Evidently one of the first things Fred Messerle did after being appointed interim Coos County commissioner was to unilaterally instruct the planning department, one of his liaison assignments, to lower its fees. The fee adjustments jeopardized the department’s self supporting status and were contrary to the approved budget so planning director Patty Evernden has invoiced the county for reimbursement out of the general fund. In an email from treasurer, Mary Barton, she says “…if the Board wants to maintain the current structure they’ll need to make your office whole by subsidizing your operations.”

Evernden, who decided earlier this month to retire at the end of June, has been dealing with the budget crunch like everyone else and sent the county two invoices on June 12. One invoice for $14,490 for 4.5 months of employee time to be billed to the general fund and another for $20,760 to collect 1,384 hours at the $15 per hour rate reduction.

Ironically, Messerle concluded the discussion about the county’s budget by stating how important it is to find new sources of revenue. It had been anticipated that Main would bring the shortfall up at today’s mmeting but didn’t meanwhile the general fund will have to make up the difference if the planning department is to maintain its fund balances.

Amongst the beneficiaries of the cost break are Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline, Knutson Towboat Company, Southport Lumber, the Port of Coos Bay and Fred Messerle and Sons, Inc. The full list is available here Planning Fee reduction beneficiaries.