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06/24/25 06 PM: Jefferson County Overview: Structure, Budget, Projects, Challenges

Jefferson County Overview: Structure, Budget, Projects, Challenges

County Administrator Josh Peters presented Jefferson County's org structure (367 staff), achievements (awards), 2025 budget (grants heavy), challenges (housing, climate), key projects (sewer, road repair), planning updates (comp plan, CWPP), and dept services (health, elections, extension). All informational, no votes.

County Government Structure and Overview

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  • Time Range: 00:00:00–00:06:14 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, personnel

Summary

County Administrator Josh Peters presented an overview of Jefferson County's organizational structure, including 3 commissioners, 8 independently elected officials, and 8 departments overseen by the administrator with 367 staff members (some part-time). Public Works was noted as the largest department due to road crews, followed by others like solid waste. The presentation emphasized that all county staff serve the electorate and provided a breakdown of department staffing levels.

Key Discussion Points

  • Structure includes Board of County Commissioners, elected officials (e.g., assessor, treasurer, sheriff), and departments (e.g., Public Works, Central Services).
  • Josh Peters: County has 367 staff; Public Works is largest with road maintenance focus.
  • Recent staff transitions noted, including Peters replacing retiring Mark McCauley.

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 presentation.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Recent Achievements and Recognitions

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  • Time Range: 00:06:50–00:08:03 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, personnel

Summary

Public Works Director and Assistant Director received statewide County Engineer of the Year awards from separate committees. Treasurer Stacy was recognized by the Local Government Investment Pool and state auditor's advisory committee. Finance Manager Judy Shepard prepared budget visuals highlighting major expenditures like the sheriff's budget.

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Peters: Public Works leaders (Public Works Director, Assistant Director Monte Riders, Project Manager Eric Kuzma) honored independently.
  • Josh Peters: Treasurer Stacy recognized for investment work; call her for advice.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Budget pie chart prepared by Judy Shepard showing sheriff's budget as a large slice.

Financials

No specific monetary figures discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational highlights.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Budget and Revenue Sources

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  • Time Range: 00:08:03–00:09:23 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting

Summary

The 2025 budget breakdown showed property taxes at 11%, grants at a higher share due to the Port Hadlock sewer project, with heavy reliance on uncertain federal grants. Treasurer Stacy later detailed investments at $220 million mostly in the Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP, out of $27 billion statewide). General fund is approximately 75% property taxes and sales tax, supporting elected offices and sheriff (65-70% of budget); other revenues include federal PILT and DNR timber.

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Peters: Property tax surprisingly low at 11%; grants prominent this year due to sewer funding.
  • Stacy (Treasurer): Collects property taxes; processes transfers; acts as county bank for operations and special districts (e.g., fire, ports, hospitals); monthly budget reports available online; sales tax data interactive on website.
  • Median home assessed value in Port Ludlow $625,952 (state median $556,751); median tax $4,620 Port Ludlow vs. $4,654 Jefferson.

Public Comments

  • Unnamed audience member: Asked about "other revenue" (31% slice); clarified as possibly PILT, DNR timber.
  • Unnamed audience member: Question on sales tax allocation (e.g., Costco delivery vs. in-person); destination-based, so delivery to Jefferson goes to county.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Budget pie charts; Treasurer's handouts and Excel on sales tax; property tax breakdown chart (2024 amounts, 2025 includes 0.1% county roads from April 1).

Financials

  • Investments: $220 million.
  • LGIP: Part of $27 billion statewide.
  • Sales tax rates: 9.2% unincorporated Jefferson (1.58% county, 0.5573% Jefferson Transportation Benefit District, 0.1% other); 9.4% Port Townsend.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational presentation.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Key Challenges and Priorities

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  • Time Range: 00:09:23–00:10:26 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, operations, personnel

Summary

Challenges include federal financial uncertainty, new technology like AI, inflation, housing costs worsened post-pandemic, climate resilience/adaptation, and staff recruitment/retention due to housing costs. Priorities listed encompassed various community needs. Broader themes recurred in department updates, including staffing and grants reliance.

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Peters: Priorities limited by space on slide; AI interest from Commissioner Brothersen; housing, climate as key.
  • Public Health Apple Martin: 86% grant-funded; complex grant management.

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 overview.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Housing Initiatives

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  • Time Range: 00:10:26–00:11:37 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, land use

Summary

Habitat for Humanity project near Port Hadlock Library plans ~135 residential units, enabled by nearing sewer completion. Another project in Port Townsend targets veterans and varying needs. Need is massive relative to capacity, but progress ongoing.

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Peters: Large-scale development rare; housing providers addressing qualified groups.
  • Commissioner Heather: Background in housing/homeless services via Bayside Housing.

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.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Port Hadlock Sewer Project

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  • Time Range: 00:11:37–00:12:42 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, services

Summary

$36 million Phase 1 wastewater treatment plant under construction, expandable with future funding or local improvement district; took 25 years to fund. On schedule for 2025 completion despite delays for membranes from Texas. Grants inflated 2025 budget share.

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Peters: First phase; chase future money.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Total cost: $36 million (Phase 1).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational status update.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: On track for completion this year.

Upper Hoh Road Repair

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  • Time Range: 00:12:42–00:15:01 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure

Summary

Upper Hoh Road washed out pre-summer; repaired quickly via state strategic emergency reserve fund after commissioners' advocacy. Governor visited; team effort likened to longboat rowing. Federal FLAP funding unavailable.

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Peters/Chair Eisenhower: Governor funded from emergency reserve; first to drive through rainforest post-repair.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Press release referenced.

Financials

No specific figures; state emergency reserve fund used.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Road repaired and reopened.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update

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  • Time Range: 00:15:01–00:16:54 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, land use, ordinances

Summary

Every 10 years; includes new housing element for 20-year population projection, climate resilience element (storms, flooding, sea level rise), and critical areas ordinance review using best available science. Due by year-end; public hearings via Planning Commission. Commissioner Heather urged input.

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Peters (DCD): Fighting development barriers; climate with partners; controversy expected on critical areas (wetlands, streams, hazards).

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; work ongoing.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: Post proposal for public hearings; complete by end of 2025.

Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) and Fire Safety

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  • Time Range: 00:16:54–00:20:40, 00:27:15–00:32:40 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, planning, operations

Summary

CWPP adopted last year; first-time resource with partners (Chief Black, DNR); now implementing, grant pending. Includes storyboards, project tracker, risk maps; state WUI regulations on fire-resistant materials. Fire Districts offer free home assessments (DNR contract); new engine for East Jefferson Fire/Rescue; risk elevating to Level 1; forest thinning/fuels reduction model.

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Peters: URL on website; Chief Black on defensible space.
  • Chief Steve Black: Free non-mandatory assessments reinstated insurance; mutual aid; CPR survival 20% (double national); All-County Preparedness Day Saturday.
  • Noxious weeds coordinator Sophie: Fire ladder fuels like Scotch broom; education/enforcement.

Public Comments

  • Unnamed: Alignment of fire districts.
  • Unnamed: CPR factors (community involvement, training).

Supporting Materials Referenced

CWPP on county website (quick links); annual fire report.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Plan adopted; implementation phase.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: Grant decision pending; Preparedness Day this Saturday.

Parks and Recreation Updates

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  • Time Range: 00:20:40–00:21:28 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, infrastructure

Summary

HJ Carroll Park playground Phase 2 complete; reopening June 25, 2025. Public Works maintains planters/medians in Port Ludlow.

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Peters: Phase 1 prior; exciting reopening tomorrow.
  • Commissioner Brothersen: Public Works props for roads, plantings.

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: Playground reopening.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: Reopening June 25, 2025.

Elections and Auditor Services

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  • Time Range: 00:55:08–01:00:46 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, services

Summary

Auditor Brenda detailed elections (Aug 5 primary minimal for Port Ludlow, Nov 4 general with many races), recording (deeds, passports), licensing (vehicles, vessels; new $20 TBD fee, DOL changes). All-mail ballots 20 days prior.

Key Discussion Points

  • Brenda (Auditor): Port Ludlow Drainage District election; vessel renewals now; tabs up $10 for roads.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Vehicle tabs: +$20 Jefferson TBD; +$10 overall.
  • Halloween tax payment reminder (2026 last weekday event).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: Primary Aug 5 (no ballots for most); general Nov 4.

Public Health Services

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  • Time Range: 01:01:00–01:07:20 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, public safety

Summary

Jefferson Council of Health (JCOH) has 64+ staff, 60+ programs, 86% grant-funded. Foundational services: septic permits/education, beach/lake toxin monitoring, immunizations/pop-ups, disease investigation/contact tracing (notifiable conditions, foodborne, zoonotics). Foot care for elders; invisible when working (prevention).

Key Discussion Points

  • Apple Martin: Unique rural gaps filled; brochures available.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Brochures on services (nursing, environmental health, septics, restaurants).

Financials

86% grants; some general fund.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

WSU Extension Programs

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  • Time Range: 01:07:44–01:16:22 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, planning, other

Summary

Joint county/WSU; 8 staff (small team); 5 programs: 4H (animals, civics, robotics; fair Aug 8-10), noxious weeds (survey/control/education; Scotch broom, poison hemlock; property tax/parcel assessment, grants), Master Gardeners, water resources/Marine Resources (vacancy), small farms. Ties to wildfire via fuels.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ahmed/Team: Head, heart, hands, health motto; fair invite.

Public Comments

  • Unnamed: Common weeds, control methods (pull vs. cut Scotch broom by stage).
  • Unnamed: CWPP vegetation integration.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

Property tax/parcel + per-acre assessment for weeds (raise pending).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: County fair Aug 8-10; weeds assessment raise pending.

Community Engagement Opportunities

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  • Time Range: 00:21:28–00:23:48, 01:19:29–end (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

BOCC meetings Mondays 9am-4:30pm (in-person/Zoom, public comment first); boards/committees (e.g., 2 Planning Commission vacancies, Marine Resources Dist 3, Solid Waste, PIB); KPTZ radio (Fridays 12:30); comp plan input; glass recycling discussion ongoing. Low attendance noted; ideas sought.

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Peters/Chairs: Committee list online; Planning vacancies.
  • Commissioner Heather: Radio show; comp plan; communications specialist Liz Anderson.
  • Chair Eisenhower: Commissioners on 27+ boards; Monday public comment.

Public Comments

  • Unnamed: Low attendance suggestions (e.g., paint houses orange); better when controversial.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Boards/committees list on website.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational; ongoing engagement.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: BOCC Mondays 9am; comp plan input; debrief attendance.

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