PACKET: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Sep 18, 09:00 AM

County Sources

AVCapture Page

Documents

AI Information

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resiliency (C-PACER) Program Adoption

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) is scheduled to hold a public hearing to consider adopting a new chapter (15.20) of the Jefferson County Code establishing a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resiliency (C-PACER) Program. C-PACER would encourage property owners to finance energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable energy, and resiliency projects, aligning with Jefferson County's comprehensive plan and sustainability targets. The program is driven by interest from local property owners and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resiliency against climate threats.

Key Points

  • C-PACER is authorized by state law (RCW Chapter 36.165) and would be a voluntary program for owners of commercial, industrial, agricultural, and multi-family residential properties (5 or more units).
  • The program is intended to implement the Comprehensive Plan’s sustainability targets, including increasing energy efficiency and encouraging partnerships with stakeholders like Public Utility District #1.
  • C-PACER financing involves a voluntary assessment on the improved property, secured by a lien in favor of Jefferson County, second only in priority to unpaid taxes.
  • The County immediately assigns the lien to the private capital provider, limiting the County's role post-adoption to approval of the assessment, recordation of the lien, and program administration (which may be contracted to a third party).
  • The Department of Community Development (DCD) initially identified capacity impacts regarding administration but subsequently hired SCJ Alliance via an RFP process to serve as the Program Administrator.
  • If a project application is denied, the owner and capital provider may appeal the decision to the Jefferson County Hearing Examiner.
  • Property owners must obtain written consent for the C-PACER lien from all holders of existing liens, mortgages, or other security interests in the property, acknowledging the C-PACER lien takes precedence, except over tax liens.
  • Interested property owners include Hastings Estate, Bayside Housing, and Port Ludlow Associates.
  • Projects must provide a "Significant Public Benefit," defined for existing structures as resulting in a 20% reduction in annual energy or GHG emissions, or meeting/exceeding state-level standards (e.g., energy, water efficiency, lead contamination, building resiliency). New construction must exceed Washington State Energy Code or achieve a 30% reduction in energy/GHG emissions.
  • Qualified improvements do not include the installation, maintenance, or repair of equipment that burns fossil fuel.
  • Financing cannot exceed the weighted average effective useful life (EUL) of the proposed qualified improvements.
  • The maximum C-PACER lien amount for new construction and substantial retrofits cannot exceed 30% of the "after completed" property value.

Financials

  • Holding the public hearing is funded by the General Fund.
  • Ongoing program operation will be funded by requisite permit fees.
  • Program Fees (due at closing, based on the amount financed by the Property Owner):
    • Application Fee: $500 (allows for two reviews)
    • Supplemental Application Fee (if third review needed): $250
    • Program Fee: 1% of the amount financed, ranging from a minimum of $2,500 up to a cap of $15,000.
  • The Program Fee is a condition precedent to the County recording the Assessment Agreement and C-PACER Lien.
  • The County incurs no liability or financial responsibility for C-PACER financed debt; the collection and enforcement of the lien is the responsibility of the private capital provider (the Assignee).

Alternatives

  • Initial alternative discussion in April 2023 included administering the program through an interlocal agreement with another county or a professional services agreement. Whatcom and Pierce County declined the interlocal agreement option. The professional services agreement with SCJ Alliance was chosen.

Community Input

  • The Jefferson County and City of Port Townsend Climate Action Committee (CAC) unanimously endorsed the County's participation in the C-PACER program in December 2022.

Timeline

  • 2022-04-11: DCD first included C-PACER on BoCC agenda for consideration.
  • 2023-06-01: DCD Director appointed Chief Strategy Officer (CSO); C-PACER project included in CSO's portfolio.
  • 2023-09-18: Board requested to approve the hearing notice.
  • 2023-10-09: Public Hearing scheduled for 2:30 p.m. to consider adopting Ordinance.
  • 2023-11-05: Proposed Effective Date of the Ordinance and the earliest date the program shall start (after Department of Commerce's 60-day notice period).

Next Steps

The Board is requested to approve the attached HEARING NOTICE and set the Public Hearing for Monday, October 9, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. to decide whether to adopt Chapter 15.20 JCC.

Sources

  • Brent A. Butler - Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
  • Monte Reinders - Acting County Administrator
  • John Kennedy - C-PACER Specialist
  • Rich Martinez - Kitsap Bank
  • Gary Keister - Bayside Housing
  • Heather Dudley-Nollette - Hastings Estate
  • Josh Peters - DCD Director
  • CarolAnn Laase - Administrative Director, Olympic Area Agency on Aging (O3A) Advisory Council
  • SCJ Alliance (Shea, Carr & Jewell, Inc.) - Selected Program Administrator
  • Washington State Department of Commerce (DOC)
  • RCW Chapter 36.165 - C-PACER Act
  • Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan (CP)

On-Call Building and Fire Services Consultant Agreement (Townzen and Associates, LLC)

Topic Summary

The Department of Community Development (DCD) requests approval of a five-year, $30,000 professional services agreement with Townzen and Associates, LLC, for "On Call Building and Fire Services." This consultant will provide additional expertise for plan review and inspection of complex construction projects, help DCD manage expected heavy permit submittals in the coming years, and assist in the formation and development of the Office of the Fire Marshal.

Key Points

  • The consultant was selected from a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process.
  • The contract period runs from August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2028.
  • The services include, but are not limited to, plan review (structural, non-structural, code compliance, accessibility, energy, ventilation) and inspections (Residential and Commercial buildings, structural, fire/life safety, mechanical, plumbing).
  • A major expected project requiring this support is the Pleasant Harbor Master Plan Resort.
  • The consultant possesses a specialized skillset in fire code and application, which is intended to be a valuable asset for the formation and build out of the Office of the Fire Marshal.
  • The President of Townzen and Associates previously served as the Washington State Chief Deputy Fire Marshal.
  • Response timeline goals for the consultant's reviews:
    • Single-Family: 10 working days (initial review); 10 working days (re-review)
    • Multi-Family: 15-20 working days (initial review); 10 working days (re-review)
    • Commercial: 20-30 working days (initial review); 15 working days (re-review)
  • The consultant fee structure relies on hourly rates for labor, commissions on plan review fees (for structural/non-structural review), and fixed fees for specific fire suppression system plan reviews.

Financials

  • Total contract ceiling: $30,000 (not to exceed).
  • Funding Source: Fund #143 (Munis Org/Obj 14355870/410000).
  • The cost will be covered by: (1) permit application fees and (2) existing budget line items in the 2024-2025 biennial budget (primarily for Fire Marshal assistance).
  • Consultant Labor Rates:
    • Plan Examiner: $90.00/Hour
    • Structural Engineer: $150.00/Hour
    • Inspector: $85.00/Hour of inspection
    • Travel Time: 60% of Hourly Rate + Mileage
  • Plan Review Services (for projects over $500,001 valuation): 55% of collected plan review fees with structural review, 35% without structural review. Residential plan review is compensated at 50% (does not include full structural review).
  • Expedited review fees shall be two times the standard fee.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2023-08-01: Agreement commencement date (ratified retroactively upon adoption).
  • 2028-07-31: Agreement end date.

Next Steps

Staff recommends that the Board approve the attached contract.

Sources

  • Phil Cecere - Building Official Fire Marshal
  • Josh Peters - DCD Director
  • Chelsea Pronovost - DCD Admin Manager
  • Townzen and Associates, LLC

Noxious Weed Control Contract (WCC/Department of Ecology)

Topic Summary

The Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board (JCNWCB), operating under WSU Extension, proposes a contract of up to $45,730 with the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) via the Department of Ecology to employ a WCC crew for noxious weed control services. This cost-share program will provide up to 34 crew days to perform invasive control activities across County Parks, State Parks, City limits, and Public Works projects, supported by existing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with various public agencies.

Key Points

  • Noxious weeds pose a threat to humans, animals, the economy, agriculture, recreation, and conservation in Jefferson County.
  • The WCC Crew services will include invasive control, native species installation, plant nursery care, scientific monitoring, and fence work.
  • The Crew would be active in seven expected MOUs with public agencies in 2024.
  • WCC work explicitly will not include: cleaning public restrooms, monitoring/surveying/clearing active or abandoned encampments, and cleaning up hazardous materials including hypodermic needles.
  • The WCC crew consists of five members plus one supervisor and works on a cost-share basis, maximizing cost-effectiveness for the County.

Financials

  • Total contract amount not to exceed: $45,730.
  • This cost covers up to 34 crew days (5 crew members for 10 hours each day).
  • Funding Source: Fund #109, supported by over $65,000 anticipated from MOUs with public agencies.
  • The amount reimbursed by the Sponsor (County) is the cost-share rate. The estimated total annual value of a WCC crew is $294,107.
  • Indirect costs are included in the SPONSOR share at a standard rate of 5% of direct costs.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2023-10-01: Period of performance commencement date.
  • 2024-09-30: Agreement completion date.

Next Steps

Staff recommends approval of the contract.

Sources

  • Sophie DeGroot - Noxious Weed Control Coordinator
  • Department of Ecology - Washington Conservation Corps (WCC)
  • Washington State University (WSU) Extension

Mental Health Wellness Program Agreement (The Benji Project)

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH), acting as the fund manager for the Behavioral Health 1/10th of 1% Sales Tax Fund, requests approval for a Professional Services Agreement with The Benji Project totaling $24,708. The agreement, spanning August 2023 to June 2024, is to provide an evidence-based, Mindful Self-Compassion curriculum across all Jefferson County middle and high school districts.

Key Points

  • The Mindful Self-Compassion curriculum teaches adolescents tools for managing difficult emotions, increasing resilience, and coping with stress.
  • The program is estimated to serve 325 middle and high schoolers over the one-year period in East Jefferson County School Districts.
  • Service delivery options include an 8-week after-school series (2-hour sessions), in-school sessions (4-8 sessions matching class periods), pull-out sessions for small groups, or a "Kindness Club" model.
  • The Benji Project is responsible for instructor training, background checks (redone every 3 years), clerical support, billing, and data collection.
  • Data collected includes: (1) number of sessions/participants, (2) participant post-session surveys on program support for well-being, and (3) pre- and post-session self-compassion surveys for series of four or more sessions.
  • Expected outcomes include: significant reduction in anxiety/depression/stress symptoms, improvements in resilience, and reductions in feelings of burdensomeness/social rejection (relevant for LGBTQ+ youth risk factor for self-harm/suicide). The goal is for 75% of students to report the program helpful.
  • The request resulted from an RFP process and was recommended by the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee.

Financials

  • Total contract amount: $24,708.00.
  • Funding Source: Behavioral Health, 1/10th of 1% Sales Tax Fund (Fund #131).
  • Salaries/Wages requested from Sales Tax: $21,430 (Executive/Program Director: $9,550; Operations Manager: $6,000; Instructors/Instructors in Training: $5,880).
  • Operating Costs requested: $1,032 (primarily travel/mileage for Brinnon and Quilcene instructors).
  • Administration cost (10% limit): $2,246.
  • The agreement states that funding is subject to availability and may be renegotiated if sales tax revenue decreases.
  • Total Program Budget (Sales Tax + Other Funding Source): $88,233.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

The services and funding have been recommended to the BoCC by the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee.

Timeline

  • 2023-08-15: Agreement commencement date (ratified retroactively upon adoption).
  • 2024-06-30: Agreement end date.
  • Reporting: Monthly invoices/expense reports due by the 10th of the following month. Quarterly electronic reports sent to the Public Health contracted Epidemiologist.

Next Steps

JCPH requests Board approval of the Professional Services Agreement.

Sources

  • Apple Martine - Public Health Director
  • Anna McEnery - DD & BH County Coordinator
  • Behavioral Health Advisory Committee
  • Cynthia Osterman - The Benji Project (Contract Notice/Exhibit A)
  • Heather McRae-Woolf - The Benji Project (Signature Page)

Consolidated Contracts Amendment #15 with Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) requests approval for Amendment #15 to the 2022-2024 Consolidated Contracts (ConCon) with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). This amendment increases the total contract value by over $1.14 million, bringing the new total maximum consideration to $7,310,117. The increase allocates new and amended funding across multiple public health programs, including Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS), COVID-119 response, Maternal and Child Health (MCH), and Sexual & Reproductive Health.

Key Points

  • The total contract term remains January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024.
  • Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS): Receives an additional $900,000 for the July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024 period, with funds directed towards capacity building and program activities outlined in various tasks such as Assessment Reinforcing Capacity, LifeCourse Infrastructure, Immunization Outreach, Environmental Public Health Policy & Leadership, and Emergency Preparedness & Response.
  • COVID-19 Gap Funding (ARPA): Adds $46,740 to provide vaccination services emphasizing non-traditional healthcare delivery methods (e.g., pop-up, mobile clinics).
  • Executive Office of Resiliency (PHEP): Adds $34,384 to support and sustain local public health emergency preparedness efforts.
    • Required PHEP activities include: completing mid- and end-of-year reports, submitting staff contacts, participating in site visits/trainings, updating Medical Countermeasure (MCM) Plans, and engagement with the regional Northwest Healthcare Response Network (Network).
  • Executive Office of Resiliency (WFD): Provides unallocated funding on a reimbursement basis to establish, train, and sustain the LHJ public health workforce for COVID-19 prevention/response, with a deadline of June 30, 2024.
  • Maternal and Child Health Block Grant (MCHBG): Reapportioned existing funds and adds an overall increase of $36,700 to extend MCHBG related activities through September 30, 2024.
  • OSS Repair-Abatement Program: Extended the period of performance from September 30, 2023, to November 30, 2023, and added an additional $30,000 for Task 6 (Manage funding agreements/Cost Share).
    • The OSS program targets over 3,100 acres of closed/threatened shellfish beds in the Hood Canal 3, Dabob Bay, Discovery Bay, and Quilcene Bay Growing Areas.
    • Cost-share is prioritized for low-income residents with failing onsite sewage systems (OSS), located near marine shorelines or streams, or OSS 25+ years old with no records.
    • Total project cost for OSS Repair-Abatement is now estimated at $344,800 (up from $314,800 in prior amendments).
  • Sexual & Reproductive Health Program (SRHP): Adds $42,926 to the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 24 Sexual & Reproductive Health Cost Share fund for the period ending December 31, 2023.
  • WIC Nutritional Program: Extends funding period and adds an additional $52,304.

Financials

  • Total additional consideration in Amendment #15: $1,143,614.
  • Revised maximum consideration for the Consolidated Contract: $7,310,117.
    • Total Federal Funds: $2,375,965
    • Total State Funds: $4,934,152
  • Funding is contingent on DOH appropriation and federal/state fund availability.
  • OSS Repair-Abatement Program: Total allocation amended to $263,844 (federal funds PS SSI 1-5 OSS Task 4). The total budget, including matching funds/cost shares, is $344,800. The cost share amount for low-income residents increased to $239,931 (up from $209,931).

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2022-01-01: Contract start date.
  • 2023-07-01: Effective date for new SOWs (COVID-19 Gap, PHEP, WFD) and FPHS revision.
  • 2023-11-30: Extended end date for OSS Repair-Abatement Program.
  • 2024-12-31: Contract end date.

Next Steps

JCPH Management recommends BoCC approval of Consolidated Contract Amendment #15.

Sources

  • Apple Martine - JCPH Director
  • Veronica Shaw - JCPH Deputy Director
  • Washington State Department of Health (DOH)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Motion to Rescind ESSENCE Data Sharing Agreement

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH), Community Health Division, requests the Board rescind the Interlocal Agreement for ESSENCE Data Sharing between the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Public Health departments of Jefferson, Clallam, and Kitsap. The regional agreement was intended to allow public health authorities to share syndromic surveillance data for early notification of disease outbreaks, but was never fully executed as Clallam and Kitsap Counties withdrew.

Key Points

  • The agreement's purpose was to allow DOH to share ESSENCE (Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics) data between the named jurisdictions to facilitate a regional approach to identifying and monitoring public health signals and outbreaks.
  • JCPH and Kitsap County had signed the agreement.
  • The contract was never executed because Clallam County and DOH never signed it, after Clallam and Kitsap Counties pulled out of the regional agreement.
  • ESSENCE provides highly timely data (over 90% of emergency department visits reported within 24 hours).
  • The sharing of this health information, which includes elements such as patient chief complaints, diagnoses, date of birth, and zip code, is classified as Restricted Confidential Information (Category 4) and governed by complex confidentiality (HIPAA), security (OCIO standard 141.10), and disclosure rules (RCW 42.56, RCW 70.02).
  • An unauthorized use or disclosure of this data would result in the immediate termination of the agreement and potential legal penalties.
  • The agreement outlined a specific use for opioid overdose monitoring: Kitsap County, as the Information Recipient, would use ESSENCE data from Jefferson and Clallam Counties to compose a public-facing dashboard focused on the regional overdose situation, agreeing to de-identify and aggregate data to prevent individual identification.

Financials

  • The agreement involved no financial commitment (No charge for data access).

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • The agreement had a period of performance through April 30, 2024.
  • Jefferson County signed on August 21, 2023.
  • Kitsap County signed on June 30, 2023.

Next Steps

JCPH requests the Board officially rescind the agreement due to non-execution by all parties.

Sources

  • Apple Martine - Jefferson County Public Health Director
  • Denise Banker - Community Health Division Director
  • Washington State Department of Health (DOH)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP)

Mental Health Therapy Services Agreement (Olympic Educational Service District #114)

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) requests approval for a $191,260 Professional Services Agreement with the Olympic Educational Service District (OESD) #114 to provide school-based mental health intervention and treatment services for K-12 children and youth. The services, which utilize Behavioral Health 1/10th of 1% Sales Tax Funds, will be distributed across the Port Townsend, Chimacum, Quilcene, and Brinnon School Districts for the 2023-2024 school year.

Key Points

  • Services are intended for children and youth in grades K-12 who identify with Behavioral Health issues in Port Townsend, Chimacum, Quilcene, and Brinnon School Districts.
  • The counselors will provide individual counseling on a variety of issues, including anger management, depression, stress, grief/loss, feelings of suicide, and substance use.
  • Service allocation per week:
    • Brinnon SD: 1 day
    • Quilcene SD: 1 day
    • Chimacum SD: 2 days
    • Port Townsend SD: 2.5 days
  • Counselors must be licensed therapists, licensed associate therapists, or licensed independent clinical social workers/associates.
  • 85% of counselor time must be spent in clinical services seeing students; 15% is allocated for charting, travel, and meetings.
  • Services are not dependent on Medicaid eligibility.
  • OESD must provide crisis interventions and emergency response services within the provider's scope of practice.
  • Data Collection: Counselors must use a "Hope Scale" (first and last session), a "Satisfaction Questionnaire" (last session), implement new client sheets and visit detail sheets, and upload data to the School-Based Health Clinic (SBHC) data base system.
  • An Epidemiologist of the Kitsap County Health District will have continued access to the SBHC data system and will generate quarterly and yearly reports using the provided data.
  • Project outcomes aim for reduced mental health/substance use symptoms in the classroom/home, improved quality of life, and decreased suicidality/disruptive behavior in the school community.

Financials

  • Total contract amount: $191,260.00.
  • Funding Source: Behavioral Health, 1/10th of 1% Sales Tax Fund (Fund #131).
  • Salaries/Wages: $144,000 is paid directly for services across the four school districts (calculated at $600-$650 per day for 36 weeks).
    • Supervision/Clinical Oversight: $25,200 (5 providers x 36 weeks x $140/hour).
  • Total Personnel Costs requested: $169,200.
  • Administration cost (10% limit): $17,387.
  • OESD reports substantial match: $23,201 for Behavioral Health Coordinator and $2,001 for Administrative Assistance Support. Total full program cost is $216,462.
  • Funding is explicitly mentioned as subject to availability from the County sales tax revenue.

Alternatives

  • The request resulted from an RFP process; alternatives evaluated are not listed in the document.

Community Input

  • The services and funding were allocated with input from the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee.

Timeline

  • 2023-07-01: Agreement commencement date (ratified retroactively upon adoption).
  • 2024-06-30: Agreement end date.
  • Reporting: Monthly invoices due by the 10th. Quarterly electronic reports sent from the Epidemiologist.

Next Steps

JCPH requests Board approval of the Professional Services Agreement.

Sources

  • Apple Martine - Public Health Director
  • Anna McEnery - DD & BH County Coordinator
  • Dr. Aaron Leavell - Olympic ESD #114 Superintendent
  • Epidemiologist (Kitsap County Health District)

Third Quarter 2023 Budget Appropriations/Extensions

Topic Summary

Jefferson County departments have requested supplemental budget appropriations/extensions for the third quarter of 2023 to address unforseen needs or utilize unanticipated increases in non-General Fund revenue (e.g., grants, fees). The total recommended increase in General Fund expense is $185,052 (including $54,222 for Superior Court and $75,200 for the Prosecuting Attorney) which is partially offset by $73,880 in new Sheriff's Office grant revenue. Total appropriations across all funds are $1,070,021 in new expenditure against $1,004,699 in new revenue.

Key Points

  • Prosecuting Attorney (PA): Requests $75,200 (one-time expense from General Fund Unencumbered Funds) to purchase and implement Karpel Case Management Software.
    • The software is necessary because paper-based management is no longer competent for the volume of longer, multi-media police reports now received.
    • Karpel is used by 20 of 39 Washington Counties and can be applied to Public Records Act (PRA) requests and Infraction Traffic Appeals (ITA).
    • The total cost breakdown for the Karpel system is $75,200 (Software: $39,250; Installation: $4,150; Professional Services/Data Conversion: $14,300; Training: $12,000; Travel: $5,500).
  • Sheriff's Office (JCSO): Requests $55,630 in new one-time expenses for the Navigator program ($12,500), Wellness Programs ($35,000), and Operating Law Enforcement ($8,130).
    • These expenditures are primarily funded by new State Grants: CJTC Officer Wellness Grant ($35,000) and WSP NCHIP Grant ($8,130). An additional $30,750 is appropriated from the existing WASPC RSO Grant.
  • Superior Court: Requests $54,222 (one-time expense from General Fund Unencumbered Funds) to update the courtroom audio/visual system.
    • The need is critical: the existing JAVS Courtroom Platform will become obsolete after December 31, 2023, losing maintenance support, and existing cameras (at least 15 years old) need replacement.
    • The proposal is from Justice AV Solutions, Inc. and is for system replacement (New Centro components, Suite 8 Software, HD Cameras) and labor.
  • Public Health (Fund 127): Reports significant new revenue/spending authority totaling $930,819 in revenue and $884,969 in expenditure (not including General Fund line-items).
    • New Grant Revenue (Federal & State): $448,614
    • Increase in client fees (EPH/CH/Private/Medicaid): $100,416
    • Increase in Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) Revenue: $337,982
    • Major Expenditures include: Misc Professional Services ($401,792 total increase), EPH Operating Supplies ($56,800 increase), Engergov Software ($56,880), and Vehicles ($63,569).
  • WSU Coop Extension (Fund 108):
    • 4-H Office: Appropriates $3,500 in one-time donation revenue to support $3,500 in 4-H Office operating supplies (from a Public Health Mini Grant).
    • Marine Resources Committee (MRC): Appropriates $32,825 for Salary & Wages/Personnel Benefits for MRC2 OTGP Grant Funding to hired 3 MRC Interns (Raingarden, Crabber Outreach and MRC Assistant).

Financials

Fund/Dept Revenue (One-time) Expense (One-time) Description
General Fund Total $73,880 $185,052 $111,172 net increase in General Fund expenditure
Prosecuting Attorney $0 $75,200 Karpel Case Mgmt Software
Superior Court $0 $54,222 Update JAVS Courtroom Platform
Sheriff $73,880 $55,630 Wellness, Navigator, Law Enforcement ops
Other Funds Total $930,819 $884,969 Net $45,850 revenue increase
Public Health (127) $849,412 $799,022 Grants, Fees, FPHS, Vehicles, Energov, Personnel/Contracts
Chem. Dep./MH (131) $40,307 $69,574 Services, Transfer to Juvenile Services
WSU Coop Ext (108) $3,500 $3,500 4H Supplies/Donation
WSU Coop Ext (108) $0 $32,825 MRC Grant Wages
GRAND TOTAL $1,004,699 $1,070,021 $65,322 net overall expenditure increase

Alternatives

None specified. The necessity for the Superior Court update is driven by the obsolescence of the JAVS system. The need for the PA system is driven by changes in law enforcement reporting format.

Community Input

A public hearing is scheduled for October 2, 2023, at 10:15 a.m. to review the proposed appropriations. Written testimony is invited from September 20, 2023, through the end of the public hearing on October 2, 2023.

Timeline

  • 2023-10-02: Public Hearing scheduled for 10:15 a.m.
  • 2023-12-31: JAVS courtroom platform end-of-life/maintenance cutoff.

Next Steps

Approve the resolution to publish the notice for the public hearing regarding the Third Quarter 2023 Budget Appropriations.

Sources

  • Adiel McKnight - Executive Assistant
  • Monte Reinders - Acting County Administrator
  • Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney (PAO)
  • Jefferson County Superior Court
  • Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO)
  • WSU Jefferson County Extension
  • Jefferson County Public Health

Discussion re: Next Steps with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) re: Jefferson County State Forests

Topic Summary

Jefferson County is responding to a major opportunity presented by a new $83 million legislative budget proviso and prior funding aimed at forest conservation and replacement land acquisition. The County nominated four county DNR-managed parcels (Anderson Lake, Beaver Valley, Cape George, West Jacob Miller) totaling 1,467 acres for Trust Land Transfer (TLT) to County ownership. These lands would be managed for combined uses including timber harvest, recreation, and open space, providing a pathway to conserve key forests while supporting the local forest products economy through replacement land acquisition.

Key Points

  • In 2023, the Legislature invested $83 million (via the Natural Climate Solutions Account) to permanently conserve 2,000 acres of older, carbon-dense DNR-managed state forests in Western Washington.
  • This action is coupled with a mandate to acquire younger replacement forests to provide long-term revenue to rural communities.
  • DNR and the County are in conversation regarding nominations for reconveyance or TLT to Jefferson County, where the County would manage them for combined uses of timber harvest, open space, and passive recreation.
  • The County is focusing on nominating DNR parcels perceived as "difficult to manage" and are located in the less productive, drier part of East Jefferson County, specifically North of Highway 104 and near/adjacent to the Dabob Natural Area.
  • The four parcels prioritized for TLT application (totaling 1,467 acres) are:
    1. Anderson Lake (582 acres): Common School and Indemnity Trust
    2. Beaver Valley (523 acres): Common School and Indemnity Trust (to SFT with InterX)
    3. Cape George (241 acres): Common School and Indemnity Trust (to SFT with InterX)
    4. West Jacob Miller (121 acres): Common School and Indemnity Trust (to SFT with InterX)
  • These nominated parcels represent existing recreational opportunity.
  • The County's June 28th letter to DNR also included: (1) parcels for conservation consideration under the 2,000-acre structurally complex forest program, and (2) an additional list for future TLT rounds.
  • The County explicitly looks forward to working with DNR to identify productive replacement trust lands for acquisition as working forests in Jefferson County.

Financials

  • This work is supported by the County’s existing contract with Chickadee Forestry.

Alternatives

None specified in the discussion packet.

Community Input

  • The nominations reflect priorities heard from DNR and junior taxing districts in certain parts of Jefferson County.
  • Discussion occurred at the August 28th BoCC meeting regarding moving forward with the four proposed parcels, and the County Assessor Jeff Chapman stated he was "in favor of the proposed projects, as long as the existing recreational uses can continue."

Timeline

  • 2023-05-22: Prior meeting reported the legislative investment.
  • 2023-06-07: Letter received from Commissioner of Public Lands, Hilary Franz.
  • 2023-06-28: County responded to DNR letter.
  • 2023-08-28: Commissioners held a workshop and agreed upon moving forward with the four proposed parcels for Trust Land Transfer.

Next Steps

Discuss potential next steps for Jefferson County in response to the correspondence exchange with DNR. DNR and County staff (Heidi Eisenhour, Duane Emmons, Malloree Weinheimer) presented a workshop on next steps regarding trust land management.

Sources

  • Heidi Eisenhour - District 2 Commissioner
  • Duane Emmons - Assistant Deputy Supervisor for Uplands, DNR
  • Malloree Weinheimer - Chickadee Forestry
  • Hilary Franz - Commissioner of Public Lands
  • Jeff Chapman - County Assessor

Generated On: 2025-11-06 17:03:52.165902-08:00 By: google/gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025 running on https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/