Skip to content

07/17/23 09 AM: Jefferson County Board Approves Budgets, SRS, Reviews Strategy

Jefferson County Board Approves Budgets, SRS, Reviews Strategy

Jefferson County Commissioners meeting featured public comment on farm sale exclusion, consent agenda approval, Q2 budget appropriations ($2.1M), 2024-25 budget guidelines, SRS distribution confirmation (85/13/2%), regional Recompete workforce strategy task force formation, and draft strategic plan refinements for 2024-28.

Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:32–00:08:15 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

The Board opened public comment, receiving testimony from Roger Short, a farmer since 1945, who expressed frustration over the sale of his farm to the Port of Port Townsend, lack of inclusion in related meetings, impacts of GMA regulations, and feeling disconnected from decision-making processes affecting agriculture. Board members responded by clarifying no direct involvement in Port meetings on the Short Farm, committing to invite Short to future drainage district discussions, emphasizing support for agriculture, and passing feedback to Port colleagues. No additional in-person or virtual public comments were received before closing the period at 9:30 AM.

Key Discussion Points

  • Roger Short raised concerns about exclusion from Port meetings on his farm's future, GMA's disconnect from on-the-ground realities, and rejection despite his long history in farming and conservation (Roger Short).
  • Commissioners clarified no invitations to Port-Short Farm meetings received, one drainage district meeting held without farm-specific discussion, and committed to broader inclusion (Chair Brotherton, Commissioner Eisenhower).
  • Emphasis on valuing empirical farmer experience, agricultural vitality, and passing comments to Port (Commissioner Dean).

Public Comments

  • Roger Short (Farmer): Expressed feeling rejected, uninformed on farm plans, criticized GMA impacts, requested inclusion in drainage discussions.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comment period closed; Board committed to invite Short to next drainage district meeting.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: Invite Roger Short to next drainage district meeting; pass feedback to Port of Port Townsend.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:08:15–00:08:56 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts

Summary

The Board approved the July 17, 2023 consent agenda without questions or items pulled for discussion. Supporting materials indicate it included Amendment No. 2 to the BCCHP agreement with Public Health of Seattle & King County (extending to June 29, 2024, max $5,000 increase to $7,800 total, federal-funded breast/cervical/colon screenings for uninsured/underinsured women) and Amendment No. 1 to the CDBG Public Services subrecipient agreement with OlyCAP (increasing by $108,000 to $218,000 total, extending to June 30, 2024, for low/moderate-income services). No major policy or financial matters bypassed discussion.

Key Discussion Points

  • Chair confirmed short agenda, next week's longer (Chair Brotherton).
  • Motion to approve by Commissioner Eisenhower, seconded by Commissioner Dean.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Amendment No. 2 to BCCHP Agreement: Extends services to June 29, 2024; max $5,000 increase (federal HHS/CDC funds); serves 3-16 clients annually.
  • CDBG Public Services Amendment with OlyCAP: Increases by $108,000 ($104,500 pass-through); extends to June 30, 2024; County retains $7,000 for admin (federal HUD funds).

Financials

  • BCCHP: Total max $7,800 (100% federal).
  • CDBG-OlyCAP: Total $218,000 ($7,000 County admin retained; 100% federal).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the consent agenda for July 17, 2023 as presented."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Second Quarter Budget Appropriations Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:44:41–01:25:25 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, personnel, contracts, infrastructure

Summary

Finance Manager Judy Shepherd presented Q2 budget adjustments totaling $2,102,185 ($1,958,152 one-time, $144,033 ongoing), primarily driven by covering employee medical premiums through 2023 ($886,105), new HR Analyst position, Sheriff vehicle/medical costs, Superior Court services, Noxious Weeds truck ($31k→$50k after electric/gas debate), and Community Development grants/contracts. Public testimony from Tom Thiers urged electric truck for Noxious Weeds to align with state fleet mandates and reduce emissions/fire risk. The Board approved unanimously with the Noxious Weeds modification.

Key Discussion Points

  • Health benefits "holiday" extension not budgeted, premiums up; major General Fund driver (Judy Shepherd).
  • New HR Analyst II for regulations/negotiations/engagement (County Administrator).
  • Sheriff: Carports/repairs/medical understated (Judy Shepherd).
  • Superior Court: New judge increases commissioners/experts/interpreters due to backlog/trials (Judy Shepherd).
  • Noxious Weeds truck: Graphic need described; public urged electric/lease; Board raised to $50k for options (Sophie DeGroot, Tom Thiers, Lou Johnson).
  • Facilities: FTE conversion/retro pay (Judy Shepherd).

Public Comments

  • Tom Thiers (Jefferson County resident): Urged electric truck for Noxious Weeds (state mandate, emissions, fire risk); suggested lease/used; noted DES F-150 at $41k.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Detailed summaries per fund/dept matched transcript (e.g., HR $41k ongoing; Sheriff $159k one-time; Superior Court $103k one-time; Noxious Weeds $50k one-time; CD $319k grants; Facilities $112k).

Financials

  • Total: $2,102,185 ($1,958k one-time, $144k ongoing).
  • Key: Medical premiums $886k; Noxious truck $50k (from $31k); grants/revenue $405k.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Noxious truck: Gas vs. electric/lease/used; increased to $50k for flexibility.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approve Resolution 29-23 with Noxious Weeds vehicle increased to $50,000.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified; ERNR fleet presentation planned.

2024-2025 Budget Objectives and Procedures

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:28:43–01:38:27 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, personnel

Summary

County Administrator Mark McCauley presented Resolution 30-23 outlining budget guidelines: 3% GWA 2024/2% 2025 (union/non-union), 1.5% non-labor cap, hold transfers at 2023 levels (3% SRS/PILT increase to Roads), stabilize Road diversion at $620k, use extraordinary revenues for priorities. Board questioned vacancies/salary savings (minimal expected) and approved unanimously to issue budget call.

Key Discussion Points

  • Personnel: UFCW 3%/2%; exempt mirrors; others step-only if unratified (Mark McCauley).
  • Non-labor: 1.5% increase; monitor/justify more (Mark McCauley).
  • Transfers: Hold 2023 levels except 3% SRS/PILT (Mark McCauley).
  • Road diversion: Pause reduction at $620k; review mid-biennium (Mark McCauley).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Detailed 5-page guidance matched presentation (wage adjustments, caps, transfers).

Financials

  • GWA: 3% 2024, 2% 2025.
  • Non-labor cap: 1.5%.
  • SRS/PILT: $556k 2024, $573k 2025.
  • Road diversion: $620k.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Adopt Resolution 30-23.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3).
  • Next Steps: Departments submit prelim budgets Sept 5, 2023; presentations early Oct.

Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Distribution Confirmation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:38:33–02:06:41 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting

Summary

County Administrator and Treasurer Stacy Prada recommended maintaining 85/13/2% SRS split (Title I/II/III) and electing full payment vs. 7-year average (~$382k vs. lower). Public Works needs Title I; Title III used for CWPP/search-rescue; Title II via RAC. Board discussed shifting Title II/III but maintained status quo unanimously due to July 20 deadline.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maintain 85% Title I (Roads/Schools), 13% Title II (RAC projects), 2% Title III (CWPP/SAR) (Mark McCauley, Stacy Prada).
  • Full payment preferred (~$382k avg vs. rolling lower) (Stacy Prada).
  • Title III ~$165k for CWPP, remainder SAR vehicle (Mark McCauley).

Public Comments

  • Ed Bowen (Jefferson County landowner): Supported Title III use (fire plan); cautioned against annual percentage changes without federal allowance.

Supporting Materials Referenced

State Treasurer email/report; historical allocations (80% pre-2007, 85% since).

Financials

  • Title III balance: $183k (CWPP $165k, ~$16k reserve).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Shift Title II/III (e.g., 7-8% min Title II); rolling average rejected.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Maintain 85/13/2%; full payment; Treasurer signs by July 20.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3).
  • Next Steps: Treasurer submits form by July 20, 2023.

Regional Recompete Pilot Program Strategy

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:07:25–03:18:45 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, other

Summary

Joint meeting with Clallam BOCC/NODC discussed Recompete Phase 1 application (due Oct 5) for workforce strategy addressing 2,700 prime-age gaps (1,660 Clallam/1,046 Jefferson); NRICK presented as demand-side focus (forest innovation/housing/manufacturing). Barriers: housing/childcare; need data/surveys; EDA favors infrastructure over direct housing. Agreed to form Task Force (1 commissioner/county, EDCs, NODC, tribes); NODC convenes first meeting; Clallam EDC offers $65k consultant.

Key Discussion Points

  • Regional app stronger; NRICK (forest cluster: value-add, waste innovation, housing panels) integrates supply/demand (Colleen McAleer, Cindy Brooks).
  • Barriers: housing/childcare/transport; survey ESD data pre-COVID unemployed (Colleen McAleer).
  • EDA: infrastructure OK, housing cautious; leverage private ($50k/person needed) (Karen Affeld).
  • Task Force for coordination/consultant (Mark McCauley).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Phase 1: $250-500k strategy grants; Phase 2: $20-50M avg.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • NRICK as component; infrastructure/housing incentives; maritime/blue carbon.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Form Task Force (Jefferson: Brotherton; Clallam TBD); NODC convenes.
  • Vote: N/A (consensus); Jefferson appointed Brotherton unanimously.
  • Next Steps: NODC convenes Task Force; Phase 1 due Oct 5, 2023.

Jefferson County Strategic Plan Draft Review

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:19:17–05:12:21 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, other

Summary

BerryDunn (Michelle/Rene) presented 2024-28 draft with vision/mission/values/6 priorities (resilience, economy, environment, housing, org health, thriving people); Board refined language/measures (e.g., resilience goal broader, broadband objectives, housing barriers/non-GMA, youth commission explore→delete, thriving people outreach/partnerships). Praised team; plan living document with annual reviews/implementation tracking. Consensus to finalize for adoption (Aug/Sep).

Key Discussion Points

  • Vision/mission tweaks: generations→residents; grammar/innovates comma (Board).
  • Resilience: Measures imperfect (navigator calls/served); start baseline (Board, Joe K., Apple Martine).
  • Economy: LAMRDs periodic; broadband duplicative OK (Board, Brent Butler).
  • Housing: Online permits 2024; barriers "to extent legally possible"/non-GMA; stock plans/PRDs/CUPs (Board, Brent).
  • Thriving: Youth commission delete; proclamations/events/partnerships (Board).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft plan matched presentation (priorities/objectives/measures from retreat/leadership).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Refinements: e.g., navigator "calls" vs. encounters; housing units by type.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approve refinements; proceed to design/adoption.
  • Vote: N/A (workshop consensus).
  • Next Steps: Graphic design; adoption late Aug/early Sep 2023; implementation planning.

Background Materials

Contents

AI Information