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09/23/25 06 PM: County Budget, Safety, Floods, Planning Updates; Public Concerns

County Budget, Safety, Floods, Planning Updates; Public Concerns

Jefferson County meeting covered org overview, $30M budget, taxes, road tax ballot, sheriff/emergency updates, Dosewallips dike/floodplain issues, code enforcement, septics, community centers/generators, STR policy, comp plan, Brinnon traffic. Public urged action on floods, housing, compliance.

County Organizational Overview and Budget

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  • Time Range: 00:02:06–00:12:53 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, budgeting, personnel, infrastructure, planning

Summary

County Administrator Josh Peters presented the organizational structure, noting approximately employee counts across departments like Public Works and Public Health, with the general fund expenditure budget at about $30 million annually, largest share to Sheriff's Office. Revenue sources include significant federal and state funds amid volatility, with challenges like inflation, recession risks, housing shortages, staff recruitment, and climate adaptation. Progress highlighted includes staff awards, Port Hadlock sewer completion after 30 years, trail construction, housing projects like Chimacum Valley tiny homes and Habitat for Humanity Mason Street, Upper Hill Road repairs, 2025 Growth Management Act periodic update focusing on housing and climate elements, community wildfire protection plan adoption, and Parks & Rec multi-use trails and inclusive playgrounds.

Key Discussion Points

  • Peters attributed organizational spread to County Administrator's Office oversight and electorate at top.
  • Josh Peters: Noted recruitment challenges on peninsula but successes like Public Works Director Monty Reinhurst (County Engineer of the Year) and Deputy Eric Kuzma (Project Manager of the Year).
  • Josh Peters: Strategic plan adopted 2024-2028; Port Hadlock sewer map shown with current price tag for core urban growth area including Irondale.
  • Josh Peters: Community wildfire protection plan (CWPP) adopted 2024 with URL provided; grant denial mentioned for implementation but perseverance noted.
  • Open Planning Commission seat for District 3 pitched with Zoom option.
  • Board of County Commissioners meetings Mondays 9am-4/4:30pm with public comment options.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Slides available in Laserfiche folder for meeting; organizational chart, budget pie charts, revenue sources, project photos/maps (e.g., Port Hadlock sewer, trails, housing). No provided packet materials for analysis.

Financials

  • General fund: ~$30 million annually.
  • Extension Office budget (later): ~$850,000.
  • Community Development budget: ~$4 million, 1/4 to 1/3 from general fund.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational presentation.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Property Assessment and Taxation Processes

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  • Time Range: 00:13:19–00:24:45 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, services

Summary

Assessor Jeff Chatman described 6-year revaluation cycle, with Brinnon/West End next year requiring 4x4 vehicles for access; change of value notices mailed October 6th with 30-day appeal window to Board of Equalization. Treasurer Stacey explained tax statements online early February, partial payments allowed, senior exemptions (61+, <$45K income, adjusting to ~$60K in 2027), sales tax destination-based favoring local delivery. Auditor Brenda noted vehicle licensing changes to postcards/emails, elections on ballot including Sheriff, districts, cemetery, RCO Trails & Rails (ballots out October 15th).

Key Discussion Points

  • Jeff Chatman: Inspects every property; values certified for taxes; ratio ~92% of market; uniform assessment emphasized over undervaluing.
  • Jeff Chatman: Exemption programs shift burden if not uniform collection.
  • Stacey (Treasurer): Manages as county bank for districts; real estate excise tax; handouts on sales tax research.
  • Brenda (Auditor): Vehicle tabs, placards, e-recordings, passports, elections (sign envelopes), finance/accounts payable shifting to EFT.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Handouts from Treasurer and Auditor; slides on processes. No provided packet materials.

Financials

  • Senior exemption income limit: <$45K household (to ~$60K 2027); proposed bill to 80% median (~$70K).
  • Sales tax destination-based (e.g., Kitsap higher volume).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Property tax statements mid-February; appeals spring.

Transportation Benefit District Sales Tax Ballot Measure

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  • Time Range: 00:44:37–00:45:41 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, infrastructure

Summary

Measure on ballot to increase sales tax for Transportation Benefit District from 0.1% to 0.3% (additional 0.2%) to diversify road fund revenue for 400 miles of county roads amid inflation impacts reducing service levels.

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Peters: Commissioners placed resolution on ballot to maintain road system; equivalent to Port Townsend to Boise distance.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Ballot reference noted. No provided packet materials.

Financials

  • Sales tax increase: 0.1% to 0.3%.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational; on November ballot.
  • Vote: Public vote pending.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Public Safety and Sheriff's Office Update

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  • Time Range: 00:45:57–00:50:44 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, personnel

Summary

Sheriff Andy highlighted civil, jail, patrol divisions (56 employees, min 2 officers on road); responds to unattended deaths; ~13,000 calls countywide last year, ~1,000 in Brinnon area (traffic stops, citizen contacts, animal calls top); new South County deputy at Brinnon Fire Station funded in budget, reducing response times.

Key Discussion Points

  • Sheriff Andy: Thanks to advocates Gene Ball, Shelly Urnell, Andrew for deputy; expects more calls with presence.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No documents referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational; deputy position approved in budget.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Emergency Management and Wildfire Preparedness

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  • Time Range: 00:50:52–00:56:15 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, planning, other

Summary

Director Willie Vence described 2 full-time/4 part-time staff writing plans (CEMP approved Feb, HMP May), community outreach, EOC activations (4 this summer incl. wildfires, tsunami advisory), Nixle alerts (text JEFFCODEM to 888777; ~13K subscribers), volunteer programs (InPrep, MRC, VECOMP, large animal sheltering).

Key Discussion Points

  • Willie Vence: Relies on volunteers; sign up for alerts emphasized.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No documents referenced.

Financials

FEMA grant renewals pending.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Dosewallips River Floodplain Management and Dikes

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  • Time Range: 01:06:56–01:17:22; 01:22:58–01:24:53; later Q&A (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning, land use

Summary

Commissioners noted floodplain/river work including mitigation/habitat restoration; South County Task Force meetings (next Oct 3); dike directs river but breached 3 years running; Natural Systems Design final report pending; state engineer cost estimate; potential state park sewer tie-in unclear. Public expressed frustration over breaches flooding properties, lack of urgency/prevention, need for long-term solutions beyond filling holes.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton: Tammy Pecorny coordinating; George Terry (DCD) in task force; RFP for community centers separate.
  • Public: Dike not fully floodproof; agencies pass responsibility; self-repairs if allowed.
  • Tammy Pecorny: Dike functioning to direct river; final report soon.

Public Comments

  • Matthews (property owners): Breaches 3 years; filled holes themselves after agency delays.
  • Andrew: Task Force Oct 3; July 30 site walk with officials; heavy lift needing state/federal/community.
  • Multiple: Urgency for prevention vs. reports in 6 months; buyouts suggested.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Natural Systems Design report pending. No provided packet materials.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Large-scale mitigation/habitat; state park sewer tie-in; buyouts (other states).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Ongoing task force; persevere on grants.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: South County Task Force Oct 3; Natural Systems Design final report; potential grant applications (e.g., Public by Design).

Code Compliance and Enforcement Challenges

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  • Time Range: 01:30:13–01:39:27 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, land use, services

Summary

Public Health's compassionate compliance uses social services support (motivational interviewing) for environmental cases overlapping behavioral health; 300+ cases, 1 coordinator; prioritizes winnable prosecutions; long-standing issues (e.g., 1980s properties, Chimacum 40-year case). Public frustration over neighbor properties (trash, no power, odors) impacting values; volunteers haul trash but offenders non-compliant.

Key Discussion Points

  • Apple Martin: Blend enforcement/social work; doesn't forgive but supports plans.
  • Resource limits, probate delays noted.

Public Comments

  • Kelly: Neighbors' stinky garbage, no power; hurts property values/sales.
  • Viridian HOA President: 10+ tons trash removed voluntarily; need dumpster resources; compassionate but offenders resist.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No documents referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational; continue compassionate approach.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Septic Systems and Alternative Technologies

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  • Time Range: 01:24:53–01:29:59 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning, permits

Summary

Challenges in gridded areas/small lots; state-approved alternatives (e.g., incinerating toilets) needed; regional septage capacity study confirms issue; grants for demonstration sites/large on-site/community systems/LIDs considered. Public called for solutions to enable housing/jobs without sprawl.

Key Discussion Points

  • Apple Martin: State approves tech; companies need incentives/evaluations.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Capacity study funded; build state record.

Public Comments

  • Andrew: Septic constrains economic development/housing.

Supporting Materials Referenced

State septage capacity study published.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Large on-site; community systems/LIDs; incinerating toilets; state park sewer.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Ongoing grant pursuits.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Apply for demo grants.

Community Centers Management Transition

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  • Time Range: 01:06:56–01:07:37; 01:18:26–01:20:43 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, services

Summary

Current Olalla contracts end 2025; RFP for Quilcene, Brinnon, Tri-Area management by non-profit; draft RFP to board Oct 6/13. Public sought timeline clarity.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton: Local interest; define community values.

Public Comments

  • Public: RFP timeline urgent for thoughtful proposals.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No documents referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

One entity or separate for centers.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: RFP development.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Draft RFP to board Oct 6/13.

Generators for Community Centers and Resilience

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  • Time Range: 01:17:48–01:21:35 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, public safety

Summary

Need for generators amid power outages (heat waves/cold snaps); difficult FEMA funding; food resilience group seeking dollars. Public frustration over grant dependency vs. economic development.

Key Discussion Points

  • Willie Vence: On radar 7 years; multi-angle pursuits.

Public Comments

  • Public: Cooling/heating useless without power; prioritize self-funding.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No documents referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Food resilience grants overlapping.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Continue grant search.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Short-Term Rentals Policy

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  • Time Range: 01:39:38–01:41:46 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, land use, housing

Summary

1-year residency requirement before applying; first 6-month review complete; aims to prioritize long-term rentals/housing. Public sought waiver for new owners to supplement income.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner: Planning Commission rec; share experiences via email.

Public Comments

  • Public: Hardship affording property without STR supplement.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No documents referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Policy in place; revisions possible post-review.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Email feedback to DCD/BOCC.

Comprehensive Plan and 2025 Periodic Update

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  • Time Range: 01:42:06–01:43:53 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, ordinances

Summary

2025 GMA update due end-2025 (comp plan); development regs (critical areas) have 6 more months; some to early 2026 possible; hearings Dec.

Key Discussion Points

  • Chelsea Protovo: On schedule; Prosecutor's review ongoing.

Public Comments

  • Denise: Co-housing; on track for Jan submission?

Supporting Materials Referenced

No documents referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Ongoing.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: BOCC hearing Dec; contact George Terry/Joel Peterson.

Brinnon Resort Traffic Impacts

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  • Time Range: 01:57:32–02:00:44 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, infrastructure, planning

Summary

Preliminary plat hearings Oct 15 before independent examiner; traffic studies in FEIS/DEIS with WSDOT coordination; state road impacts.

Key Discussion Points

  • Chelsea Protovo: Webpage clearinghouse; public comment/hearings virtual.
  • State dictates mitigation.

Public Comments

  • Public: Traffic projections/commute impacts; ice rink noted.

Supporting Materials Referenced

FEIS/DEIS with 2 traffic studies; webpage docs.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Hearings scheduled.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Oct 15 hearings.

Background Materials

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