County board splits jail from sheriff's office Strong opposition to move at Dec. 26 meeting

On December 26, 2024, the Pacific County Board of Commissioners discussed a controversial proposal to separate the management of the Pacific County Jail from the Sheriff’s Office. The meeting drew a crowd of approximately 60-70 attendees who voiced strong opposition, with many, including Jan Davis, head of the Pacific County Republican Party, suggesting that this move aligns with a political agenda from newly elected Governor Bob Ferguson. The atmosphere was described as highly charged, with participants expressing discomfort during the proceedings. The proposed resolution, numbered 2024-056, has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in local governance and law enforcement. As tensions escalated, commissioners listened to public testimony, and the decision on how to proceed remains pending, capturing local media attention and reflecting broader themes of governance and community engagement.