County Commission Meeting 3/2/26

Notes written by Clint Rehn

Three things jumped out at me today.

First, Chad Goodhue of Technology Services said that the new auditor needs help and hasn’t asked for any help. He said that she doesn’t know what she doesn’t know. He said that he has been trying to get her up to speed on software and she has zero experience. Chad also said that directors of other departments are aware of this issue, but are keeping this amongst themselves. Chad said there is very pressing demands on software updates and one in particular and one important software is required by April 27, 2026 at the very latest. His department and others are shorthanded and are not prepared to deal with this additional problem.

Bertha said that she had a recent discussion with Chad Goodhue at the end of last week. Both Todd and Gunner said they were aware of the auditor problem. All 3 commissioners realize the urgency of the auditor issue. Todd said he would personally talk to the auditor Sheryl Park today.

Second, Dr. Krager talked about vaccinations and said that he personally agrees with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) which he is a member of and suggested that everyone get vaccinated or talk to their personal health professional. Dr. Kraeger said that Washington State is a member of West Coast Health Alliance which both follow the American Academy of Pediatrics. Bertha thanked Dr. Krager for his information. Gunner said he did not want to get into the politics of vaccinations, but…. Fill in the blanks. Todd said he did not want to get into the politics, but… and Todd went all the way back to the Covid Mandate and is suspicious why there is so much differing vaccination recommendations. Then Todd expressed his displeasure with Dr Krager's article in the Walla Walla Union Bulletin about vaccinations without contacting the commissioners ahead of time. Todd said several of his constituents contacted him upset about all of the confusion on vaccinations. Dr. Krager outmaneuvered Todd by calmly and politely apologizing and took full responsibility himself and said he would let the commissioners know ahead of time in the future. The article is “Walla Walla County shifts its vaccination approach away from federal policy” Simmerdeep Kaur Walla Walla Union-Bulletin Feb. 12, 2026.

Third, Sheriff Crider is at the Western States Sheriffs Convention in Reno, Nevada. Under-Sheriff Klundt said that there are two people currently in the Academy for Deputy Sheriffs. Bertha asked if there were updates about requests of Walla Walla County Sheriffs request for part of the Washington State $100,000,000 Grant money to help hire Law Enforcement Officers. Under-Sheriff Klundt said that Sheriff Crider would present his plan to the County Commissioners on Monday, March 16, 2026.