PACKET: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Dec 12, 09:00 AM

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Discretionary Policy and Governance Analysis

Public Defense Services Funding Agreement (ICA23016)

Topic Summary

The Board is considering approval of an Interagency Agreement (ICA23016) with the Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) to receive $32,375 for improving the quality of public defense services in Jefferson County for the calendar year 2023. These funds are distributed through a statutory formula (RCW 10.101.070) but must adhere to strict guidelines on use, primarily focusing on tangible improvements to legal representation for indigent defendants.

Key Points

  • The agreement is for the distribution of RCW 10.101.070 funds.
  • Funds must be used to improve the quality of legal representation directly received by indigent defendants.
  • Permitted uses include adding attorneys to reduce caseloads, adding investigator or expert services, establishing a public defense agency, and increasing attorney compensation (per OPD policy).
  • Prohibited uses include supplanting existing local public defense funds, purely administrative functions, billing costs, indigency screening, technology for county administrative/court/judicial staff, and county attorney time related to public defense contracting (per OPD Policy).
  • Contract attorneys providing public defense services must submit annual reports detailing the number and type of private cases, other public defense contracts, and total hours billed for non-public defense cases.
  • Attorneys providing services must annually attend at least 7 hours of approved public defense training.

Financials

  • Distribution Amount: $32,375.00
  • Funding Source: Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD), RCW 10.101.070 funds.
  • BARS Revenue Code: 336.01.28 (if using state BARS coding).

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None present.

Timeline

  • January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023: Funds use period.
  • January 2023: Funds provided by paper check, or upon receipt of completed agreement.
  • Within 14 days of receipt: Recipient must deposit the check.
  • Annually: Attorneys must report caseloads and attend 7 hours of training.

Next Steps

Approve AGREEMENT NO. ICA23016 with the Washington State Office of Public Defense.

Sources

  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator (Recipient Representative)
  • Carolyn Gallaway - Clerk of the Board (Agenda Requestor)
  • Leanne Stogsdill - Managing Attorney (OPD Representative)
  • Larry Jefferson - Director (OPD Director)
  • Philip C. Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (Approval as to form)
  • RCW 10.101.070, 10.101.030, 42.52

CDL Tuition and Licensing Reimbursement Agreement

Topic Summary

The Board is asked to approve an agreement between Jefferson County, employee Karl Springer, and Teamsters Local Union No. 589 regarding the reimbursement of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training costs. The program, established in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), addresses difficulties in recruiting skilled Operators with Class A CDLs in the Public Works Road Maintenance Division. The agreement stipulates repayment obligations if the employee fails to obtain the CDL or leaves county employment within four years.

Key Points

  • The training program was approved in the most recent CBA between the County and Teamsters Local No. 589.
  • The minimum required CDL Licensure is a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License with valid endorsements for manual transmission, fifth-wheel trailer, and tankers, issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing.
  • Employee Karl Springer must reimburse the County for all costs if he fails to obtain a CDL after tuition payment is made.
  • Repayment schedule if the Employee resigns from a CDL-required job:
    • 100% repayment if leaving within 1 year of obtaining the CDL.
    • 75% repayment if leaving within 2 years of obtaining the CDL.
    • 50% repayment if leaving within 3 years of obtaining the CDL.
    • 25% repayment if leaving within 4 years of obtaining the CDL (Appendix B states 5 years in the main agreement text, but Appendix B's list states 4 years for 25% and 5 years results in no repayment; the precedence for conflict resolution prioritizes Appendix B).
  • If an employee fails to obtain a CDL within the 6-month trial period (or one 6-month extension), they have no right to return to their previous position.
  • During CDL training, the employee is compensated at the Operator-I wage rate at straight-time for not more than 40 hours per week; no overtime, travel time, mileage, meals, or lodging are reimbursed.
  • The Department Director has discretion to waive or modify the reimbursement obligation if the employee is offered another non-CDL position within the County.

Financials

  • Total cost impact to the County for CDL Licensing Fees and Tuition Payments is estimated to be no more than $10,000.
  • Funding: $10,000 specified (Source: Agenda Request).

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • Not more than 48 months (4 years) following CDL Licensure: The period during which repayment obligations are active (unless 5 years is the correct duration according to the text in Appendix B).
  • Within 6 months of employment: Timeframe to schedule training or obtain CDL (with option for one additional 6-month extension).
  • December 31, 2023: Expiration of the current CBA.
  • November 9, 2022: Employee Karl L. Springer signed the agreement.

Next Steps

Approve and sign the CDL Training Agreement between Jefferson County, Karl Springer, and the Union.

Sources

  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Sarah Melancon - Human Resources Director
  • Karl Springer - Employee
  • Richard Stone - Union Business Agent (Teamsters Local Union No. 589)
  • Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Appendix B

Extension of Courthouse Security Services (PPC Solutions, Inc.)

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Central Services requests a 19-day extension of the Professional Services Agreement with PPC Solutions, Inc. for private security screening services at the County Courthouse. This short extension is necessary because the five-year contract expired in December 2022, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is scheduled to assume security responsibility beginning January 3, 2023, creating a gap in coverage.

Key Points

  • The original Professional Services Agreement with PPC Solutions, Inc. began on December 11, 2017.
  • The new Sheriff's Office security assumption date is January 3, 2023.
  • The proposed extension is for 19 days, continuing service through December 30, 2022.
  • The extension causes the contract term to exceed the five-year limitation set by Jefferson County Code (JCC 3.55.040), requiring Board approval.
  • PPC Solutions, Inc. is considered the only provider available on such short notice.
  • The annual contract amount has been constrained at $135,000 for four years, despite an increase in the security staff hourly rate from $21.95 to $23.25 in the previous extension.

Financials

  • Estimated cost of the 19-day extension: Approximately $6,000.
  • Funding Source: Already budgeted in Non-departmental.
  • Hourly Labor Rate (per previous contract): $23.25/hour; Overtime rate: $32.93/hour.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • December 11, 2017: Original PSA effective date.
  • December 11, 2022: Date the contract term officially ended (one year extension ending 12/11/22 was approved in Oct 2021).
  • Through December 30, 2022: Proposed extension end date for PPC Solutions.
  • January 3, 2023: Sheriff’s Office scheduled to assume Courthouse Security responsibilities.

Next Steps

Approve the 19-day extension of the PPC Solutions, Inc. Professional Services Agreement beyond the five-year limitation, and approve the ratification of any expenses incurred after the five-year term expired and until the extension is approved.

Sources

  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • JCC 3.55.040 (Multiyear contracts authorized)

ARPA Grant Agreement Amendment for EDC Team Jefferson

Topic Summary

The County Administrator requests approval for Amendment No. 1 to the ARPA grant agreement with the Economic Development Council (EDC) Team Jefferson. This amendment solely extends the deadline for EDC to submit its final quarterly report on the local business assistance grant program administered by EDC.

Key Points

  • The original grant agreement, entered in January 2022, used $500,000 in ARPA funds to provide economic assistance to small local businesses impacted by Covid-19.
  • EDC was to administer the grant program and was permitted to use up to 10% of the funds for administrative overhead.
  • ARPA funds must be used for small businesses that meet specific federal criteria (no more than 500 employees, independently owned/operated, etc.) and experienced negative economic impacts.
  • The original agreement required the final quarterly report by January 31, 2023.
  • The amendment extends the final report due date to March 31, 2023.

Financials

  • Grant amount: $500,000 (ARPA funds).
  • Administrative overhead allowed: Up to 10% of $500,000.
  • Fiscal Impact of Amendment: None.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • January 2022: Original grant agreement entered.
  • December 31, 2022: Original deadline for funds to be expended.
  • January 31, 2023: Original due date for the final quarterly report.
  • March 31, 2023: Amended due date for the final quarterly report.

Next Steps

Approve the attached grant agreement amendment extending the final report date.

Sources

  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Cindy Brooks - Executive Director, EDC Team Jefferson
  • Philip C. Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
  • American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

WSU Extension Salary Support MOA

Topic Summary

The Board is asked to approve an annual Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Jefferson County and Washington State University (WSU) Extension to establish a cost-share salary agreement for the period January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023. Under this arrangement, Jefferson County pays the WSU employees' base salaries, and WSU pays for employee benefits for key positions, including the Small Farms Coordinator and 4-H Agent.

Key Points

  • WSU pays employee benefits; Jefferson County pays base salaries for the listed WSU employees.
  • Positions covered: Extension County Director, Water Quality Faculty, ANR-Regional Small Farms Coordinator (Kellie Henwood), ANR-Master Gardener (Bridget Gregg), and Y&F-4-H (Sarah Pederson).
  • Base salaries for 4-H, Master Gardener, and Small Farms Coordinator have been increased to align with recently published WSU salary scales for Extension Program Coordinators.
  • The salary adjustments incorporate a 2.5% COLA increase passed by the Washington Legislature effective September 1, 2022.
  • The arrangement saves Jefferson County approximately 30% of the total cost compared to employing equivalent county staff because the County does not carry the benefits burden.

Financials

  • Total County Contribution (Non-Federal Funds): $158,428.00
  • Total Funds (including Federal Funds): $163,528.00
  • Individual Base Salary Contributions:
    • Extension Agent: $24,155.00
    • Small Farms: $48,610.00
    • Master Gardener: $37,051.00
    • 4-H Agent: $48,612.00
    • Water Quality Faculty/Federal Funds: $5,100.00 (This amount is covered by federal grants administered through the Extension office).

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023: Period of the MOA.
  • September 1, 2022: Date the 2.5% COLA increase passed by the Washington Legislature became effective.

Next Steps

Approve the MOA.

Sources

  • Su Tipton - Executive Assistant (Agenda Requestor)
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Vicki McCracken - WSU Director of Extension
  • Philip C. Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
  • Kellie Henwood (ANR-Regional Small Farms)
  • Bridget Gregg (ANR-Master Gardener)
  • Sarah Pederson (Y&F-4-H)

Delegation of Signature Authority for Virtual Meeting Platform Subscription (ZOOM)

Topic Summary

The Clerk of the Board requests that the Board delegate signature authority to the County Administrator to execute the annual subscription renewal for the ZOOM virtual meeting platform. This delegation is requested to expedite the renewal process, as ZOOM is used to conduct the County's virtual meetings.

Key Points

  • Jefferson County uses ZOOM Video Communications, Inc. for its virtual meeting platform.
  • The subscription covers three Webinar 500 Annual accounts and 21 Zoom One Business Annual accounts.
  • The total estimated cost, including taxes and fees, is $6,838.28.
  • The cost is based on a tax estimate generated on December 1, 2022.

Financials

  • Total Annual Subscription Cost (Estimated): $6,838.28
    • Webinar 500 Annual (3 units @ $690.00/unit): $2,070.00 (Sub Total)
    • Zoom One Business Annual (21 units @ $199.90/unit): $4,197.90 (Sub Total)
    • Estimated Taxes & Fees: $570.38
  • Sub Total (Excluding Taxes): $6,267.90

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • January 20, 2023: Paid Period Start Date for the annual subscription.

Next Steps

Approve the delegation of signature authority to the County Administrator to execute annual subscriptions with Zoom Video Communications, Inc.

Sources

  • Carolyn Gallaway - Clerk of the Board
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • ZOOM Video Communications, Inc.

Termination of Professional Services Agreement with Steve Shively, dba S3 Solutions

Topic Summary

The Board is requested to authorize the termination of the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Steve Shively, dba S3 Solutions, effective January 7, 2023. This action formalizes an agreement made in May 2022 to terminate the contract due to the awkward arrangement wherein the County contracted directly with the service provider for digital marketing services provided to the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC).

Key Points

  • The PSA with S3 Solutions is for digital marketing services provided to the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC).
  • The arrangement was deemed "awkward" because the County was positioned between the service provider and the TCC, which receives substantial County lodging tax funding.
  • All parties agreed in May 2022 that S3 Solutions should contract directly with the TCC henceforth.
  • The original contract allows the County to terminate with at least 30 days’ notice (Section 15).
  • Termination effective date is January 7, 2023.

Financials

  • Fiscal Impact: None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • May 2022: Discussions occurred where all parties agreed the contract should be terminated at the end of 2022.
  • December 12, 2022: Date of official termination notice.
  • January 7, 2023: Contract termination effective date (30 days after notice).

Next Steps

Authorize the County Administrator to sign the notice of termination.

Sources

  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Steve Shively, dba S3 Solutions
  • Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC)

Continuation of Public Official Position Schedule Bond

Topic Summary

The Auditor's Office requests approval for the continuation of the Jefferson County Public Official Position Schedule Bond No. 52BSBHB6126, issued by Hartford Fire Insurance Company, for the term December 31, 2022, through December 31, 2023. This bond covers 11 specific public official positions as required by RCW 42.08.100 and eliminates the need to cancel and rewrite the bond when new individuals are elected or appointed.

Key Points

  • The bond is a position schedule bond covering 11 Public Officials, including the Treasurer, Clerk, Sheriff, Auditor, Prosecuting Attorney, Engineer, three Commissioners, Judge, and Assessor.
  • A bond is not required for the Superior Court Judge.
  • The purpose of the bond is to indemnify the County from losses due to "malfeasance or nonfeasance in the faithful performance of their public duties" by the covered officials.
  • The bond's aggregate penal sum is $379,000.
  • The total aggregate liability of the Surety (Hartford) under the bond and all continuations shall not exceed $379,000.
  • RCW 42.08.100 requires the Board of County Commissioners to approve the official bonds of all County and Township Officers, except the County Superintendent of Schools.

Financials

  • Annual fee for renewing the bond: $1,387.00.
  • Total Aggregate Penal Sum: $379,000.00
    • Treasurer: $150,000.00
    • Clerk: $100,000.00
    • Auditor: $50,000.00
    • Engineer: $20,000.00
    • Commissioner #1, #2, #3: $15,000.00 each
    • Sheriff, Prosecuting Attorney: $5,000.00 each
    • Judge: $3,000.00
    • Assessor: $1,000.00

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • December 31, 2022 through December 31, 2023: Renewal term.
  • January 1, 2016: Original bond effective date.

Next Steps

Approve continuation of the public official position schedule bond #52BSBHB6126.

Sources

  • Adiel McKnight - Executive Assistant (Agenda Requestor)
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator (Reviewed By)
  • Hartford Fire Insurance Company (Surety)
  • RCW 42.08.100

Clarification of Term for Marine Resources Committee Reappointment (Brenda Johnson)

Topic Summary

The County Commissioners are requested to approve a clarification regarding the reappointment term for Brenda Johnson on the Marine Resources Committee (MRC). Ms. Johnson was originally appointed to an unexpired term that ran from November 25, 2019, to August 16, 2020. The clarification confirms that upon subsequent reappointment, she was intended to serve a full four-year term expiring on August 16, 2024.

Key Points

  • Brenda Johnson serves on the Marine Resources Committee (MRC) as a District No. 2 representative.
  • Her initial appointment covered an unexpired term: November 25, 2019 – August 16, 2020.
  • The clarification confirms her subsequent reappointment was for a full four-year term.
  • The clarified term is set to expire on August 16, 2024.
  • Monica Montgomery, the Jefferson County MRC Contact, verified and recommended this clarification.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • November 25, 2019 – August 16, 2020: Original unexpired term.
  • August 16, 2024: Expiration date of the clarified four-year term.

Next Steps

Approve the advisory board reappointment clarification of term.

Sources

  • Julie Shannon - Executive Secretary II
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Brenda Johnson - Reappointed Member
  • Monica Montgomery - Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) Contact

Termination of Regional Septic Loan Program Interlocal Agreement

Topic Summary

The Board is requested to approve the termination of the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) for the Regional Septic Loan Program between Clallam, Kitsap, Jefferson, and Mason Counties and the Kitsap Public Health District. The ILA, created to address Hood Canal water quality issues, is being terminated because state funding is no longer available due to the establishment of a statewide Regional Septic Loan Program by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Key Points

  • The original ILA established a joint effort to provide financial assistance to citizens for onsite sewage systems (septic loan program).
  • Section 1.2 of the ILA stipulated that the agreement terminates if funding ends or is no longer available.
  • A statewide program developed by the Washington State Department of Ecology has superseded the need for the regional agreement and eliminated the program's dedicated funding.
  • Termination is set to occur 30 days after the Centennial Clean Water Program Grant and Clean Water Act Revolving Fund Loan is fully repaid to the Department of Ecology (anticipated to be repaid by June 30, 2022).
  • The termination agreement states that no further agreement is necessary regarding payment of financial responsibilities, collection of loans, division of remaining funds, or ongoing implementation.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • June 30, 2022: Anticipated date for the Revolving Fund Loan repayment completion.
  • 30 days after final repayment: Effective date of the mutual termination agreement.
  • July 5, 2022: Clallam County executed the termination agreement.

Next Steps

Sign the termination agreement for the Interlocal Agreement for the Regional Septic Loan Program.

Sources

  • Philip C. Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (Agenda Requestor and Approval as to form)
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Clallam County, Kitsap County, Jefferson County, Mason County, and Kitsap Public Health District (Parties to the ILA)
  • Washington State Department of Ecology (Developed statewide program)

Regular Agenda Items

Adoption of 2022-2023 Mid-Biennium Budget Modification and Road/Capital Programs

Topic Summary

The Board is tasked with adopting Resolution No. 67-22, which formally approves the Final 2022-2023 Jefferson County Mid-biennium Review and Modification. This modification is reportedly identical to the version briefed in the previous week's hearing, includes the 2023 Road Construction Program and Capital Improvement Program, and aims to maintain financial stability in the face of economic uncertainties like high inflation and a potential recession.

Key Points

  • The Mid-Biennium Modification process, adopted in 2019 via Ordinance 03-0311-19, replaces a full budget formulation cycle for the second year of the biennial budget.
  • The Final Modification presented is identical to the recommended version that was subject to the public hearing on December 5, 2022, as no changes were requested or deemed necessary by the Board.
  • The budget is balanced using 2023 revenues and fund balance, reflecting conservative budget guidance issued earlier in the year.
  • Inflationary Challenge: Inflation rates were about 7.5% for 2022, severely increasing county operational costs and impacting employee purchasing power.
  • Wage Adjustments: The budget reflects no general wage cost of living adjustment for staff in 2023, due to collective bargaining agreements, although annual pay step increases and longevity payments continue.
  • Non-Personnel Increases: Increases in non-salaries and benefits portions of the budgets were limited to 1.5%.
  • Reserves: The County maintains a General Fund Reserve goal equal to 15% of total expenditures (10% for cyclical cash flow + 5% for revenue stabilization, per Resolution 041-19).
  • Road Fund Challenge: The County Road Fund struggles structurally because property tax growth (limited to 1%) does not keep pace with construction inflation.
  • Road Fund Diversion Reduction: The diversion of Road Fund property taxes to the General Fund will be further reduced from $670,000 in 2022 to $620,000 in 2023 (down from $720,000 for many years).
  • Intergovernmental Transfers: Transfers from the General Fund to other funds (like Parks and WSU Extension) increased by 1.5%. Transfers to Public Health and Community Development were marginally reduced based on a financial needs analysis.

Financials

  • General Fund Budget (2023 Amendment):
    • Total Revenue: $24,257,084
    • Total Expenditures: $25,681,640 (Including Operating Transfers)
    • Projected Ending Fund Balance (2023): $6,112,131
    • Recommended Reserves (15%): $3,852,246
    • Unreserved Fund Balance (2023): $2,259,885
  • Other Funds Budget (2023 Amendment):
    • Total Revenue: $54,704,985
    • Total Expenditures: $60,149,553
  • Total All Funds Budget (2023 Amendment): $85,831,193
  • Debt: The County has incurred no new debt since retiring the Castle Hill debt in 2021 and has substantial debt capacity.

Alternatives

  • Commissioner Dean requested budgeting for higher expenses related to the North Olympic Legislative Alliance (NOLA) and North Olympic Development Council (NODC) in 2023. This outcome of this request is not explicitly documented as an action item.

Community Input

  • Public testimony on December 5, 2022, was provided by Steve Dittmar and Dean Crawford. Content of comments not specified.

Timeline

  • December 5, 2022: Public Hearing held.
  • December 12, 2022: Motion to adopt the Resolution passed unanimously.
  • 2023: Expected start of a new collective bargaining cycle focusing on COLAs due to high inflation.

Next Steps

The motion passed, adopting RESOLUTION NO. 67-22, thereby implementing the Budget Modification, Road Construction Program, Capital Improvement Program, and Central Services Cost Allocation Plans for 2023.

Note: Separately, a motion was also passed "to authorize staff to bring on Clerk Ruth Gordon in the capacity to assist with Blake funding, and then staff will prepare a first quarter 2023 budget appropriation to recognize that expense." The term of this assistance will not exceed six months.

Sources

  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Judy Shepherd - Finance Manager
  • Heidi Eisenhour - Chair
  • Kate Dean - Commissioner
  • Greg Brotherton - Commissioner
  • Ruth Gordon - Outgoing Clerk
  • Resolution No. 67-22

Central Services 2023 Cost Allocation Plan

Topic Summary

The Board is requested to approve the "Jefferson County Simplified Indirect Cost Allocation Plan for Year Ending December 31, 2023." This plan identifies and allocates indirect General Fund costs to various County departments, necessary for determining overhead costs for State and Federal grant reimbursements and services provided to other organizations, in compliance with federal regulations (2 CFR 200).

Key Points

  • The plan uses the Simplified Indirect Cost Allocation Method, based on actual expenditures from the fiscal year 2021.
  • The indirect nature of the cost is calculated by dividing the total indirect cost ($2,918,117) by total direct salaries ($15,568,040), resulting in a calculated Countywide Indirect Cost Rate of 18.74%.
  • Recommendation: The proposed adopted Countywide Indirect Rate is 18.24% (a 0.5% reduction from the calculated rate) to mitigate the risk of grantors not approving the full rate or leading to minor required refunds.
  • Recoverable Costs (Exclusions): Services like Facilities Management, Equipment Rental, and Information Services are fully excluded from the indirect calculation because their costs are fully recovered through separate Central Services Cost Recovery processes.
  • Unallowable Costs: The plan identifies $1,698,986 in unallowable costs, including $162,500 for a one-time legal settlement and $1,536,486 related to COVID-19 expenditures (funded by grants).
  • Public Works Allocation: The proposed plan allows Public Works to pay the General Fund $233,309 for their indirect cost allocation.

Financials

  • Calculated Countywide Indirect Cost Rate: 18.74%
  • Recommended Adopted Indirect Rate: 18.24%
  • Target indirect cost allocation payment from Public Works to General Fund: $233,309.
  • Total Identifiable Indirect Cost (2021 Actuals): $2,918,117.
  • Total Direct Salaries & Wages (2021 Actuals): $15,568,040.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • Year Ending December 31, 2023: Period covered by the adopted Cost Allocation Plan.
  • 2021: Actual cost data used for the calculation.

Next Steps

Approve proposed Jefferson County Indirect Cost Allocation Plan and sign attached resolution.

Sources

  • Judy Shepherd - Finance Manager
  • Rose Ann Carroll - Auditor (on whose behalf the request is made)
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Heidi Eisenhour - Chair (Certification)
  • U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), 2 CFR 200, Subpart E (“Cost Principles”/Uniform Guidance)

County Position and Comments on DNR Carbon Project

Topic Summary

The County Commissioners discussed and approved a letter to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) concerning its proposed Carbon Project. While maintaining "wholehearted support" for the project's intent—to conserve ecologically valuable forests, store carbon, and diversify revenue for trust land beneficiaries—the County emphasizes the critical need for detailed financial information to assess the implications for Jefferson County and its junior taxing districts.

Key Points

  • DNR's Carbon Project proposes protecting 10,000 acres of Western Washington forests for carbon sequestration, generating new revenue streams.
  • Jefferson County actively sought inclusion in Phase One and has parcels totaling over 3,900 acres identified as candidates in Phase Two.
  • Main Concern: The County cannot commit to participation without understanding the financial implications, citing inputs from junior taxing districts (especially in south county) that rely heavily on timber revenue.
  • The County seeks clarification on whether the county/beneficiaries would have the option to opt out of the program if actual revenue falls short of needs.
  • The letter indicates interest in leveraging the Carbon Project alongside other forest management tools, including Reconveyance, Trust Land Transfer, Community Forests, and co-management discussions with DNR Olympic Region staff.
  • The goal is to maintain reliable revenue without penalizing those who rely on timber revenue, while also contributing to climate mitigation and ecosystem functions.

Financials

  • Fiscal Impact: None specified in the request (it is an informational session).
  • Financial implications must be known before the county commits, as the project involves a potential "moderate decrease in short-term revenue" in anticipation of "long term sustained income."

Alternatives

  • The County is interested in discussing options for potential reconveyance, Trust Land Transfer, and/or co-management with DNR for priority parcels.
  • The County intends to identify lands "best suited for intensive plantation management" to ensure a consistent supply of wood products.

Community Input

  • Six public comments were received during the December 12 meeting (in two separate sessions).
  • Public discussion addressed "potential edits" to the draft letter.

Timeline

  • Early 2022: Jefferson County initially requested inclusion in the project.
  • December 12, 2022: Board approved submitting the letter as amended.

Next Steps

The approved letter, incorporating edits made by Chair Eisenhour, will be submitted to the Board for Natural Resources.

Sources

  • Heidi Eisenhour - District No. 2 Commissioner
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Senator Kevin Van De Wege, Representatives Mike Chapman and Steve Tharinger (Cc'd recipients)
  • Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

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