PACKET: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Jul 14, 09:00 AM

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Support for Federal Public Lands in Jefferson County (Resolution)

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners is considering adopting a resolution affirming its strong support for the continued federal management of public lands within Jefferson County, which comprise over 75% of the total county area. The resolution explicitly opposes any efforts to sell, transfer, or dispose of these lands, citing their critical role in the local economy, environment, and quality of life. The County is concerned about potential impacts from ongoing attempts to transfer or sell off public lands and potential policies favoring resource extraction.

Key Points

  • Federal public lands constitute over 75% of Jefferson County's total area.
  • These lands, managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service, are integral to the county's economy, environment, and quality of life.
  • Public lands contribute significantly to the local economy through timber sales, tourism, and outdoor recreation.
  • The County is scheduled to receive over $2 million this year via Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) alone.
  • Changing the designation of highly valued recreation lands (like Olympic National Forest and Park) would severely impact the local tourism sector.
  • Outdoor recreation contributed $22.5 billion to Washington's GDP and supported over 121,000 jobs in 2023.
  • The US Senate has been considering selling acreage of Federal lands, potentially including those in Jefferson County.
  • The resolution encourages a balanced approach to land management, recognizing the importance of multiple uses including recreation, wildlife habitat, timber harvest, and energy development.
  • The Board opposes efforts to repeal the "Roadless Rule," which protects approximately 2 million acres of undeveloped national forests in Washington from logging.
  • The resolution asks the Washington Congressional Delegation to oppose legislation that would negatively impact public lands or change the Antiquities Act.

Financials

  • The County expects to receive over $2 million in Federal PILT this year.
  • None specified regarding resolution action costs.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2023: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis study showed outdoor recreation's economic impact in Washington.
  • 2025-07-14: Proposed adoption date of the resolution.

Next Steps

The Board is recommended to adopt the resolution and share copies with the members of the Washington Congressional Delegation, the Governor of Washington, and relevant federal land management agencies.

Sources

  • Heidi Eisenhour - Commissioner
  • Josh Peters - County Administrator
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • National Park Service
  • U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
  • US Department of Treasury (implied source of PILT/SRS funds)

Repealing and Replacing Employee Recognition Program Resolution

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners proposes repealing and replacing Resolution No. 18-0324-25R to formally authorize county funding for employee recognition events managed by the employee-driven Public Employee Recognition Committee (PERC). This action supports the County's Organizational Health Strategic Plan Goal by ensuring financial support for the annual County Picnic and Tax Blues Breakfast, which historically relied on limited voluntary contributions.

Key Points

  • The resolution supports the Public Employee Recognition Committee (PERC), a volunteer, non-profit organization established by county employees.
  • PERC organizes morale-boosting events like the Annual County Picnic and the Tax Blues Breakfast.
  • Previous funding through voluntary contributions constrained the consistent provision of these events.
  • Official County funding is deemed a worthwhile investment in employee engagement, well-being, and overall workplace culture.
  • The PERC shall partner with the County for planning and execution, submitting invoices for review and payment to ensure responsible use of funds.
  • This resolution aligns with the County’s Organizational Health Strategic Plan Goal.

Financials

  • The exact annual fiscal impact is unknown, but the cost is estimated to be less than $10,000 annually, depending on the number of events conducted.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2025-03-24: Resolution 18-0324-25R (the resolution being replaced) was approved by the BOCC.
  • 2025-06-26: The previous resolution was reviewed and edited by PERC members for clarifying verbiage.
  • 2025-07-14: Proposed consideration date for the new resolution.

Next Steps

The Board is recommended to consider approving the proposed resolution.

Sources

  • Adiel McKnight - Deputy Clerk of the Board
  • Josh Peters - County Administrator

Letter of Support for Bayside Housing & Services Funding Application

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners is recommending signing a letter of support for Bayside Housing & Services' applications to secure funding necessary to purchase the Olympic View Mobile Home Park. This acquisition would preserve 76 existing units of low-income affordable housing, provide capacity to add 40 future units, and potentially lead to the acquisition of a second mobile home park, addressing a critical affordable housing shortage.

Key Points

  • Two mobile home parks, Olympic View Mobile Home Park and B&R Mobile Home Park, are at risk of sale to hedge fund operators, potentially leading to eviction for over 150 low-income residents, many of whom are senior citizens.
  • Bayside Housing & Services, a local non-profit, is negotiating to purchase Olympic View Mobile Home Park.
  • Bayside is seeking letters of support for applications to the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) and the Washington Community Reinvestment Association (WCRA).
  • The purchase of Olympic View would preserve 76 existing affordable housing units and allow for the addition of up to 40 new units.
  • If Bayside is successful in purchasing both parks, over 150 units could be preserved total within 12-18 months.
  • Jefferson County suffers from a 0-1% vacancy rate for affordable rentals.
  • Studies show Jefferson County needs to add 3,985 units of housing between now and 2044; 2,848 of these units are needed by people making 80% or less of the Area Median Income.
  • The purchase could generate positive revenue to sustain Bayside’s other housing programs.
  • Bayside Housing & Services has served people experiencing homelessness since 2016 and expanded the units under its control from 6 to 60.

Financials

  • Olympic View Mobile Home Park purchase price: $10 million.
  • Funds currently secured toward purchase: $6.25 million.
  • Remaining funding gap sought by Bayside: $3.75 million.
  • None specified regarding fiscal impact to the County for endorsing the letter.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • Late 2024: BOCC became aware of the risk of mobile home parks being sold to outside operators.
  • End of 2025: Deadline for Bayside to purchase the first park (Olympic View).
  • Next 12-18 months: Timeline for securing funding to purchase the B&R Mobile Home Park.
  • 2044: Deadline by which Jefferson County needs to add 3,985 housing units to meet population and economic growth projections.

Next Steps

The Board is recommended to sign the letter of support and send the original to Bayside Housing & Services for inclusion in their funding application packages.

Sources

  • Heather Dudley-Nollette - Commissioner District 1
  • Josh Peters - County Administrator
  • Bayside Housing & Services (funding applicant)
  • Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC)
  • Washington Community Reinvestment Association (WCRA)

Agreement for HIV/AIDS Education with Quilcene School District

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is requesting approval of a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with the Quilcene School District (QSD) for the provision of Human Growth and Development HIV/AIDS education. The services are mandatory to comply with state regulations, specifically the Healthy Youth Act of 2007. The agreement covers the 2025-2026 school year, with a total cost of $10,871.00 charged to the district.

Key Points

  • The agreement is required to provide Human Growth and Development HIV/AIDS education to QSD students to meet state regulations.
  • The education classes must be age-appropriate and meet guidelines set by the Healthy Youth Act of 2007, and the 2005 "Guidelines for Sexual Health Information and Disease Prevention" from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Washington Department of Health.
  • JCPH staff will provide ongoing review and revision of the District’s education plan.
  • The scope of work includes specific sessions for:
    • 5th Grade: three sessions on Human Growth and Development
    • 6th Grade: one session/block period on HIV/AIDS
    • 7th Grade: one session/block period on HIV/AIDS
    • 8th Grade: three sessions on Human Growth and Development
    • 9th Grade: three sessions on Human Growth and Development
  • The County will also participate in "Parents Night" for presentations and explanation of proposed revisions to the plan.
  • The contract includes provisions for supplies and travel expenses.
  • Additional educational hours beyond the scope may be added at the District's cost of $60.60 per hour.
  • Termination requires 60 days written notice, but notice is not effective until completion of the current semester.

Financials

  • Total contract amount charged to QSD: Not to exceed $10,871.00 (This amount is listed as an expenditure, which is reimbursed by the District, making it revenue for the County).
  • Breakdown: Salary & Benefits: $7,878.00; Supplies: $150.00; Travel: $334.31; Indirect: $2,508.69.
  • Billing methodology: Monthly billing of $1,087.10 over 10 months.
  • The cost benefit analysis states QSD is charged the total amount for public health educator services, supplies, and travel.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2025-09-01: Agreement commencement date.
  • 2026-06-30: Agreement end date (or until terminated).

Next Steps

JCPH management requests approval of the professional services agreement.

Sources

  • Apple Martine - Community Health Director
  • Denise Banker - Community Health Division Director (Contact Person/Agreement Representative for County)
  • Ron Moag - Superintendent (Agreement Representative for District)
  • Josh Peters - County Administrator
  • Healthy Youth Act of 2007
  • Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Washington Department of Health (Guidelines for Sexual Health Information and Disease Prevention, 2005)

Amendment No. 5 for Infant Mental Health Mentor Services (Gina Veloni)

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) seeks approval for Amendment #5 to the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Gina Veloni, extending her contract as an Infant Mental Health Mentor for the Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) staff. The amendment extends the service term for one year, through June 2026, maintaining the existing budget amount of $3,570.

Key Points

  • The purpose is to extend the PSA through June 30, 2026.
  • Gina Veloni provides Infant Mental Health Reflective Supervision consultation to Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) staff and the NFP supervisor.
  • The consultation enhances NFP staff skills for supporting parent-child relationships and growth, aids in the pathway for endorsement by the Washington Association of Infant Mental Health (WA-IMH), and contributes to professional development for navigating care for families with multi-complexities.
  • Services are provided by an Infant Mental Health Mentor (Clinical designation) with expertise in Reflective Supervision via online monthly video conferencing.
  • The scope of work includes:
    • 6 sessions of 1.5 hours each for the NFP Team ($225 cost per session, Total: $1,350).
    • 6 sessions of 1.0 hour each for the NFP Team ($150 cost per session, Total: $900).
    • 12 sessions of 1.0 hour each for the NFP Supervisor ($110 cost per session, Total: $1,320).

Financials

  • Total expenditure amount: $3,570.
  • Funding source: The agreement is funded by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (Fund #127).
  • There is no impact to the County General Fund.
  • Amendment #2 established the maximum payment at $3,570 by increasing the NFP Supervisor sessions from 1 to 12.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2025-07-01: Commencement date for Amendment #5.
  • 2026-06-30: End date for the amended agreement.

Next Steps

JCPH management requests approval of Amendment #5 to the Professional Services Agreement.

Sources

  • Gina Veloni - Infant Mental Health Mentor / Reflective Supervision Consultant
  • Denise Banker - Community Health Director (Public Health Contact)
  • Department of Children, Youth and Families (Funding Source)
  • Washington Association of Infant Mental Health (WA-IMH)

Extension of Water Reclamation Plant Contract through Change Order No. 10

Topic Summary

The Public Works Department is requesting approval of Change Order No. 10 for the Phase 2 Water Reclamation Plant for the Port Hadlock UGA project (Project No. 405-2114-0). This is a "no cost" change order required exclusively to extend the contract time to November 14, 2025, primarily due to previous scope changes and delays in equipment delivery.

Key Points

  • Change Order No. 10 with Interwest Construction (Burlington, WA) is for the Phase 2 Water Reclamation Plant for the Port Hadlock UGA.
  • The change order is necessary to extend the Contract Time, moving the Substantial Completion date from July 31, 2025, to November 14, 2025.
  • The total extension granted is 104 calendar days.
  • The reasons for the extension include scope changes within previously approved change orders (1-9) and a delay in the delivery of the Ovivo bioreactor membrane skid units.
  • Substantial Completion is reached after the completion of the performance test for the facility.
  • The contractor is entitled to an adjustment of Contract Times for delays, disruptions or interference per section 00700.D.

Financials

  • The amount for Change Order No. 10 is a "no cost" change order ($0.00 estimated net change).
  • Original contract amount: $10,020,835.00
  • Current contract amount (after change orders 1-9): $10,524,218.43
  • Estimated contract total after Change Order No. 10: $10,524,218.43

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • Original Contract Time: 502 days.
  • Current Contract Time (before extension): 502 days (Substantial Completion Date: July 31, 2025).
  • Contract Time Change: Add 104 days.
  • New Contract Time: 606 days.
  • New Substantial Completion Date: November 14, 2025.

Next Steps

Public Works recommends the Board authorize Change Order No. 10 and return two originals to Public Works for further processing.

Sources

  • Monte Reinders, P.E. - Public Works Director/County Engineer
  • Samantha Harper, P.E. - Project Manager
  • Josh Peters - County Administrator
  • Interwest Construction, Inc. (Contractor) - Robert Rea (Vice President)
  • Ovivo (Vendor of bioreactor membrane skid units)

Motion to Affirm Port Hadlock Sewer Grant Extension (Amendment A)

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners is requested to affirm a prior approval (June 23, 2025) of Amendment A to the Port Hadlock Sewer Contract (#22-96515-026), which extended the construction grant end date. This affirmation seeks to ensure transparency and reinforce public trust, as the original approval was placed on the Consent Agenda without prior public review or comment.

Key Points

  • Contract #22-96515-026 is the ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Grant for the Port Hadlock Wastewater System project, funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce.
  • Amendment A extends the grant end date from June 30, 2025, to October 30, 2026.
  • The extension is contingent on the reappropriation of federal funds by the state legislature; if funds are not reappropriated, the end date defaults to June 30, 2025 (as listed in the original contract, which had a contingent extension through October 30, 2026).
  • The original approval of Amendment A occurred on June 23, 2025, but lacked prior public review or comment because it was placed on the Consent Agenda.
  • The total grant amount remains $20,125,000.00, with $0.00 amendment amount.
  • The project is legislatively approved infrastructure work, involving the construction of a wastewater treatment plant, beneficial wastewater re-use facility, and sewer collection lines.

Financials

  • Total Grant Amount: $20,125,000.00 (Federal ARPA SLFR Funds).
  • Total Project Funding: $21,625,000 (includes $1,500,000 local Jefferson County funds for construction management and engineering).
  • Amendment A is $0.00 net cost change to the contract amount.
  • None specified regarding fiscal impact to the County for affirming the motion.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

  • The action is being taken because the public was not given an opportunity to review or comment on the amendment prior to the original vote.

Timeline

  • 2025-06-23: Original approval of Amendment A (Port Hadlock Sewer Contract).
  • 2025-07-14: Proposed date for public hearing and motion to affirm the previous approval.
  • 2025-06-30: Original contract end date (if funds not reappropriated).
  • 2026-10-30: New contract end date (contingent on reappropriation).

Next Steps

Staff recommends that the Board approve a motion affirming the previous approval of Amendment A to Contract #22-96515-026.

Sources

  • Carolyn Gallaway - Clerk of the Board
  • Josh Peters - County Administrator
  • Monte Reinders - Public Works Director (Grantee Representative)
  • Washington State Department of Commerce (COMMERCE) - Jon Galow (COMMERCE Representative)
  • Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), ALN (CFDA#) 21.027.

Appointment of Alternate Representative to JeffCOM 911 Administrative Board

Topic Summary

The Board is requested to approve the appointment of Josh Peters, the County Administrator, as the alternate representative to the Jeffcom 911 Administrative Board. This appointment is effective immediately and ensures continued representation for Jefferson County in the event Commissioner Brotherton is unavailable.

Key Points

  • Josh Peters, County Administrator, is designated as the alternate representative to the Jeffcom 911 Administrative Board.
  • He replaces former County Administrator Mark McCauley in this role.
  • As the alternate, Mr. Peters is authorized to attend board meetings and act on behalf of the County when Commissioner Brotherton is unavailable.
  • The purpose is to ensure continued participation and representation from Jefferson County in all Jeffcom board matters.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2025-07-02: Josh Peters received a letter from Matt Stewart, Executive Director of Jeffcom 911 Communications, welcoming him to the Board.
  • 2025-07-14: Recommended approval date, effective immediately.

Next Steps

The Board is recommended to sign the letter of recommendation appointing Josh Peters as the alternate representative for the Jeffcom Administrative Board.

Sources

  • Wendy Housekeeper - Executive Assistant
  • Josh Peters - County Administrator
  • Matt Stewart - Executive Director of Jeffcom 911 Communications
  • Heidi Eisenhour - District 2, Chair
  • Commissioner Greg Brotherton (Primary Representative)

Hearing on Reactivation of Chimacum Creek Drainage District #1 (DD1)

Topic Summary

The Board is holding a public hearing to consider reactivating Chimacum Creek Drainage District #1 (DD1), which has been inactive since 1974. The goal is to address persistent and worsening flooding and drainage issues impacting landowners and fish habitat through a comprehensive, coordinated approach, particularly driven by increasing beaver populations and the lack of consistent maintenance.

Key Points

  • DD1 was formed on June 23, 1919, encompassing 7,526 acres (about one-third of the Chimacum watershed).
  • DD1 has been inactive since 1974, leading drainage maintenance responsibilities to fall inconsistently upon individual landowners.
  • Drainage problems have worsened due to increasing beaver populations and lack of comprehensive maintenance.
  • Community engagement (including focus groups, an open house, and a survey) showed strong interest in reactivating DD1 and partnering with the Jefferson Conservation District (JCD).
  • Proposed long-term maintenance needs include clearing Reed Canarygrass (RCG), and managing beaver and beaver dams.
  • The current estimated cost for RCG removal is $15,000 per mile. Treating one-third of the 7 miles of stream channel annually would cost about $35,000.
  • Long-term cost reduction is anticipated through establishing woody riparian buffers, which could eventually reduce RCG removal needs to about 2 miles, costing $10,000 - $15,000 annually.
  • JCD is prepared to offer technical assistance (permit application, beaver monitoring, grant writing) and has active grant funding (through June 2027) that could secure up to $80,000 for RCG removal over the next two years.
  • The reactivation process requires the BOCC to adopt a Reactivation Resolution, appoint an initial DD1 Board, and then the DD1 Board will implement rates and charges (RCW 85.38.140).
  • An initial proposal suggests a tiered assessment structure based on flooding vulnerability (elevation relative to stream), potentially generating $6,779 annually at a $2/acre full rate.
  • Initial drainage district assessments would only need to cover administrative costs (insurance, bonding, elections).

Financials

  • Annual maintenance cost estimation: Approximately $35,000 for RCG removal (near-term, 2.33 miles treated annually).
  • Potential annual assessment revenue (at $2/acre full rate, tiered structure): $6,779.
  • JCD grant funding available for RCG removal: Up to $80,000 over the next two years.
  • Cost of beaver monitoring and management: Unknown.
  • Fiscal Impact: TBD.

Alternatives

  • Five scenarios considered previously: (1) Individual Landowners Manage the Creek, (2) Organizations Support Landowners, (3) Drainage District (DD), (4) Watershed Improvement District (WID), and (5) Flood Control District (FCD).
  • Survey results showed:
    • Strongest opposition: Individual Landowners Manage the Creek (32.43% oppose, 27.03% strongly oppose).
    • Strongest support: Reactivating the Drainage District (37.84% strongly support, 27.03% support).
    • WID support: 8.11% strongly support, 29.73% support.
    • FCD support: 2.63% strongly support, 31.58% support.

Community Input

  • Overall Attitudes (Survey of 38 respondents, 60.53% willing to pay a levy/fee):
    • High agreement that RCG is a problem and hard to manage (57.89% strongly agree).
    • Significant agreement that flooding is a challenge (39.47% strongly agree, 15.79% agree).
    • High support for reactivating the Drainage District (64.87% total support/strongly support).
    • Common issue: Property owners are expected to maintain the creek but are "legally prevented from doing so" due to complex permitting and ecological regulations.
    • High priority: Supporting local agriculture (86.84%) and salmon runs in Chimacum Creek (71.05%).
    • Highest support management strategies: Periodic RCG removal (68.42% strongly support), Beaver/Dam management (65.79% strongly support/support), Removal of sediment buildup (55.26% strongly support).
  • Concerns from comments (recurring themes):
    • Cost/affordability (levies, fees, taxes).
    • Government overreach, inspection of private property, and risk of land preservation/taking.
    • Need for clear transparency on costs, project decisions, and accountability.
    • Need for simplified/blanket permitting (3 commenters mentioned this).
    • Need to clarify the balance between fish habitat restoration and farming/drainage needs.
    • Need for all landowners along the creek to contribute financially (6 commenters mentioned this need for equity).

Timeline

  • 1919-06-23: DD1 was originally formed.
  • 1974: DD1 became inactive.
  • Past few years: Exploration of reactivation options via meetings with JCD, focus groups, and surveys.
  • 2025-07-14: Hearing date, potentially leading to a motion to pursue reactivation.

Next Steps

The Board is asked to hear testimony, discuss the matter, and potentially approve a motion to pursue reactivation of DD1.

Sources

  • Heidi Eisenhour - Commissioner Dist. No. 2
  • Melissa Pleimann - Civil DPA
  • Joe Holtrop - President JC Conservation District
  • Josh Peters - County Administrator
  • Kevin Hitchcock - GIS Lead (provided elevation map analysis)
  • Jefferson Conservation District (JCD) / Jefferson County Conservation District (JCCD)
  • WSU Extension
  • Maul, Foster and Alongi (Consultants)
  • RCW 85.06.010, RCW 85.38.180 (Drainage District laws)

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Hearing

Topic Summary

Jefferson County staff and Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP) are holding a public hearing to review the expenditure of $102,500.00 in CDBG Public Services funding allocated from July 2024 to June 2025, and to propose the use of $103,000.00 for the July 2025-June 2026 funding period. The funding serves low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons in Jefferson and Clallam Counties, specifically supporting OlyCAP’s Housing Program operations.

Key Points

  • In FY 2024-2025 (July to June), $102,500.00 in CDBG Public Services funding was expended, primarily subsidizing OlyCAP’s Housing Department operations.
  • Approximately $91,000 of the 2024-2025 funds covered salaries and benefits in the Housing Program from January to April 2025. Other reimbursed expenses included utilities, contracted services, and insurance.
  • Total CDBG budget for the past period was $106,000.00 ($102,500 Public Services + $3,500 General Administration). $105,919.56 was expended, with a balance of $80.44 to be de-obligated.
  • For the FY 2025-2026 contract period, $103,000.00 is available, with $100,000 designated for public services after deducting the County’s General Administration share ($3,000).
  • OlyCAP intends to allocate the $100,000 CDBG funding (minus administrative share) to support Housing Case Management services for low-income residents of Jefferson County in FY 2026.
  • This activity aligns with eligible uses of CDBG funds under Section 105(a)(21) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
  • OlyCAP states they served 91 persons at Caswell-Brown Village (CBV) between July 2024 and June 2025, which provides temporary sheltering services. Improvements completed at CBV during or prior to this period include full staffing by residents with lived experience (5 Monitors hired), establishment of a Resident Council, and facility upgrades (e.g., mail, internet, sanitation building funding).

Financials

  • CDBG Public Services Expended (2024-2025): $102,500.00
  • CDBG General Administration Expended (2024-2025): $3,419.56 (Budgeted: $3,500.00)
  • Total CDBG Grant Amount Available (2025-2026): $103,000.00
  • County General Admin Share (2025-2026): $3,000.00 (Maximum is $3,500)
  • Services Amount (2025-2026): $100,000.00
  • Total Project Funding (2025-2026, including CDBG): $103,000.00 ($0 in additional funding specified).

Alternatives

  • None formally presented for the use of the FY 2026 funds, but the purpose of the hearing is to receive public comment that "can change the use of the Public Service funds to better meet the needs of individuals."

Community Input

  • The hearing is a requirement of the CDBG program to inform citizens and receive comments on proposed activities, particularly from low- to moderate-income individuals in the two-county region.
  • OlyCAP is the subrecipient.

Timeline

  • 2024-07-01 to 2025-06-30: Performance period for CDBG expenditures being reviewed.
  • 2025-07-14: Final Public Hearing date.
  • 2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30: Proposed period for new CDBG funding use.
  • 2025-07: Expected completion date of kitchen at Caswell-Brown Village, allowing the site to meet "sheltered" status.

Next Steps

The Board is recommended to receive public comment and provide recommendations for changes to the current application and/or approve the proposed use of CDBG-Public Services funding for 2025-2026.

Sources

  • Amanda Christofferson - Grants Administrator
  • Josh Peters - County Administrator
  • Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP) - Holly Morgan (Executive Director)
  • U.S. Department of Treasury (CDBG Granting Authority)
  • Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Section 105(a)(21)

Workshop on Aquatic Center Survey Results

Topic Summary

Jefferson County, in partnership with the Jefferson County Aquatic Coalition (JAC), is holding a workshop to review the final report of the Aquatic Recreation Survey. The survey gathered 2,634 validated responses to gauge community interest in a new mid-county aquatic center, identify preferred amenities, and assess early support for a potential 0.2% sales tax measure to fund a portion of the facility.

Key Points

  • Community Interest: 76% of respondents rated access to a new public aquatic facility as important or somewhat important.
  • Location: The proposed site is in Port Hadlock, near the County library and Chimacum Creek Primary School.
  • Latent Demand: 15% of respondents who currently never use aquatic facilities anticipate frequent use if a new facility with preferred amenities were built in Port Hadlock.
  • Current Usage: 51.8% of households reported using an aquatic facility in the past two years, but 69.1% of those users utilized pools other than the existing Mountain View Pool.
  • Preferred Aquatic Amenities (Very Likely to Use): Hot tubs (44.1%), saunas (42.1%), lap swimming (35.5%), and therapeutic pools (32.4%).
    • Age-Specific Trends: Individuals under 55 showed higher preference for open swim, youth lessons, and splash parks. Individuals over 55 showed higher preference for water aerobics.
  • Preferred Non-Aquatic Amenities (Very Likely to Use): Fitness classes (30%), wellness classes (24%), and physical therapy (23%).
    • Age-Specific Trends: Younger adults (18-34) favored rock climbing (57% very likely) and gym access (45%). Older adults (75+) prioritized therapeutic services and wellness classes.
  • Sales Tax Support: 58.3% of weighted respondents supported a proposed 0.2% county-wide sales tax (excluding groceries/prescriptions) to partially fund construction; 30.3% opposed.
    • Highest support came from Gardiner, Port Hadlock-Irondale, and Port Townsend (within city limits). Lowest support came from Port Ludlow, Quilcene, Coyle, Brinnon, and West End.
  • Qualitative Analysis (1,544 written comments):
    • 40% expressed strong support (citing community benefits, safety, and health).
    • 35% expressed negative sentiment (citing taxation concerns, prioritizing road repair instead, and project feasibility doubts).
    • 25% were neutral (suggesting alternative funding, location debate, or requesting more cost/timeline information).

Financials

  • The proposed funding mechanism discussed is a county-wide sales tax of approximately 0.2% (20 cents per $100) to partially fund construction.
  • None specified regarding fiscal impact to the County for conducting the workshop.

Alternatives

  • The movement toward a mid-county location (Port Hadlock) was adopted following opposition to the prior proposal to rebuild at the Mountain View site in Port Townsend.
  • Previous failed attempts to build a new facility were led by Make Waves (2007-2011) and the YMCA (2013-2018).

Community Input

  • 2,951 raw submissions were received; 2,634 were retained for final analysis.
  • 1,544 written comments received (52% of respondents provided feedback).
  • Recurring comment themes (Neutral/Negative): Opposition to sales tax; preference for private funding; skepticism of long-term operational costs; concern about closure of the existing Mountain View Pool; desire for affordable memberships; and location debate between Port Hadlock and Port Townsend.

Timeline

  • 2025 February–March: Survey conducted.
  • 2025 April: Preliminary report presented.
  • 2025-07-14: Workshop to present and discuss the Final Report.

Next Steps

Conduct the workshop, discuss and evaluate the results, and ask questions of the presenters (JAC President Diane McDade and board members).

Sources

  • Heidi Eisenhour - Commissioner Dist. No. 2
  • Diane McDade - President Jefferson Aquatic Coalition (JAC)
  • Katelyn Bosley, Kathryn Meyer, MJ Metzger - Report Authors
  • Jefferson County Public Utility District (PUD) #1
  • Washington Counties Risk Pool
  • 2020 Census

2026 Budget Goals and Objectives Preview: Revenue Options Workshop

Topic Summary

A workshop is scheduled for the Board to preview proposed 2026 Budget Goals and Objectives and review financial projections indicating prospective budgetary challenges for the General Fund and Road Fund over the next five years unless revenue is increased or expenditure curtailed. The focus is to gain direction on two potential sales tax revenue options that could be enacted for the 2026 budget cycle: a councilmanic adopted sales tax for law and justice, and a sales tax for the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) requiring a November 2025 ballot measure.

Key Points

  • General Fund and Road Fund projections for the next five years indicate budgetary challenges without increased revenue or curtailed spending.
  • Option 1 (Law and Justice): The Board can approve a 1/10 of 1% sales and use tax for criminal justice purposes via resolution (councilmanic action) by June 30, 2028, per newly enacted House Bill (HB) 2015.
    • Criminal justice purposes are broad, including domestic violence services, public defenders, diversion, reentry, community placements for juveniles, and mental health crisis response.
    • Eligibility requires the city or county to meet grant program requirements, including specific policies and practices verified by the CJTC (in consultation with AGO).
    • Revenue sharing is required with cities within the county jurisdiction, ratably based on population (county receives 10% plus its population share of the remainder).
  • Option 2 (Transportation Benefit District - TBD): The Board can send a ballot measure to unincorporated Jefferson County voters in November 2025 seeking approval for up to an additional 2/10 of 1% sales tax for the existing county TBD.
    • Current TBD revenue sources are 1/10 of 1% sales tax and a $20 vehicle license fee.
    • State law allows up to 3/10 of 1% sales tax for TBDs, but amounts exceeding 1/10 of 1% require voter approval (simple majority).
    • TBD revenue can be used for transportation improvements including roads, transit, sidewalks, construction, maintenance, and operation costs.
    • TBD sales taxes generally may not exceed 10 years but may be renewed.

Financials

  • Fiscal Impact of new revenue options: Sales tax revenue (HB 2015) would be factored into the 2026 Annual Budget (anticipated six months following enactment).
  • Cost of placing TBD measure on the November 2025 ballot: Approximately $20,000 (to be confirmed with the Auditor).

Alternatives

  • Wait to consider the HB 2015 sales tax option at a future time (would delay factoring revenue into the 2026 budget).
  • Cur Rtil expenditure to address budgetary challenges instead of increasing revenue.

Community Input

The TBD sales tax option requires voter approval (Ballot Measure).

Timeline

  • 2025-07-14: Workshop date; discussion and potential direction for staff preparation.
  • 2025-07-21: Staff plans to seek Board approval of budget goals and objectives.
  • 2025-08-05: Deadline for ballot resolutions to be submitted to the Auditor’s Office.
  • 2025-08-04: Proposed final Board approval date for a TBD resolution (if pursued).
  • 2025 November: Proposed voter election date for the TBD sales tax increase.
  • By 2028-06-30: Deadline for adopting the HB 2015 Law & Justice sales tax (councilmanic action).

Next Steps

The Board is requested to discuss proposed 2026 budget goals and objectives and provide direction to staff on whether to prepare materials for either or both: (1) the councilmanic adoption of the 1/10 of 1% law and justice sales tax per HB 2015, and/or (2) the TBD ballot measure submittal for up to an additional 2/10 of 1% sales tax.

Sources

  • Josh D. Peters - County Administrator
  • Judy F. Shepherd - Finance Director
  • Washington State House Bill (HB) 2015 (Improving public safety funding)
  • RCW 82.14.340(3) (Sales tax distribution)
  • RCW 36.73.015(6) (Transportation Benefit Districts)
  • Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC)

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