RSSBenton County may loan engineer to Franklin during probe
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PASCO, Wash. -- Franklin County may borrow Benton County's engineer while eight county employees, including Franklin County's engineer, are on paid administrative leave.
Tim Fife, Franklin County public works director and engineer, and the other employees are not accused of any wrongdoing, but are on leave to allow the state Attorney General's office to investigate accusations that Dennis M. Huston may have embezzled more than $1 million from the county.
Franklin County commissioners unanimously approved an interlocal agreement Monday morning that would allow Malcolm Bowie, Benton County engineer, to fill in for Fife.
Huston, Franklin County's Public Works director of accounting and administration, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of first-degree theft, money laundering and possessing cocaine. He is on unpaid leave.
The county is legally required to have a licensed engineer for its Public Works department, said Franklin County Commission Chairman Brad Peck.
Under the agreement, Franklin County will reimburse Benton County for Bowie's normal rate and the state standard for any mileage he may drive to perform the duties, Peck said.
The interlocal agreement is effective through April 30, but could be extended if needed, said Steve Becken, Benton County Public Works director.
Franklin County officials are unsure at this point how long the paid administrative leave will last.
Benton County commissioners are expected to vote on the interlocal agreement today.
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