy Conversion ordinance drew approximately 20 people, all of whom were not in favor of the ordinance, voicing concerns during the 30-minute session in the courthouse courtroom.

The issue may be on subsequent meeting agendas for action, and supervisors Jack Seward suggested considering a full mile setback rather than a half mile between the turbines and other property lines. Two main concerns have been the setback and decommissioning. The board also noted it had a work session a 1 p.m. Tuesday to start the discussion regarding compensation for public officials. The goal is to have a recommendation set in December.