Whitman County

Whitman County is a county among the 39 situated in Washington state. It ranks 22^nd in terms of population, with an estimate of 47,973 residents (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). The county’s largest city is Pullman, probably because of the student population of Washington State University. Even so, the county seat is established at Colfax, which also happens to be the county’s second-largest city.  

Whitman county comprises a section of the Palouse region with rolling and wide scenic landscape and is also part of the Pullman, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area. Most of its land is agricultural and ideal for farming dry peas, wheat, barley, and lentils. 

History 

Whitman County was initially part of Stevens County before its formation on November 29, 1871. It gets its name after Marcus Whitman, a pioneering Presbyterian missionary who operated around the western states and was murdered by the native Cayuse tribe alongside his wife. As the 19^th century began, the area attracted both American and Canadian exploration. Nonetheless, most Canadian interests were due to the region’s booming fur trade, while their American counterparts primarily sought suitable land for cattle raising and agriculture. 

Through the Treaty of 1818, both Canadian and U.S. government officials agreed on dual control of the region. However, the dual-control idea proved problematic with frequent arguments and occasional conflict. According to the then county map, Whitman County’s shape was significantly extensive than what’s portrayed by the present-day county lines, as Lincoln, Franklin, and Adams counties were drawn from it in 1883. The county has then retained its shape even after Washington was established as the 42^nd state in 1889. 

Geography 

As stated by the U.S. Census Bureau, Whitman County has an area totaling 2178 square miles, of which only 19 square miles is water and 2159 square miles is land. Further, it forms a section of the Palouse region, which lies within the middle Columbia basin. 

The county boasts five major rivers: Palouse River, Snake River, Pine Creek, Rock Creek, and Union Flat Creek. Moreover, there’s also the presence of reservoirs and lakes, including Lower Granite Lake, Lake Herbert G. West, Rock Lake, and Lake Bryan. There are also several peaks and summits, with the highest point being Tekoa Mountain at 4009 feet. 

Neighboring Counties 

Whitman County is adjacent to seven Washington counties and another three in Idaho. It neighbors Columbia and Garfield counties to the south, Asotin County to the south/southeast, Nez Perce County, Spokane County to the north, Lincoln County to the northwest, Adams County to the west, and Franklin County to the southwest. The three from Idaho include Nez Perce County to the southeast, Latah County to the east, and Benewah County to the northeast.  

Major County Offices and Departments 

Assessor’s Office 

Through the Assessor’s Office, the Whitman County government ensures even distribution of the tax burden across all property owners in the county. As directed by Washington law, the burden distribution must relate to different assets and property market values. Therefore, to achieve that, the Assessor’s office keeps up-to-date, accurate values and information on all property and determines the tax owed by each property owner. In simpler terms, the Assessor must ensure all property owners pay their just shares of tax. 

Auditor’s Office 

The Auditor’s Office is mandated by law to oversee all financial records and books of all other offices In Whitman County, along with administering the budget. Some of the departmental duties include document recording, elections, disbursement processing, financial administration, payroll, issuing marriage licenses, and vessel/vehicle licensing. 

Coroner’s Department 

The coroner is responsible for conducting investigations on all cases of accidental, unexpected, unattended, and suspicious deaths within Whitman County. Besides establishing the manner and cause of deaths, the office also processes death certificates and handles inquests addressed to the office. 

Facilities Management Department 

The Facilities Management Department ensures the working environment for the Whitman County government employees and the public is nothing less clean, safe, and comfortable. It also draws and implements long-term plans for upgrades and improvements to the county government buildings. 

Department of Human Resources 

The Human Resource Department offers services and programs supporting organizational excellence and a high-performance workforce. Some of the department’s services include benefits and compensation, recruitment and employment alongside wellness programs. 

Additionally, the Whitman County Human Resources Department develops and implements comprehensive personnel practices and policies while assuring compliance with labor contracts, county policies, and other applicable state or federal regulations. 

Sheriff’s Office 

With dedication, the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office strives to make Whitman County safe for living, raising families, and working. Moreover, the Sheriff partners with the community and other law enforcement agencies for efficiency in public policing and better response to the requirements of Whitman County citizens. 

Some of the specific duties of the Sheriff’s Office include general crime investigations, court services, crime prevention, boat and road patrols, accident and narcotics investigations, chaplaincy, etc. 

Probation Department 

The Whitman County Probation Department serves District courts through the following services: 

• Limited pre-trial custody/supervision (as directed by the court)
• Probation supervision
• Pre-sentence investigations
• Electronic home monitoring supervision

Prosecutor’s Office 

The Prosecuting Attorney is liable for prosecuting all criminal cases alongside misdemeanors for towns and cities within Whitman County except for Colfax City. The attorney’s office also determines restitution in particular cases, offers legal counsel to county officials and departments, and represents Whitman County in lawsuits. 

What’s more, the prosecutor’s office administers Witness/Victim Assistance and Child Support programs. It’s also the office to visit if you wish to file and prosecute criminal complaints. 

Treasurer’s Office 

The Treasurer’s Office serves as the cash manager or banker for the Special Purpose Taxing Districts in Whitman County and the county government itself. It’s also liable for developing the best procedures and policies to minimize the risk and maximize the return of public funds.   

Department of Public Works  

The Whitman County Department of Public Works budgets for and provides essential public services. These include grading roads, constructing new roads and bridges, plowing snow, inspecting buildings, disposing of garbage, and planning for the county’s future. 

Public Records 

If you wish to access public records, fill out the Public Records Request Form and mail it, addressing the Public Records Officer for the office or department where such records are maintained. 

Whitman County Offices by Type