Mattawa restaurant pays double fee

MATTAWA - A Mattawa restaurant, Tacos La Parilla, has paid a double food service fee to Grant County.

However, half may refunded if the owner provides proof he sent payment in January. And it appears the Grant County Board of Health is trying to help him.

Owner Saul Corrales asked the Grant County Board of Health, at its April 10 meeting, to refund the second half of the double charge.

Corrales stated he had paid the regular fee on time but that the check must have been lost in the mail. He said he was also going through a change of accounts at the time because of theft.

The BOH decided against a refund but, instead, asked for proof that Corrales paid the regular fee on time. In that case he would be refunded.

The fee of $465 pays the county's costs for the required yearly inspection of the restaurant and accompanying clerical work, according to Grant County Health Administator Jeff Ketchel. It is due on Dec. 31, with a grace period until Jan. 31.

If the fee is paid after Jan. 31, it doubles, Ketchel said. If it's paid after Feb. 28, a penalty of $500 per day is added until the fee is paid. Operators throughout the county are reminded of the rules each fall, Ketchel said.

It appears the BOH is bending over backward to help Corrales. BOH member Mark Wanke moved that the second half of the double fee not be refunded, but the BOH instead voted to give Corrales a chance to prove he sent the payment in January.

Environmental Health Facilitator Todd Phillips told the BOH Corrales paid late the last two years but did pay in January.

After Wanke made the motion to deny the request, there was further discussion. In the end the BOH decided to offer Corrales the benefit of doubt.

According to Ketchel, the BOH will require that Corrales sign an affidavit swearing he sent payment on time. Ketchel said the BOH will accept that as proof that his payment was made by Jan. 31.