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09/23/24 09 AM: Board Tackles Tax Fears, Approves Agenda, Sets TBD Hearing

Board Tackles Tax Fears, Approves Agenda, Sets TBD Hearing

County board addressed public concerns on Pool PFD and new taxing districts like TBD; approved consent agenda including grants and elevator upgrades; updated fire danger to moderate; workshopped event partnerships; appointed WUCC members; motioned TBD formation hearing.

Public Comments and Board Response on Pool Public Facilities District (PFD)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:02:03–00:10:28 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, services, budgeting, other

Summary

Public commenters raised concerns about forming a Public Facilities District (PFD) for a pool without broader public input, citing lifeguard shortages and reliance on tourist dollars. Board members responded that the PFD represents a next step after a task force process, involves no immediate tax increase, allows future voter approval on funding, and provides opportunities for public engagement, including potential market studies and hearings.

Key Discussion Points

  • Shelley Arnell urged social media or newspaper outreach for public sentiment on pool as a taxing district, noting lifeguard shortages and risks of using tourist funds.
  • Tom warned of multiple new taxing districts (pool PFD, transportation benefit district, flood control district) and advised residents to "hang on to your wallets."
  • Chair (unidentified): Task force included diverse citizens; PFD board responsive to public; no tax raise planned; voters ultimate decision-makers.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: No tax implications yet; family members motivated to lifeguard; ample future public input opportunities.
  • Heidi: Community meetings had low turnout previously; encourages involvement.

Public Comments

  • Shelley Arnell: Opposed advancing pool PFD without public input via media; lifeguard shortages undermine viability; risks tourist funding.
  • Tom: Highlighted three potential new taxing districts (pool PFD, transportation benefit district, flood control/WCC-related); advised caution on taxes.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced in discussion.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal action; board acknowledged comments and affirmed ongoing process.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: PFD formation to enable further public engagement, market study, hearings; no deadlines specified.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:10:28–00:14:22 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, budgeting, infrastructure, personnel, public safety

Summary

The board approved the consent agenda, highlighting grant-funded items like Pacer/stock plans, grinder pumps, elevator modernization ($397,600 questioned as high), Tyler Fire Marshal module, and letters of support for Mason County PUD grid resiliency. Discussion noted elevator costs in historic building context and fire marshal staffing needs.

Key Discussion Points

  • Items praised: Pacer in UGA, grinder pumps (bid soon), elevator modernization for reliability, fire marshal module/Tyler, Mason PUD support letters (Jefferson residents served by Mason).
  • Unidentified commissioner: Elevator ~$400k high; husband (commercial builder) surprised; historic constraints, new motors/electronics.
  • Staff: New motors, Bluetooth signing; constrained to existing elevator shaft.
  • Fire marshals present for danger level discussion.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Consent agenda included: Pacer application, stock plans (grant-funded), grinder pumps, elevator modernization, Tyler module, Mason PUD letters.
  • Elevator contract: $397,600.01 (ThyssenKrupp); historic building upgrades for seismic/code compliance.

Financials

  • Elevator modernization: $397,600.01 (Fund #301).
  • No other specific figures discussed; routine approvals.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve the consent agenda for September 23rd/24th."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes); sign item 10 immediately.
  • Next Steps: Staff to process approvals; grinder pump bid opening soon; fire marshals to brief on danger level.

Fire Danger Level Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:17:33–00:25:31 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, operations

Summary

Fire Marshal updated on fire danger reduction from high to moderate following chief votes and state proclamation; campfires now allowed under moderate restrictions (3x3 ft max, water required). Discussion covered DNR rule-making on outdoor burning (e.g., biochar), communication gaps with DNR regions, and caution tips post-dryness.

Key Discussion Points

  • Fire Marshal: Apology for missed agenda item; Sept 14 high rating held (3-1 chiefs vote), then state high declaration; Sept 16 lowered to moderate (3-1); expires Sept 30.
  • Moderate allows campfires, charcoal (3x3 ft, cleared area, water).
  • DNR outdoor burning rules (RCW 70A.15) under review; biochar allowed for ag via ORCA permits, not homeowners.
  • Communication issues: Jefferson in DNR "No Man's Land" (Central Lowlands/Olympic overlap).
  • Caution: Water available, soil base, no violations.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update; no action.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Monitoring weather; DNR rule engagement; next update if needed.

Production Alliance Event Partnership Proposal Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:45:57–01:20:03 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, services, planning, other

Summary

Production Alliance proposed partnering on events aligning with Strategic Plan (civic engagement, resilience): $50k Connectivity Summit (3-day incl. youth/job fair), $30k All-County Picnic expansion, $10k/$5k sponsorships each for Farm Tour/Chautauqua/Field Day (total ~$110k). Board supported Connectivity/Picnic fully, partial for others via public benefit fund; discussed 4th of July alternatives.

Key Discussion Points

  • TPA: Events build community; Connectivity Summit folds Job Fair; Picnic rotates locations; sponsorships align with goals (e.g., ag/forestry in Farm Tour).
  • Commissioners: Strong support for Connectivity ($50k), Picnic ($30k); sponsorships via $20k fund (not full $30k); nexus to plan stronger for first two.
  • 4th of July: TPA history paused post-2020; potential Airport Day expansion; sensitivity to national pride discussions.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Proposal packet with budgets, Strategic Plan highlights; past events feedback.

Financials

  • Connectivity: $50k; Picnic: $30k; Sponsorships: $30k max ($10k each presenting).
  • Fund via general/public health/budgets; competes in budget process.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • 4th of July: Airport Day (Port-led), drone show; rejected full revival without process.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Workshop; support Connectivity/Picnic; partial sponsorships; refine proposal.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Hone proposal, budget presentation; November workshop post-grants.

Transportation Benefit District (TBD) Formation Motion

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:20:33–05:18:31 (PART 1, approx. from context)
  • Categories: budgeting, infrastructure, operations

Summary

Public Works briefed Road Fund crisis ($1M+ 2025 deficit from inflation); proposed TBD ($20 tabs + 0.1% sales tax ~$1M/yr) for maintenance/preservation. Board motioned hearing to form unincorporated TBD.

Key Discussion Points

  • Public Works: Revenues flat (1.6%/yr); costs up (salaries/fleet/materials); $6.7M maintenance for 395 miles; TIP leverages $1.3M local to $47M.
  • Tom (public): 3 taxing districts concern.
  • Board: Gradual (tabs first); state relief hope; hearing to form.

Public Comments

  • Tom: Combined with pool/transport/flood districts; "hang on to your wallets."

Supporting Materials Referenced

TIP spreadsheet ($47M total, 97% grants); ARP ($6.7M maintenance); equipment ($1M).

Financials

  • 2025 deficit: ~$900k-$1M; TBD: $500k ($20 tabs) + $600k (0.1% sales) = ~$1M/yr.

Alternatives & Amendments

Gradual rollout discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Set up a hearing to consider development of the Transportation Benefit District."
  • Vote: Unanimous (motion seconded, ayes).
  • Next Steps: Draft resolution/hearing; staff (Philip) prepare.

Water Utility Coordinating Committee (WUCC) Appointments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 05:20:35–05:42:11 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, ordinances

Summary

Staff requested appointments to WUCC for CWSP update (last 1997); appoint Jim Chase (Pos. 7, Group B rep), Heidi Eisenhour alternate for Greg Brotherton (Pos. 1). RFP posted (no responses yet); funding hodgepodge.

Key Discussion Points

  • CWSP required (critical area since 1983); min. 4 members; RFP due 9/26.
  • Chase (Basalt Beach); Lamka interested but oversized.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

RFP/webpage; WAC 246-293-150; resolutions (83/97).

Financials

CWSP update: ~$125k grant + contributions/PUD/general fund.

Alternatives & Amendments

Taxing district rejected previously.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Appoint Jim Chase (Pos. 7), Heidi Eisenhour (Brotherton alternate).
  • Vote: Unanimous (motion seconded, ayes).
  • Next Steps: Re-advertise RFP if needed; interviews.

Background Materials

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