MEETING: COMMISSIONERS MEETING at Mon, Jul 21, 09:00 AM

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Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Meeting Summary

MEETING DATE: 2025-07-21 16:00:04+00:00

Public Comment

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:20.000–00:08:41.000
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated
  • Categories: land use, planning, public safety, services, contracts

Topic Summary

The meeting opened with public comments spanning several community issues, including land use code amendments related to co-housing, gratitude for preserving existing recycling services, and appreciation for community response during a recent fire incident. Speakers emphasized the upcoming deadline for the Comprehensive Plan comments and provided feedback on county-wide measures concerning transportation and fireworks.

Key Discussion Points

  • Denise (Denise) noted the Comprehensive Plan public comment period is closing on July 31st and stated 00:01:26.000–00:02:25.000 that small issues would be presented next Monday regarding the building code, specifically the co-housing "Common House" classification, restrictions on 5, 10, and 20-acre lot sizes, and the density bonus.
  • Denise also highlighted the benefits of co-housing, stating their 17-acre project would only encompass about 1 acre of land and features mostly one- and two-bedroom houses, reducing the need for multiple vehicles 00:02:34.000–00:03:14.000.
  • Tom Tierce (Tom Tierce) expressed strong support for the Ecology grant on the consent agenda, as it ensures existing recycling facilities for the next two years, till mid-2027 00:04:02.000–00:04:14.000. He hoped this grant receipt would modify the later presentation on the privatization of recycling 00:04:38.000–00:04:48.000.
  • Jean Baugh (Jean) expressed thanks for the well-organized community response to the recent Belgian fire in Brinnon 00:05:12.000–00:05:20.000. She thanked Justin and Michelle Matheson from the Halfway House for serving meals to 70 firefighters and the Red Cross 00:05:36.000–00:06:53.000.
  • Jean Baugh reported that a community survey in Quilcene showed 100% support for a county-wide recreational fireworks ban 00:08:01.000–01:08:10.000, and tremendous support for the Transportation Benefit District Tax 00:08:23.000–00:08:33.000.
  • Commissioner Love Eisenhour (Heather) thanked Denise for bringing up the July 31st Comprehensive Plan comment deadline and asked staff to research the three co-housing related issues identified 01:10:51.000–01:1:14.000.
  • Commissioner Brothers (Josh) noted that the comp plan formal public hearing draft and comment period has not yet started, clarifying that the July 31st deadline refers to the preliminary planning process with the Planning Commission 01:14:39.000–01:15:16.000.
  • Commissioner Brothers stated DCD staff aims for the Critical Areas Ordinance Amendments to reach the Planning Commission by August 6th, and the main Comprehensive Plan package to reach the Board around late October/early November 01:15:42.000–01:16:33.000.
  • Commissioner Love Eisenhour praised the fire response, noting that learnings from the Jupiter fire had been implemented, making for less impactful events 01:32:00–01:34:00.

Public Comments

  • Denise: Urged the Board to address issues in the comprehensive plan amendments regarding Common House classification, density bonus, and lot size restrictions (5, 10, 20 acres) to facilitate co-housing development.
  • Tom Tierce: Supported the Ecology recycling grant and viewed the preservation of existing facilities as a positive alternative to "mandatory curbside service" being pushed by Solid Waste.
  • Jean Baugh: Praised the mutual aid and community response to the Brinnon fire, thanking volunteers and the Halfway House owners for their contributions. She also reported overwhelming support for a county-wide fireworks ban and the TBD tax.
  • Gordon: Expressed surprise at Commissioner Brother's mention of a time limit on the comprehensive plan update, as his previous experience indicated no such limit 02:00:03.000–02:00:10.000.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed in public comment, beyond general funding references.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; item was informational only.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Love Eisenhour: Research three specific issues raised regarding co-housing: Common House regulations, lot size restrictions (5, 10, 20 acres), and density bonus.
  • - All Commissioners: Continue outreach regarding the Comprehensive Plan public comment deadlines.

Grants Administrator Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:21:01.000–01:18:21.000
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Workshop Report)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, services, infrastructure, planning

Topic Summary

Grants Administrator Amanda Christofferson provided a comprehensive overview of 2024/2025 grant activities, highlighting major revenue streams (ARPA, Federal Highway, DOH, CRAB) and ongoing, large-scale projects like the Hadlock Sewer and Early Learning Center. The core focus was advocating for a countywide strategic approach to grant pursuit, emphasizing alignment with the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, collaboration with stakeholders, and maximizing long-term revenue and stability, especially concerning large-scale infrastructure needs like wastewater.

Key Discussion Points

  • Amanda Christofferson (Amanda) stated the goal is to develop a strategy and coordinate funding streams to align with the County's Strategic Plan 00:21:37.000–00:22:15.000.
  • Federal Highlights: Major federal funding in 2024 included ARPA funds for the Hadlock sewer, Federal Highway Administration grants for Naylor Creek and Gibbs Lake Culvert projects, and consistent funding from the Department of Health and Human Services 00:24:50.000–00:25:53.000.
  • State Highlights: Major state revenue came from the County Road Administration Board (CRAB) for the Center Road Overlay ($1.24M), Nurse Family Partnership funding, and Department of Commerce grants for the Comp Plan and Middle Housing 00:26:24.000–00:26:45.000.
  • Amanda noted that the county's Conservation Futures grant program is crucial because it leverages RCO funding by providing the required match for conservation non-profits 00:27:00.000–00:27:50.000.
  • Active Projects Administered or Supported:
    • Early Learning Family Support Center: Secured $2 million from CDBG and almost $1.4 million from Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) managed by USDA Rural Development, requiring prevailing wage compliance 00:28:31.000–00:29:19.000.
    • USEDA Recompete Grant (Phase 1 & 2): Phase 1 funded an evaluation of Glen Cove infrastructure potential 00:29:34.000–00:29:56.000. Phase 2 awarded five sovereign tribes and non-county stakeholders $35 million 00:30:04.000–00:30:10.000.
    • Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG): This USDA Forest Service grant application is pending award; it was designed with multiple stakeholders to address plan implementation and bolster biomass utilization contemplated in the ReCompete Phase 2 00:32:08.000–00:33:37.000.
    • Septage Receiving Facility Planning: An application to the Department of Ecology for city-county partnership to expand septage capacity (a regional issue) was ranked 118 (the top 102 were funded); staff plans to reapply 00:36:04.000–00:36:33.000.
    • Mason Street CDS: Application in partnership with Habitat for Humanity for Phase 3 infrastructure was included in Senator Cantwell’s request and is pending award 00:41:00.000–00:41:25.000.
  • Administrative Role: Amanda coordinates the countywide Grants Work Group (composed of administrative and finance staff) to standardize compliance protocols, especially regarding the complicated CFRs (Code of Federal Regulations) for grants 00:42:42.000–00:44:21.000. She plans to implement the Tyler Grant module for real-time tracking of spend down and compliance 00:46:11.000–00:46:20.000.
  • Strategy & Policy: Amanda stressed the importance of long-range planning (5-10 years) to align legislative requests (CDS) and grant applications with county duty, and noted that wastewater is a limiting factor for housing and economic development 00:40:32.000–00:40:39.000.
  • Commissioner Love Eisenhour and Commissioner Brothers agreed that a workshop with the Finance Director regarding priority setting and leveraging funds should be held in the fall, possibly tied to an IGC meeting 00:54:01.000–01:00:08.000.
  • Commissioner Love Eisenhour raised the need to include the County Treasurer (Stacy) in the funding strategizing due to her perspective on federal administration readiness 01:00:30.000–01:00:48.000.
  • Commissioner Love Eisenhour also requested considering projects that increase county revenue 01:01:16.000–01:01:29.000, ensuring that grants support sustainability measures 01:16:35.000–01:16:47.000.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic, as it was a staff workshop.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • 2024 Revenue Highlights: Federal and State grant totals provided.
  • Grant Complexity/Compliance: Referenced ARPA, IRA, CFRs, and encouragement from the State Auditor’s Office (SAO) that led to the grants role creation.
  • Port Hadlock Sewer Project: Referenced $11.7 million in ARPA funding.
  • Grant Manual: Amanda developed a manual referencing the MRSC manual on grants compliance for internal county use.

Financials

  • Total 2024 Revenue: Over $22.28 million ($17.16M Federal + $5.11M State).
  • Early Learning Family Support Center: $2M (CDBG) and ~$1.4M (CDS/USDA Rural Development).
  • USEDA Phase 2: $35 million awarded to regional non-county stakeholders.
  • Public Defense Entitlement: Increased by almost 50% this year 00:56:47.000–00:56:47.000.
  • Tyler Grant Module Implementation: Expected cost of $8,000 to implement to match the single-year budget format in Tyler 05:00:04.000–05:00:34.000, 05:00:41.000–05:00:49.000

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Staffing Model: Finance Director Judy Shepherd confirmed she acts as a "guardrail" for Amanda to strategize which projects to pursue or decline to prevent burnout, given the role’s expansive nature, where sometimes a "hard no" is necessary 01:11:08.000–01:11:17.000.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; workshop was informational.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Amanda Christofferson/County Administrator/Commissioners: Schedule a strategy workshop in the fall to align grant pursuit with strategic goals, incorporating Treasurer Stacy.
  • - Amanda Christofferson/County Administrator: Review the WASA legislative survey regarding HB 2015 for public safety funding/grants and consider using the questionnaire to structure a workshop with relevant departments (Sheriff's Office, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Public Health) 01:06:20.000–01:07:03.000.

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:18:38.000–01:21:49.000
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Consent Agenda)
  • Categories: contracts, budgeting, services, personnel

Topic Summary

The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, which included several grant and interlocal agreements for behavioral health, public services, and noxious weed control. A correction to the contact person for the Recycling Services Grant was noted during the discussion.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brothers noted a potential scrivener's error on the Ecology Recycling Services Grant (Item 3), where the old contact’s email (Jerry Mingo’s) was listed 01:18:53.000–01:19:07.000.
  • Commissioner Love Eisenhour praised the Student Assistance Professional Services and Noxious Weed Control (in partnership with Western Conservation Corps) as "well-leveraged" programs generating big community impact 01:19:51.000–01:20:17.000.
  • Concern was raised about the small amount of funding allocated for mental health counseling in the school districts, suggesting more resources should be directed toward young people 01:20:17.000–01:20:43.000.
  • Commissioner Love Eisenhour also noted the service area names included Quilcene and Brinnon, prompting a desire to better understand the County’s relationship with the Quilcene School District, especially regarding services provided to students who may be in Clallam County areas 01:20:52.000–01:21:24.000.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Developmental Disabilities Community Services Program Agreement (DSHS) was approved, funding Supported Employment, Community Inclusion, and Child Development Services for residents.
  • Amendment No. 1 to the WCC Agreement WCC-24020 for Noxious Weed Control was approved, increasing the crew daily rate from $1,385/day to $1,540/day at no additional contract cost, and removing AmeriCorps language.
  • The Behavioral Health 1/10th of 1% Sales Tax Fund Agreement with OESD #114 was approved, funding $154,300.41 for school-based mental health counseling services.
  • Amendment 4 to the Breast, Cervical & Colon Health Program Services Agreement was approved, extending and increasing the contract amount to $17,800.
  • Amendment No. 5 to Consolidated Contracts with WA Dept of Health (DOH) was approved, increasing total consideration by $17,023 and extending the Sexual & Reproductive Health Program utilizing federal Title X funding.
  • Interlocal Agreement (ILA) for Student Assistance Professional Services (Quilcene School District) was approved, extending the agreement by $26,060.00.

Financials

  • OESD #114 for Mental Health: $154,300.41 (Expenditure from Behavioral Health Sales Tax Fund 131).
  • Quilcene School District Student Assistance Professional: $26,060.00 (Expenditure from Foundational Public Health Services).
  • Breast, Cervical & Colon Health Program: New contract total of $17,800.
  • Noxious Weed Control WCC Crew Rate: Increased to $1,540/day.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed for the agenda items themselves.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve and adopt the Consent Agenda passed.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Public Works Staff: Correct the scrivener's error regarding the contact email on the Recycling Services Grant document.

Solid Waste: Privatization of Recycling Program Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:30:53.000–02:16:39.000
  • Agenda Item: Workshop
  • Categories: operations, services, budgeting

Topic Summary

Solid Waste staff presented the option to privatize the County's recycling services, moving from a self-operated, subsidized drop-off system to a provider-managed, mixed-material curbside roll-cart service. This change is driven by high operational costs, low commodity values, high contamination (up to 30%), the current contract expiration in March 2026, and the need to align expenditures with the Solid Waste Management Plan priorities (Reduce/Reuse over Recycle). Staff recommended Option 1: Privatization, stating it would avoid mandatory tipping fee increases and align the County with almost all other Washington counties, while acknowledging the continued availability of essential services like drop-off recycling behind the scale.

Key Discussion Points

  • Solid Waste Manager Al Cairns (Al) stated the Solid Waste Program is a pure enterprise fund (99.04% revenue from tipping fees); no taxes support the program 01:31:41.000–01:32:07.000.
  • Challenges of Status Quo: The existing operation is expensive, commodity values are low since the 2018 China market closure, and contamination rates are up to 30% 01:35:10.000–01:35:44.000.
  • Illegal dumping is increasing at unstaffed Port Hadlock and Port Ludlow sites (41 tons last year, up from 26 tons two years prior), increasing program costs 01:35:53.000–01:36:04.000.
  • Current spending is misaligned with the SWMP value statement (Reduce/Reuse is first priority): two-thirds of landfill diversion activity funding goes to recycling (the third priority) 01:36:34.000–01:36:51.000.
  • Grant Impact: The Ecology grant approved on the consent agenda only covers less than 5 months of the program costs over its two-year term 01:35:05.000–01:35:10.000. Grant funding is still half of pre-2010 levels 01:36:17.000–01:36:24.000.
  • Option 1 (Recommended Privatization): Transition to mixed-material curbside roll-cart service (excluding glass) with dedicated glass drop-off sites 01:38:08.000–01:38:26.000. Costs would be governed by the UTC and are expected to be lower over time due to efficiency gains and the state's Recycling Renewal Act (producer responsibility, set to cover up to 90% of costs by 2030) 01:41:39.000–01:42:22.000.
  • Option 2 (Status Quo - New RFP): Likely requires a significant tipping fee increase (potentially near $1 million yearly, up from $600K) to cover inflation and a new contract 01:39:25.000–01:39:50.000.
  • The main point of public pushback—curbside cost—is mitigated by the fact that the actual cost for status quo operations would also increase significantly if managed by the County 01:47:07.000–01:47:15.000.
  • Recycling privatization enables the County to reallocate staff time and re-prioritize the subsidy funds toward high-priority Reduce and Reuse programs (like partnering with Repair Cafe and the Tool Library) 01:53:39.000–01:54:19.000.
  • The existing IDD employment contracts were recently transitioned, and are now managed by Cascade Community Connections and funded out of the tipping fee; the new system is already standing up its own employment program 01:56:30.000–01:57:05.000.

Public Comments

  • Tom Tierce: Argued the privatization proposal is problematic and that the County should not act as "lemmings" following other counties 02:02:47.000–02:02:54.000. He called the plan a "force-feeding" of a $400/year program to residents who cannot afford it, and criticized the staff's unquantified estimate of a tipping fee increase for maintaining the status quo as not being an "informed decision" 02:03:07.000–02:03:49.000.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Ecology Recycling Services Grant: Approved on the consent agenda, $245,079 grant covers <5 months of costs over a two-year period.
  • Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP): Referenced to demonstrate current expenditure misalignment with the stated policy hierarchy (Reduce/Reuse > Recycle).
  • SWAC Discussions: Referenced multiple times, noting that SWAC sentiment was split on eliminating the subsidy.

Financials

  • Current Subsidy Cost: ~$14-15 per ton of solid waste is currently used to support recycling, which is subsidized by overall tipping fees 02:14:33.000–02:15:02.000.
  • UTC Regulation: Private haulers are only allowed to retain 25% of the commodity value; 75% must be reinvested into the recycling program to keep costs lower 02:06:38.000–02:07:14.000.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternative (Option 2/Status Quo) Implied Cost: Expected cost rise (potentially near $1 million annually) due to inflation and new contract negotiation, necessitating a significant tipping fee hike 01:39:25.000–01:39:50.000.
  • Alternative Mitigation (Recycling Center Behind Scale): To accommodate self-haulers, a drop-off recycling center will be retained behind the transfer station scales with a pay-per-load fee 02:00:56.000–02:01:02.000.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to direct the solid waste team to move forward with Option 1, pursuing privatization of the recycling program.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps:
    • - Solid Waste/Public Works: Notify the current contractor (Tessera) of non-renewal by March 31, 2026.
    • - Solid Waste/Public Works/PAO: Develop an Operating Agreement with Waste Connections and a Level of Service Ordinance (LOS).
    • - Solid Waste/Public Works/BOCC: Hold a follow-up workshop in August to review draft LOS and Operating Agreement documents 01:55:58.000–01:56:07.000.
    • - Solid Waste/Public Works: Set a public hearing for the LOS Ordinance in October 01:56:07.000–01:56:07.000.

Mason County PUD 1 Telecommunications Franchise Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:17:30.000–02:39:31.000
  • Agenda Item: Telecommunications Franchise Hearing (Mason County PUD 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, services

Topic Summary

The Board held a public hearing regarding a non-exclusive 25-year franchise agreement requested by Mason County PUD No. 1 to install and operate wholesale fiber optic telecommunication facilities in County rights-of-way in a portion of southeastern Jefferson County. Staff presented an overview of the franchise requirements, noting key non-financial conditions like self-relocation responsibility (at the PUD's expense) and indemnification. Staff confirmed that the proposed fiber optic infrastructure would bring much-needed broadband service to the area.

Key Discussion Points

  • Joshua Thornton (Joshua) provided background on franchises as legally binding agreements granting non-exclusive right to operate utility infrastructure within public right-of-way 02:18:13.000–02:18:50.000.
  • The purpose is public safety, asset protection, and cost recovery for managing the right-of-way; the PUD must adhere to construction standards and assume relocation costs for conflicts with County projects 02:18:50.000–02:19:52.000.
  • Franchise Fees and PILT: State law exempts most telephone companies from franchise fees 02:21:35.000–02:21:47.000. Joshua confirmed that the PUD’s quasi-governmental exemption from property tax (PILT) would not be impacted by this franchise, as the realty/right-of-way is not currently assessed as property 02:24:48.000–02:25:09.000.
  • Key Provisions: The agreement has a 25-year term, permits renewal at the Board's discretion, outlines relocation responsibilities (at PUD expense for the first 5 years), includes indemnification and $2 million in required general liability coverage 02:26:01.000–02:28:57.000.
  • GIS Integration: The agreement now requires the PUD to provide a system map of their facilities for incorporation into the County GIS system and provide updates for any changes 02:31:26.000–02:32:08.000.
  • The franchise applies to a southeastern section of the county along the Hood Canal border 02:25:34.000–02:25:40.000.
  • Public Process: Noted the hearing was required because the initial hearing was rescheduled due to the previous BOCC meeting schedule (prior issues with quorum led to rescheduling from July 7th) 02:33:11.000–02:33:27.000.

Public Comments

  • No public testimony was offered in the room or online.
  • No written testimony was received.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The franchise is a request for a wholesale fiber optic telecommunications franchise 02:37:45.000–02:37:51.000.
  • The area covered is Section 31, Township 25 North, Range 2 West, W.M.

Financials

  • The franchise has no direct financial impact on the County, though the PUD must reimburse Public Works staff costs for developing and processing the application.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve the resolution granting Mason County PUD No. 1 a non-exclusive franchise to construct, maintain, and operate facilities for broadband internet service.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Public Works Staff: Ensure the signed resolution copies are forwarded to Mason PUD 1 for acceptance within 60 days, along with a bill for processing costs.

Letter of Support for Mason PUD 1 Jorset Substation Project

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:41:41.000–02:44:26.000
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Letter of Support)
  • Categories: infrastructure, contracts

Topic Summary

The Board quickly considered and approved a letter of support for Mason County PUD No. 1's application for federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding to replace the failing Jorset Substation. The project is intended to improve the consistency and consistency of electricity service to the south end of the County, addressing a critical health and safety risk.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brothers (Josh) explained the need for the letter of support, noting the Jorset replacement would help get consistent electricity to the area south of Mt. Walker 02:42:02.000–02:42:10.000. This addresses issues from a recent cold snap where there was "real risk to health and safety" 02:42:10.000–02:42:18.000.
  • The funding source is the EDA (Federal Economic Development Administration), through the Department of Commerce 02:42:23.000–02:42:39.000.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • A letter of support was presented to fund the Jorset Substation Project.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to sign the letter of support for Mason County PUD No. 1’s application for EDA funding for the Jorset Substation project.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps:
  • - County Administrator’s Office: Send the signed letter of support to Mason PUD 1.

Briefing: Budget Goals and Objectives for 2026 Annual Budget

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:29:19.000–05:16:30.000
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Briefing/Resolution)
  • Categories: budgeting, finance, infrastructure, services

Topic Summary

The Finance Director presented the proposed Resolution establishing Goals and Objectives for the 2026 Annual Budget, emphasizing maintaining existing services, long-term financial health, and conservative revenue forecasting. Key points included restricting General Fund (GF) discretionary spending, establishing reserves for the Hadlock Sewer, and maintaining alignment between recurring revenue and recurring expenditures, while reserving the utilization of grants when those opportunities fit into a strategic planning framework. The Board was receptive to the measured approach but discussed long-term challenges concerning property tax caps and the future necessity of seeking additional revenue, such as consideration of a lid lift.

Key Discussion Points

  • Finance Director Judy Shepherd (Judy) stated that the main budget takeaway from previous discussions was to maintain existing services 04:31:34.000–04:32:02.000. She suggested aligning the budget priority explicitly with the strategic plan's goals to make the process easier 04:31:55.000–04:32:15.000.
  • Hadlock Sewer Reserve: The goal includes establishing a $500,000 replacement reserve and emergency fund for the Port Hadlock Sewer through deposits of up to $250,000 in 2025 and 2026, consistent with the former County Administrator's plan 04:33:09.000–04:34:01.000.
  • Hadlock Sewer Operational Subsidies: The estimated operational shortfall for 2026 (due to few ratepayers at startup) is $275,000. Staff is working to determine how much of the $1 million in ARPA capital funds can be put toward covering this shortfall, given the PUD needs to be made whole for operational costs 04:34:24.000–04:35:24.000.
  • Grants (Item 10): The goal to "maximize use of grants" risks conflicting with the goal of "no new GF expenditures" 04:37:02.000–04:37:10.000. Judy clarified that grant opportunities should be pursued when they offer stability or leverage existing programs, noting that recurring revenues will fund recurring expenditures, and one-time grants should not fund new permanent FTEs 04:40:45.000–04:41:28.000.
  • TBD/New Revenue: The goal does not include the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) sales tax as anticipated revenue, as voters have not yet approved it (decision point is Aug 4th, vote is in Nov) 04:42:37.000–04:43:00.000. Commissioner Brothers suggested a goal for diversifying revenue sources should be added 04:43:29.000–04:43:36.000.
  • Staffing Pause: The proposed staffing pause (Item 9, general fund) is a soft policy intended to ensure every request for additional staff is vetted against strict fiscal criteria to prevent the County from entering a period of financial distress 04:47:01.000–04:47:34.000.
  • Long-Term Revenue Issues: Commissioner Brothers noted that software/tool costs are rising (e.g., mapping costs up from $10k to $45k, software rising 6%), far outpacing the statutory 1% property tax cap, suggesting the need to consider a lid lift (raising the cap back toward its statutory max of 1.80/$1000) as Clallam County is considering 05:01:30.000–05:04:13.000. Judy emphasized that staff transfers should ensure support is financially viable and not threaten the general fund stability 05:05:11.000–05:05:42.000.

Public Comments

  • Gene Baugh (Gene): Preferred to err on the side of caution regarding spending strategies 05:07:51.000–05:08:07.000. Gene expressed optimism that the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) and potential fire district lid lifts will pass due to early supportive public outreach 05:08:20.000–05:08:58.000.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Resolution 41-19: Referenced for staff direction on maintaining recommended fund reserves (10% of expenditures).
  • Hadlock Sewer Project: Referenced to justify the $500,000 emergency reserve target.
  • GF Financial Assistance Policy: Referenced as the mechanism required for departments seeking transfers out of the General Fund.

Financials

  • GF Discretionary Expenditures: No increase proposed.
  • Hadlock Sewer Reserve Target: $500,000 ($250k deposits in 2025/2026).
  • Road Fund Diversion: $520,000 for traffic safety enforcement to be maintained for the preliminary budget.
  • Property Tax Revenue: Cap of 1% (plus new construction) maintained.
  • Software/Mapping Costs: Increases are stressing budget stability; Judy noted $8,000 needed to update Gravity software for the one-year budget format.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Proposed Amendment (Discussion Only): Discussion centered on adding language to the grant goal (Item 10) to align grant seeking with "strategic planning goals," potentially limiting beneficial pursuits 05:11:57.000–05:15:35.000. The Board was ultimately comfortable leaving the language as-is ("whenever possible").
  • Separate Actions: The staffing pause policy and TBD approval are being addressed in separate future resolutions.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve the resolution establishing goals and objectives for budget preparation guidelines for the 2026 annual budget.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Finance/County Administrator: Present a separate resolution outlining the staffing pause policy.
  • - County Administrator: Continue TBD research to finalize the August 4th decision point, and solicit names via a press release for pro/con committees 03:07:04.000–03:07:16.000.
  • - BOCC/Staff: Monitor Clallam County's process for consideration of a lid lift to generate new revenue, and workshop the idea if appropriate 05:17:03.000–05:17:17.000.

Public Hearing: Conservation Futures Fund Applications (2025)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:03:05.000–04:23:57.000
  • Agenda Item: 2025 Conservation Futures Fund Program Project Applications
  • Categories: land use, planning, contracts, services

Topic Summary

The Board held a public hearing to consider the Conservation Futures Fund (CFF) project applications for 2025. Three projects were proposed by the Jefferson Land Trust and Northwest Watershed Institute. Public testimony was entirely supportive, emphasizing the importance of the CFF program for protecting working forest land, critical watersheds, and wildlife habitat, often by leveraging state and federal matching funds. The Board unanimously approved all three projects as recommended by the CFF Oversight Committee.

Key Discussion Points

  • Natural Resources Program Coordinator Tammy Pocorni summarized the three applications 04:04:01.000–04:05:47.000:
    1. Deerfoot Forest (Jefferson Land Trust): $98,000 for a conservation easement on 36.9 acres at the head of Donovan and Tarboo Creek Watersheds (plus $12,000 for operations/maintenance).
    2. Upper Yard Creek Protection Project (Northwest Watershed Institute): $26,000 for fee-simple acquisition of 1.03 acres in the Tarboo Creek watershed.
    3. Tuanos Forest Acquisition (Northwest Watershed Institute): $76,000 for fee-simple acquisition of a 6.3-acre parcel on the Tuando Spencer, related to the broader Daybob Bay ecosystem project.
  • CFF Oversight Committee Chair Joanne Pontrello praised the consistently "great applications" submitted by the sponsors 04:14:46.000–04:14:58.000.
  • Public Support: Boaise Sullivan (Jefferson Land Trust) and Peter Bales (NWI Director) stressed that Conservation Futures has been a crucial, flexible local funding source for over 20 years, essential for leveraging matching state or federal RCO grant dollars 04:13:21.000–04:14:12.000.
  • Commissioner Love Eisenhour suggested the CFF program is underutilized and proposed workshopping the idea of raising the property tax cap (limit) to gather more resources for leveraging state/federal match funding 04:21:17.000–04:21:32.000.
  • Peter Bales noted the CFF process is rigorous, requiring field tours and multiple applications.
  • Gene Baugh, Director on the NWI Board, confirmed massive community support for the CFF program 04:17:54.000–04:18:03.000.

Public Comments

  • - Penny Hubbard (11500 Center Road, Deerfoot Forest Owner): Spoke of 50 years of stewardship, noting the property (36.9 acres) acts as a habitat preserve, borders Donovan and Tarboo watersheds, contains scarce forested wetlands, and is critical for species of concern like the Pernicius butterfly and Western toads. She noted that a collared female Olympic Summer Project animal was tracked on the property for two weeks 04:09:15.000–04:11:11.000.
  • - Boaise Sullivan (3110 Eddy Street, Land Trust Manager): Expressed gratitude for the CFF program and its flexibility, particularly its use as a local match to leverage large state/federal conservation grants.
  • - Joanne Pontrello (1281 Ventroshan, CFF Chair): Praised the quality of the applications submitted by the Land Trust and NWI.
  • - Peter Bales (3407 Eddy Street, NWI Director): Thanked the County and the volunteer CFF Committee for their support of the "rigorous" grant process.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The proposed resolutions for the Deerfoot Forest, Upper Yard Creek, and Tuanos Forest projects.

Financials

  • Deerfoot Forest: $98,000 (Easement Acquisition) + $12,000 (O&M Reimbursement).
  • Upper Yard Creek: $26,000 (Fee-Simple Acquisition of 1.03 acres).
  • Tuanos Forest: $76,000 (Fee-Simple Acquisition of 6.3 acres).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Three motions were separately approved to dedicate conservation futures funds to each project.
  • Vote: All three motions passed unanimously.
  • Deerfoot Forest: Unanimous.
  • Tuanos Forest Acquisition: Unanimous.
  • Upper Yard Creek Protection Project: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Tammy Pocorni/BOCC: Schedule a workshop in the coming months to explore raising the CFF tax cap limit to potentially increase program resources/leverage.

Briefing: BOCC and County Updates & Upcoming WASAC Agenda

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:21:57.000–01:28:47.000; 03:01:00.000–03:02:40.000; 03:04:13.000–04:02:53.000; 05:22:31.000–05:52:28.000
  • Agenda Item: Unscheduled Briefings/Reports/Calendaring
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning, services, general operations

Topic Summary

Commissioners and the County Administrator provided updates on current projects, meetings attended, and logistics for upcoming regional engagement with WASAC (Washington State Association of Counties) and Kitsap County. Key areas addressed included long-term planning for the Hadlock Sewer, staff recruitment (for DCD Director position), complexity in the Hearing Examiner process, and the challenge of balancing new projects with financial restraint.

Key Discussion Points

  • Hadlock Sewer Update: Commissioner Love Eisenhour confirmed that Sam (Public Works/Sewer team member) will provide a short 5-10 minute update on the Hadlock sewer status at the upcoming Community Outreach Meeting in Chimacum (Thursday), as this is a frequent question from District 2 residents 01:22:46.000–01:22:56.000.
  • Community Outreach Meeting: The next meeting is Thursday at the Chimacum Library 01:22:18.000–01:22:25.000. Staff is keeping updates short to not consume too much time if public participation is low 01:24:28.000–01:24:39.000.
  • WASAC Regional Meeting Logistics: The joint meeting/tour with Kitsap County next Thursday will start at the County Courthouse at 8:00 AM (doors open 7:45 AM) 02:45:45.000–02:46:15.000. Commissioners agreed with the plan to focus their 30-minute presentation on unique county challenges/opportunities, dividing time by district (1, 2, 3) and encouraging organic conversation/Q&A 02:54:34.000–02:55:07.000. They agreed to add a 10-minute public comment period at the end of the presentation time 02:58:52.000–02:59:27.000.
  • DCD Director Recruitment: Commissioner Love Eisenhour reported that among the three semi-finalists for the DCD Director position, one has likely withdrawn, leaving potentially two finalists 03:59:24.000–03:59:34.000. County Administrator Josh Peters (Josh) confirmed the pool is not as deep as hoped, and encouraged qualified people to still apply 05:35:12.000–05:35:36.000.
  • Hearing Examiner Process: Josh reported that the County Administrator’s Office held a necessary meeting with the Civil PAO and DCD to formalize protocols for the Hearing Examiner process, as recent high-profile cases led to new burdens on the Clerk’s Office (motions, need for formal orders) that resembled court procedures and stretched existing staff capacity 05:31:00.000–05:33:48.000.
  • Transportation Benefit District (TBD) Update: Josh provided the timeline for the TBD measure: a resolution decision is due August 4th, allowing submittal to the Auditor by August 5th 03:07:31.000–03:07:48.000. Staff is working on a press release to solicit names for pro and con TBD committees 03:06:54.000–03:07:04.000.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Development Code/Hearing Examiner Rules: Referenced JCC Title 18 (Unified Development Code) and JCC Chapter 2 (Hearing Examiner rules) as needing reconciliation.
  • TBD Resolution: Upcoming document for the August 4th agenda.

Financials

  • DCD Operational Transfer: A reminder that $1.2 million was transferred to DCD last year to reorganize the department, a viable department that the Board must strive to maintain 04:55:06.000–04:55:20.000.
  • OCNMS MAC Cuts: The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC) has been hit hard by federal funding cuts, resulting in staff and lease reductions 04:26:31.000–04:27:14.000.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • WASAC Presentation Order: Commissioners voted to present District 1, 2, then 3.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The meeting was adjourned.
  • Vote: None taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioners: Compile PowerPoint slides for their respective districts for the WASAC presentation and send them to Carolyn (Executive Assistant) by tomorrow (Tuesday).
  • - County Administrator’s Office: Get availability from Commissioners to reschedule the special BOCC meeting at the Chimacum Fire District/Fire Prevention Summit 05:50:27.000–05:50:50.000.
  • - Commissioner Love Eisenhour/County Administrator's Office: Work with the Port Townsend Mayor and City Administrator to plan the City community meeting, potentially focusing on the county vs. city services approach 05:20:05.000–05:20:45.000.

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