MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Oct 13, 09:00 AM

County Sources

Packet Contents

AI Information

JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING SUMMARY

MEETING DATE: 2025-10-13

Public Comment on LTAC Funding and DMO Designation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:32.000–01:00:07.000
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: infrastructure, budgeting, operations, contracts, other

Topic Summary

The meeting opened with public comment focused entirely on the Jefferson County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) funding process and the designation of a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). Public comment and subsequent discussion among Commissioners highlighted concerns over whether the County receives adequate value for tourism dollars given to the regional entity (OPTIC), the perceived "chaos" of the current funding allocation process, and the conflict of interest inherent in allowing entities presenting proposals to sit on the LTAC board. Commissioners acknowledged the complexity of allocating funds when the official DMO status remains unclear.

Key Discussion Points

  • Shelly Yarnell (Brinnon Washington) expressed concern that the County does not receive its "fair share of tourism coverage from OPTIC" for the amount of dollars contributed (01:42:00-01:56:00).
  • Yarnell requested the Board examine the LTAC program to make it "bigger and better" for the next year (02:04:00).
  • Yarnell also suggested the Board consider not allowing people who are presenting proposals to sit on the LTAC board due to potential problems with "emotion and sense of... not real community" (02:44:00-02:51:00).
  • Commissioner Dudley-Nollette thanked Yarnell and acknowledged the "coordinated effort" ahead, noting she was "really excited about the opportunity to look ahead" (04:14:00).
  • Dudley-Nollette emphasized that the core current conversation within LTAC is the determination of a true DMO for Jefferson County, questioning, "if that hasn't been clear in the past, how can we make that really clear?" (05:19:00).
  • Commissioner Brotherton stated that making the DMO decision is "probably not a decision LTAC should make" and suggested an RFP process for the DMO (06:21:00-06:29:00).
  • Brotherton reiterated his long-standing preference for the County to follow the Port Townsend model and become its own internal DMO to staff the function, though capacity constraints previously prevented this (06:36:00-06:56:00).
  • Dudley-Nollette reported that LTAC received 19 presentations, totaling $1.73 million in requests against approximately $900,000 available to give (07:32:00-07:43:00).
  • Dudley-Nollette described the challenge of allocating funds before a DMO designation is made and noted that LTAC is approaching the issue by parsing out applicants who are "effectively applying to be the DMO without explicitly stating that" (10:15:00-10:22:00).

Public Comments

  • - Shelly Yarnell (Brinnon Washington): Requested review of the LTAC program for better value and suggested barring presenters from sitting on the LTAC board to avoid conflicts.
  • - Dick Anderson: Sent an email requesting more time for public comment on proposed recycling/solid waste changes.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials were directly referenced, but the overall context relates to the Hotel Motel Tax (a revenue source listed in the County Administrator's budget presentation), and the LTAC Request for Proposal (RFP) process for fund distribution (referenced in the separate agenda packet item "Approval of Agreements and Financials (August 25, 2025)").

Financials

  • Total ask from 19 LTAC applicants: $1.73 million (07:43:00).
  • Total LTAC funds available to give: approximately $900,000 (07:43:00).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Commissioner Brotherton suggested holding an RFP process for the DMO designation (06:29:00).
  • Commissioner Brotherton suggested the County could explore taking the DMO function internally or issuing an RFP that contemplates the County doing it (09:33:00-09:42:00).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Discussion only; no motion or vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - LTAC: Will continue deliberations to allocate funds despite the lack of a clear DMO designation.
  • - Board/Staff: Will consider the policy question of DMO designation and structuring the next year's LTAC process.

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:10:07.000–01:25:00.000
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda
  • Categories: operations, planning, services, infrastructure, budgeting

Topic Summary

The Board approved a modified Consent Agenda after pulling item one, the hearing notice for curbside recycling, due to transcription errors and pending staff double-checks. The remaining items, including support for the Early Learning and Family Support Center's grant application and multiple small change orders related to the sewer project, were approved.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dudley-Nollette requested pulling agenda item one, the hearing notice for curbside recycling, for discussion next week (01:25:00-01:34:00).
    • Supporting Material Note: The purpose of the original hearing notice was to transition to a privately managed, customer-subscribed curbside-only service to save the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund an estimated $326,000 annually.
  • Discussion covered the letter of support for the Early Learning and Family Support Center (ELF) following the decision to pull $1 million in ELF dollars to apply for gap funding (01:41:00-01:44:00).
    • YMCA will have to repay $400,000 already expended on pre-development costs, a risk fully recognized by the team (01:44:00-01:54:00).
  • Discussion also covered a change order for the grinder pump installation for the sewer project at the jail (01:57:00-02:18:00).
    • The change order concerns a "bar screen" to protect the grinder pump from "garbage that might be going in through the toilets" at the jail (01:57:00-02:18:00).
    • Dudley-Nollette mentioned "The Grand Flush has been scheduled for November 6th" (01:44:00-01:49:00).
  • Dudley-Nollette noted the sewer staff were commended for showing "learnings along the way" resulting in "little fine-tunings" and follow-up change orders (01:57:00-02:18:00).
  • Commissioner Brotherton proposed a motion to pull item one and adopt the remainder of the consent agenda (01:19:00-01:24:00).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on the consent agenda items was received.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Early Learning and Family Support Center Letter of Support: The letter represents the county's support for the Olympic Peninsula YMCA's non-competitive early learning facilities (ELF) grant application to address a $2 million funding shortfall. The decision involves pulling the initial $1 million ELF grant funds.
  • Grinder Pump Change Order (Change Order No. 4): This change order requests $24,750.70 for installation of a float switch and a bar screen at the county jail to protect the grinder pump from garbage and debris, funded by a Washington Department of Ecology grant/loan package.

Financials

  • YMCA seeks $2+ million to fill the funding gap for the ELF center (01:41:00-01:44:00).
  • YMCA must seek a loan or partner contributions to repay $400,000 in early learning facilities dollars already expended (01:44:00-01:54:00).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amendment: Item one regarding Curbside Recycling Minimum Levels of Service Ordinance was pulled from the agenda (01:25:00).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to pull item one and approve the remainder of the consent agenda.
  • Vote: Unanimous (01:24:00-01:31:00).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Staff: Place the Curbside Recycling Hearing Notice on the October 20th agenda (01:34:00).
  • - Commissioner Dudley-Nollette: Will write a thank you letter to the Coast community for a donation, to be added to the next consent agenda (01:57:00).

Adoption of Indigenous Peoples' Day Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:22:00.000–04:38:00.000
  • Agenda Item: Proclamation
  • Categories: other

Topic Summary

The Board adopted a proclamation officially recognizing Monday, October 13, 2025, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Jefferson County. The proclamation acknowledged the ancestral lands of local tribal nations, affirmed their treaty and sovereign rights, and pledged to continue collaborating on issues like salmon and shellfish habitat restoration, and addressing systemic racism. Vice Chair Chris Tom of Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe and Lonnie of Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe participated, offering their reflections on the partnership with the County.

Key Discussion Points

  • The proclamation lists the ancestral lands of the federally recognized Jamestown S’Klallam, Lower Elwha S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Skokomish, Hoh, Quileute, and Quinault Tribes (03:14:00).
  • It highlights concerns that resources like salmon and shellfish are "dwindling and endangered" due to climate change and habitat degradation (03:03:00-03:09:00).
  • Commissioner Dudley-Nollette shared excitement about collaborative restoration efforts, specifically referencing the Olympia Oyster Project led by the Jamestown Tribe and Neil Harrington in Discovery Bay (03:38:00-03:09:00).
  • Vice Chair Chris Tom acknowledged the "vigorous discussion" that resulted in the proclamation's meaningful words and commented on the long way the community has come in addressing racism, citing a traumatic personal story from his father's youth (03:51:00-03:05:00).
  • Lonnie (Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe), joining remotely from the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians convention, expressed gratitude for the "ongoing partnership" and called the proclamation a great "acknowledgement of our future together," particularly referencing collaborative infrastructure projects like the Big Quilcene River Bridge (04:03:00-04:09:00).
  • Lonnie noted that true partnership means confronting difficult subjects when conversations may not involve agreement (04:52:00).
  • Lonnie recommended community members learn more via the Jamestown Library (for cultural exhibits) and the forthcoming House of Seven Generations online archival collection (04:14:00-04:24:00).
  • Commissioner Brotherton emphasized common interests beyond tribal-specific issues, including housing, drug issues, and law enforcement (04:42:00).

Public Comments

  • None provided during this segment, as the tribal representatives were invited guests.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Board voted on the resolution formally described in the packet material as the "Adoption of Indigenous Peoples’ Day Proclamation."

Financials

  • No financial information was discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives were discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve the proclamation.
  • Vote: Unanimous (03:04:00-03:10:00).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Community Members: Encouraged to visit the Jamestown Library and participate in restoration projects like the Marine Resources Committee's Olympia Oyster Project (04:14:00-04:24:00).
  • - Tribal and County Leaders: Commit to ongoing partnership and dialogue on shared issues (housing, public safety, resource protection) (04:42:00).

Water Line Franchise for Olele Point Road

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:59:51.000–01:17:11.000
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Public Hearing)
  • Categories: permits, infrastructure, operations

Topic Summary

The Board held a public hearing regarding the renewal and grant of a nonexclusive water line franchise to Jarred Swalwell and Megan Kogut for a single-family home on Olele Point Road. This routine process was required because the water line parallels the public right-of-way for 100 to 200 feet, exceeding the exemption for perpendicular crossings. Staff explained that the agreement, which is a continuation of a previously franchised system, sets standard terms for a 20-year span, including county indemnification, insurance requirements, and relocation payment terms, to protect the right-of-way.

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Thornton (Public Works) explained that franchise agreements are legal agreements for non-exclusive use of the public right-of-way by a utility for installation and operation (01:02:26:000).
  • This specific application requires a full hearing because the line parallels the road for 100-200 feet, unlike minor perpendicular crossings which are exempt (01:03:18:000-01:03:55:000).
  • The water system has existed since 1985; the current applicants are new owners assuming the previous owner's application (01:05:05:000).
  • The agreement has a 20-year term with an option to renew and includes provisions for relocation—if forced to move, the provider pays the first time, and the County pays if relocation is required again within five years (01:08:28:000-01:08:46:000).
  • The agreement includes indemnification and insurance requirements to cover costs related to utility breaks that might damage the roadway (01:08:46:000-01:09:03:000).
  • Commissioner Brotherton asked why the applicants didn't just drill a new well, hypothesizing the high cost of drilling or issues with saltwater intrusion due to the property's proximity to the water (01:14:43:000-01:02:29:000).

Public Comments

  • No written or verbal public testimony was received on this item (01:14:03:000-01:14:22:000).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The hearing was held on the basis of the Resolution in the matter of the application by Jared Swalwell and Megan Kovitz for a non-exclusive grant for franchise.

Financials

  • Public Works noted that the County has the right to later set a "fair and reasonable compensation fee" for right-of-way usage, though no fee is currently charged for this type of franchise. (01:06:58:000-01:07:58:000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The board considered granting the franchise without revision (the staff recommendation), directing revisions, or denying the request (01:12:30:000-01:12:37:000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve the resolution granting the non-exclusive franchise to construct, maintain, and operate a single-family water line.
  • Vote: Unanimous (01:16:38:000-01:17:07:000).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Public Works: Forward the agreement to the applicants for acceptance within 60 days (01:12:37:000-01:12:59:000).
  • - Applicants: Must record the official acceptance of the franchise with the County Auditor (01:12:59:000).

4-H Program Annual Presentation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:33:54.000–04:00:19.000
  • Agenda Item: Other
  • Categories: services

Topic Summary

The WSU Extension 4-H Program presented an overview of its past year, boasting increased engagement and significant economic and developmental benefits to youth. The presentation included testimony from a college-age ambassador who described the program as a foundational "community and a family." The program reported achieving its highest enrollment since 2016 and detailed new project areas like Blacksmithing, Vet Science, and Cooking.

Key Discussion Points

  • Layla Franson (4-H Ambassador and WSU Student) described her 12 years in 4-H (Cat and Horse projects) as "more than just a program. It was a community, and it was a family," attributing her comfort with public speaking and strong work ethic to 4-H (03:36:57:000–03:39:07:000).
  • Anji Scalf (4-H Coordinator) reported 51 volunteers and 184 total participants, with volunteers contributing 3,774 hours of labor valued at $157,375 (03:40:15:000–03:40:37:000).
  • Scalf noted an economic return of $40 for every $1 invested in 4-H, based on a longitudinal study by Tufts University (03:45:37:000–03:45:54:000).
  • The program's biggest accomplishment was reaching its highest enrollment since 2016 (03:42:38:000–03:43:01:000).
  • New project areas added include: Vet Science, Blacksmithing, Woodworking, and Shooting Sports (03:41:24:000–03:42:10:000).
  • Scalf reported that 25% of graduates from Port Townsend, Chimacum, and Quilcene schools had participated in 4-H during their school years (03:40:55:000–03:41:18:000).
  • Staff confirmed the program deliberately uses scholarships to remove barriers for low-income families and noted that recruitment primarily relies on word-of-mouth and the County Fair (03:55:29:000–03:56:51:000).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The presentation was based on the 4-H Programs Presentation in the packet, referencing metrics and financial details, including the Tufts University Study.

Financials

  • Total annual funding is $149,011, funded primarily by the County (73.2%) (03:45:03:000–03:45:13:000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational presentation; no action taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Program Staff: Continue recruitment efforts, particularly at County Fair.
  • - Commissioner Dudley-Nollette: Commended staff for equitable program access and encouraged broad outreach (03:55:29:000–03:55:35:000).

Budget Workshop: Central Services Department

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:27:59.000–02:02:46.000
  • Agenda Item: Budget Workshop
  • Categories: budgeting, operations, infrastructure

Topic Summary

Central Services Director Shawn Frederick presented the proposed 2026 budget, which is primarily funded through internal cost recovery plans. The discussion focused on personnel stability, the cost of technology upkeep (Software Licensing, Copier Replacement), and the need to shed redundant, legacy IT systems like GEMPS and WinCams to achieve long-term efficiency savings. The team also highlighted its efforts to seek grants for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) to reduce dependence on REET funds.

Key Discussion Points

  • The Central Services department has 25 FTE, with zero personnel turnover in the past year (01:44:23:000–01:44:29:000).
  • Total projected 2026 expenditures are $5.7 million (01:31:35:000). All revenue is generated through an internal services fund cost recovery plan (01:30:38:000–01:30:56:000).
  • Information Services (IS) projected expenditures include a capital outlay of $563,902, primarily for equipment replacement (01:34:01:000).
  • A significant portion of the IS budget addresses annual software licensing (e.g., Microsoft 365) and replacement of computers (five-year cycle) (01:34:25:000–01:34:53:000).
  • The planned $180,000 for copier replacement purchases was noted as an area where shifting from purchasing to leasing could be considered (01:36:37:000–01:36:40:000).
  • Staff noted the completion of the "Critter" project, which moved County infrastructure off the courthouse site to the Sheriff’s Office in Haven with backup power (01:44:47:000–01:45:05:000).
  • A major budget pressure is eliminating redundant legacy systems (01:46:20:000). The County pays over $40,000 annually for GEMPS (a legacy finance system) and over $100,000 for WinCams (used largely by Public Works) (01:53:10:000–01:53:24:000). The goal is to maximize the utilization of the MUNIS system instead (01:52:56:000).
  • Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects for 2026 include elevator modernization and Hadlock Shop remodeling/roof replacement (01:38:31:000–01:40:12:000).
  • The Port Townsend Community Center project was removed from the 2026 budget due to funding limitations, and the team will seek specific grant funding for it in 2027 (01:39:21:000–01:40:12:000).
  • Frederick emphasized the strategy of hunting for grant dollars to reduce the department's dependence on REET 1 and REET 2 funds (01:46:55:000–01:47:09:000).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The presentation used an overview of the Central Services organizational chart and budget figures detailed in the packet section on Budget Workshops. Funds and categories discussed included REET 1, REET 2, Capital Outlay, and Internal Services Funds.

Financials

  • Total Salaries & Benefits (2026 projection): $2.5 million (01:31:35:000).
  • Total Expenditures (2026 projection): $5.7 million (01:31:35:000).
  • Salaries & Benefits for Facilities: Over $1 million (01:32:43:000).
  • Salaries & Benefits for Information Services: $1.4 million (01:33:51:000).
  • Cost of legacy systems (GEMPS and WinCams): Over $140,000 annually ($40,000 for GEMPS + $100,000+ for WinCams) (01:53:10:000–01:53:24:000).
  • Transfer to Parks and Improvement (REIT 2 funds): $175,000 (01:40:58:000).
  • Transfer to Sewer: $139,000 (01:41:35:000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternatives for phasing out older software systems (GEMPS, WinCams) were the focus of long-term efficiency goals, relying on migrating to and configuring the MUNIS system (01:53:10:000–01:55:03:000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational workshop; no action taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Central Services: Continue migration to MUNIS/EPL systems; finalize the Tech Innovation Committee structure (01:59:46:000–02:00:19:000).
  • - Central Services: Explore leasing vs. purchasing options for copier replacement (01:36:40:000).

Budget Workshop: County Administrator, BOCC, and Other Funds

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:03:15.000–03:31:04.000
  • Agenda Item: Budget Workshop
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, public safety, housing, personnel

Topic Summary

Finance Director Judy Shepherd presented the complex budget structure managed by the County Administrator’s Office (CAO), covering the General Fund departments (BOCC, Coroner, Community Services, Non-Departmental) and various Special Revenue Funds (Affordable Housing, Homeless Housing, Mental Health). Key discussions involved funding the newly mandated Coroner position, the high and rising costs of Public Defense, the necessity of grants for Juvenile Services staffing, and the challenge of managing diverse, siloed Special Revenue Funds that necessitate the transfer of funds through multiple department budgets.

Key Discussion Points

  • General Fund Structure: General Fund departments managed by CAO include the BOCC, CAO, Board of Equalization (BOE), Coroner, Community Services, and Non-Departmental (02:04:17:000).
  • Coroner Position: The Coroner's Office is requesting an increase in David Bradley's salary and benefits to change his position from a clerk hire (without full benefits) to a part-time $.5$ FTE employee with benefits (02:30:04:000–02:30:09:000).
    • David Bradley's increased workload following the mandate requires more financial support than the previous rushed appropriation (02:19:35:000).
    • Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Philip Hunsucker confirmed that administrative staff (Laura and Lisa) from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office handle the Coroner's duties when the Coroner is unavailable, providing an ongoing service (02:37:45:000–02:41:47:000).
    • The Coroner's add request is estimated at $37,500 plus benefits, and it must be addressed separately from the preliminary budget (02:35:36:000–02:43:02:000).
  • BOCC Budget: Travel, dues/memberships, and training are shared among six people (3 Commissioners, Carolyn, Adial, and Wendy) (02:48:17:000).
    • The carpool fee increased from per-mile billing to a flat $600 per month to rent the car from Public Works, totaling approximately $7,000 annually, which may require re-negotiation (02:49:11:000–02:50:18:000).
  • Non-Departmental Fund: This large fund covers general government expenditures (e.g., insurance, risk pool costs, and JEFCOM dues), with $1 million allocated for Public Defense (02:06:35:000–02:06:39:000).
    • Public Defense costs are significantly higher than the $32,000 in revenue received from the state (03:03:20:000–03:03:52:000). The new contract with JAC contemplates increased capacity (0.5 FTE) due to Supreme Court-mandated caseload standards, which will substantially increase costs not currently funded by the state (03:09:05:000–03:09:59:000).
  • Special Revenue Funds: Affordable Housing (148) and Homeless Housing (149) remain separate due to distinct funding inputs, primarily 1590 and 1597 recording fees, though they often fund overlapping project types (02:13:47:000–02:15:35:000).

Public Comments

  • Sunny Jessica (School Psychologist, Unidentified Affiliation): Commented on the Juvenile Services budget workshop via chat, offering to coordinate with school presenters to increase outreach to families struggling with truancy and other difficulties (04:28:32:000–04:28:37:000).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The preliminary budget for the CAO and associated funds, including the coroner's office preliminary page. Funds discussed included: General Fund (BOCC, CAO, BOE), Special Revenue Funds (Grants Management (123), Hotel Motel (140), Mental Health (147), Affordable Housing (148), Homeless Housing (149), Juvenile Drug Fund (150)).

Financials

  • Coroner Add Request: $37,500 plus benefits (Half of $75,000 requested as .5 FTE salary) (02:35:36:000, 02:43:02:000).
  • Public Defense Gap: State funding ($32,000) is a small portion of the overall cost (over $1 million) (03:03:20:000).
  • Hotel Motel Funding (140): RFP budgeted at $900,000 for awards, with total expenditure budgeted at $915,051 (03:24:54:000).
  • Affordable Housing (148) RFP: Budgeted at $1.3 million (03:27:43:000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternatives to Coroner Staffing: Discussion covered the fact that Sheriff's deputies are deputized as deputy coroners but that this ability is distinct from the coverage provided by the Prosecuting Attorney's internal staff (02:41:05:000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational workshop; no action taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Finance/CAO: Rectify the preliminary budget to include the Coroner's add request for salary/benefits ($37,500+) (02:45:02:000).
  • - Finance/CAO: Obtain accurate 2026 WASAC dues number for the Non-Departmental fund (03:15:49:000).
  • - CAO/Counsel: Continue work to secure a new Public Defense contract with JAC, contingent on Clallam County's legal advice (03:05:06:000).
  • - CAO/BOCC: Needs to evaluate use of travel funds for professional development and conference attendance for staff and Commissioners (02:53:34:000).

Budget Workshop: Juvenile Services

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:01:04.000–04:27:02.000
  • Agenda Item: Budget Workshop
  • Categories: budgeting, public safety, human services, operations, infrastructure

Topic Summary

Juvenile Services Court Administrator Shannon Burns presented the 2026 budget, emphasizing the dual mission of prevention and intervention for teens. While the overall budget shows a 16% reduction following the closure of the Proctor House facility, the caseload for diversion and court-involved youth has increased by one-third. The budget includes a one-time request for a new transport vehicle, funded by reallocating savings from the facility closure, and highlights successful grant-funded prevention work, particularly family counseling paid for by Behavioral Health Sales Tax (131) funds.

Key Discussion Points

  • The department operates on principles of explore, develop, and achieve for client-based change and is driven by reducing barriers for struggling youth (04:03:03:000–04:03:25:000).
  • The office employs seven staff, but one position is vacant; staff noted high institutional knowledge turnover, with six out of seven staff serving for four years or less (04:04:30:000–04:04:59:000).
  • The office manages the Child Welfare Guardian Ad Litem (CASA) program, which relies on 10 to 15 highly educated, committed volunteers (04:06:19:000–04:07:01:000).
  • The state legislature cut BECA (Becca Bill) funding by 70% statewide, significantly impacting service delivery in truancy, at-risk youth, and SHINS (04:07:24:000–04:09:09:000).
  • The office successfully backfilled some of the service gaps using Behavioral Health Sales Tax (131) funds to provide open-door individual and in-home family counseling. They delivered 26 therapy sessions since July (04:07:54:000–04:08:31:000).
  • Detention: The closure of Proctor House in July necessitated reallocations towards increased transport services (82 hours in the last 3 months) and detention usage in contiguous counties (Kitsap, Clallam) (04:09:30:000–04:10:11:000).
  • Caseload Surge: Youth diversion cases are up one-third, and court-involved cases are also up one-third, reflecting greater family and community stress (04:11:37:000–04:11:59:000).
  • Vehicle Request (Add Request): A one-time vehicle purchase request (Ford Explorer) for secure transport is requested to replace a retired Crown Vic that "was not really perfectly matched" (04:10:22:000–04:11:12:000).
  • The "Add Request" for the vehicle purchase is offset by funds reallocated from Proctor House closure savings, resulting in an overall budget savings of $220,000 (04:15:59:000-04:16:17:000).
  • If caseloads continue to rise, the office expects to request the vacant half-time Probation Counselor position be filled (04:12:02:000).

Public Comments

  • - Sunny Jessica (School Psychologist, Unidentified Affiliation): Offered to collaborate on outreach to families struggling with truancy (04:28:37:000–04:28:43:000).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The presentation used an organizational chart and budget figures detailed in the packet section on Budget Workshops. Funds discussed included BECA, Behavioral Health Sales Tax (131), and CJS Grant (for performance-based service targets).

Financials

  • Revenue from CJS Grant increases annually due to performance-based service targets (04:13:25:000–04:13:48:000).
  • BECA funding was cut by 70% (04:07:24:000).
  • Overall Budget Reduction: The budget is down 16% in total expenditures, with reallocated funds covering the $60,000 vehicle purchase add request (04:15:59:000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Magic Wand Scenario: When asked what would most benefit prevention, Burns stated, "Housing, right? We've addressed that multiple times," emphasizing the need for stability in shelter and employment to reduce stress on families, noting most clients come from families struggling with basic needs (04:23:03:000–04:25:05:000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational workshop; no action taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - County Administrator/Staff: Continue monitoring the vehicle delivery timeline (04:21:24:000).
  • - Juvenile Services: Continue managing elevated caseloads with current staff capacity (04:12:02:000).

Generated On: 2025-11-07 14:01:26.720664-08:00 By: google/gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025 running on https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/