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10/20/25 09 AM: County Commissioners Tackle Budgets, Encampments, Solid Waste Issues

County Commissioners Tackle Budgets, Encampments, Solid Waste Issues

Jefferson County Commissioners meeting covered public comments on burn restrictions, road issues, solid waste ordinance concerns, and homeless encampment displacement; consent agenda approval; recognition of retiring Civil Service Commissioner; proclamations for Food for All Day and Pro Bono Law Week; 2025 Q3 budget appropriations hearing ($1.396M approved minus HR item); opioid settlement update (~$2M received, more pending); discussions on homeless services coordination; 2026 budget workshops for District Court, Clerk's Office, DCD, Public Works; Parks and Rec Board report on successes and challenges.

Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:20–00:30:07 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, public safety, services, planning

Summary

Public comment opened with announcements on lowered burn restrictions to "low" level allowing campfires and regulated burning, effective end of summertime. Commenters raised issues including difficulty accessing meeting agenda via AV Capture system, lack of updates on South Shore Road washout and temporary bridge removal by National Park Service, effectiveness of Quilcene speed limit signs, concerns over solid waste ordinance fiscal impacts and terminology like "hidden" surcharge, and opposition to city displacement of encampment residents by November 3 without adequate alternatives.

Key Discussion Points

  • Brian (Fire Marshal's Office): Announced burn restrictions lowered to low level due to moist weather and high humidity; advised checking with local fire districts for land burning permits.
  • Jean Ball: Difficult finding agenda; AV Capture and calendar links unproductive; process burdensome.
  • Ed Bowen: System issues prevented name entry; requested South Shore Road update from commissioners as Park Superintendent unresponsive since October 1; public unaware of temporary bridge removal timeline.
  • Jim Friedman: Thanked for Quilcene speed limit signs; solid waste hearing fiscal impacts omit $326,000 existing subsidy.
  • Tom Tiersch: Solid waste ordinance revisions better but inaccurate "hidden" term; recycling surcharge equivalent to current capital surcharge; minimum fee increase non-starter; inconsistent recycling costs ($13.89 vs. $24 per ton); request commitment to retain 5 drop-off locations.
  • Julia: AV Capture issue resolved via front page notice; opposed encampment displacement to Kitsap or campgrounds without services; pressure city staff/Council to delay by November 3.

Public Comments

No formal public comments section post-initial period; comments listed above.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Solid waste: $326,000 existing subsidy; minimum fee from $20 to $28 (40% increase), $10 to $18 for low-income (80% increase); recycling $13.89 or $24 per ton.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comment closed; responses deferred to agenda items.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Solid waste hearing scheduled for November 3; encampment letter drafting by Shelter Coalition/Housing Fund Board for October 29.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:58:04–01:03:56 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, operations, services, personnel

Summary

Consent agenda approved unanimously without items pulled; included hearing notices for solid waste minimum level of service and severe weather shelter funding. Callouts highlighted Public Health severe weather dollars for Winter Welcoming Center, COAST letter for shelter funds, Children's Center Crime Victim Services, Fire District contracts, and SWAC resignation.

Key Discussion Points

  • Heather: Public Health severe weather funding proactive after prior abrupt loss; COAST critical for shelter origins.
  • Heather: Consent agenda substantive despite routine nature; solid waste hearing for privatization to address competing demands, failing facilities, staff overtime.
  • Al: Hearing ideal for solid waste comments; revisions improved by input.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Agenda packet referenced for solid waste (page 21 recycling surcharge); no documents provided for analysis.

Financials

No specific figures discussed beyond consent items.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the consent agenda as presented today."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3).
  • Next Steps: Solid waste hearing November 3.

Recognition of Bob Jibo

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:30:36–00:41:41 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel

Summary

Board recognized Bob Jibo for 23 years on Civil Service Commission, administering sheriff's exams per RCW 41.14; presented Sheriff's Office letter of appreciation and challenge coin. Jibo noted improvements like public safety testing; served under 6 sheriffs.

Key Discussion Points

  • Sarah: Commission establishes merit system; Jibo's career: Seattle PD (1970-1999, homicide, bomb squad), WA AG HITS (1999-2004).
  • Sheriff Hernsteiner: Jibo part of Green River Killer task force; 55 years public service.
  • Bob Jibo: Left things better; now uses professional testing; served with multiple colleagues.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion approved recognizing Jibo with Board letter.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3).
  • No next steps specified.

Proclamations

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:41:56–00:57:50 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services

Summary

Approved proclamations for Food for All Day (last Saturday October 2025, supporting WAVE 40th year, 1M lbs food/year) and Pro Bono Law Week (October 19-25 2025, honoring volunteer attorneys aiding low-income).

Key Discussion Points

  • Patricia Hennessy/Rosine Kohler: WAVE since 1985 (evolved from door-to-door); goal $40,000 donations.
  • Rafael: Civil issues (housing, benefits) affect 3/4 WA residents; 600+ pro bono hours locally.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

Food Bank serves 20% households; distributes 1M lbs food/year.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved both proclamations as read.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3 each).
  • No next steps specified.

2025 Third Quarter Budget Appropriations Public Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:03:56–02:11:25 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting

Summary

Hearing on $1.396M general fund and other funds appropriations; Judy Shepard presented required vs. optional items (e.g., assessor GIS correction required; HR training optional via reallocation). Approved all except HR $10,500 (covered by training budget). Public testimony on reserves, budget changes; commissioners noted $3M deficit pre-appropriations, need for austerity.

Key Discussion Points

  • Judy Shepard: Detailed required appropriations (e.g., jail medical $357K, elections printing reimbursable); optional HR $10,500 via training reallocation; total general fund $1.396M impacts reserves.
  • Jean Ball: Reserves size vs. $4M deficit; public can't overspend like government.
  • Tom Tiersch: Impacts of annual vs. biennial budget, zero-based, federal cuts; software duplication (AV Capture/Zoom/Teams).

Public Comments

  • Jean Ball (Quilcene): Reserves undisclosed; tough cuts needed.
  • Tom Tiersch (Jefferson County): Biennial to annual budget switch, zero-based benefits, federal cuts; central services software savings.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Third quarter packet detailed; e.g., GIS correction, elections ballots, jail medical exhibits.

Financials

General fund $1.396M; other funds revenue exceeds expenditures $1.3M; deficit to $4M post; HR $10,500 optional; jail medical $357K (from $171K); elections printing reimbursable.

Alternatives & Amendments

HR training via reallocation from existing budget.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve 2025 third quarter budget appropriations... except HR line item Fund 001 Dept 065 ($10,500)."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Opioid Settlement Funds Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:11:30–02:31:00 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting

Summary

Philip updated on opioid settlements: ~$2M received via One WA MOU (50/50 state split, Salish Behavioral Health regional entity); future ~$2M+ from Purdue/Sackler ($105M WA over 15yrs), G8 manufacturers; opt-ins filed; City of Burien holdout risks reductions.

Key Discussion Points

  • Philip: MDL case; settlements require Exhibit A compliance (treatment, etc.); ~$2M prior (payouts over 17yrs); new ~$745M WA (Purdue $105M, others immediate/multi-year).
  • Funding via Salish; BHAC allocates.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

AGO email; slides on settlements, payouts.

Financials

Prior ~$2M; future Jefferson ~$2M+ over years; WA totals e.g., Purdue $105M/15yrs, Endo $290M/9yrs.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: BHAC RFP by Nov 30 (~$500K first round); Purdue appeals pending.

Homeless Encampment Displacement Discussion

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:14:26–00:30:07, 02:28:23–02:30:53, 02:58:53–03:30:38 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, planning, operations

Summary

Ongoing discussion on city plan to displace DSHS-adjacent encampment by Nov 3; providers urged delay for alternatives (e.g., Fort Warden campgrounds); BHC/Shelter Coalition drafting advocacy letters; no county-led encampment commitment.

Key Discussion Points

  • Julia: Inhumane scatter; retain services (Anya Callahan); Fort Warden upper campgrounds option; pressure city Council/staff.
  • Heather: Shelter Coalition unanimous delay advocacy; OLICAP signed Well Organized letter.
  • BHC GIS mapping (walk shed from Public Health, govt/nonprofit-owned); short-term options (Kitsap shelter, meals/events).

Public Comments

  • Julia: Displacement inhumane; services connected; Nov 3 impossible.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Fort Warden campgrounds; Kitsap shelter (choice-based).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action; continue coordination BHC/Shelter Coalition.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: BHC list options to providers; meals event (Recovery Cafe/ReachOut); GIS/budget subgroup; advocacy letters to City Council (Housing Fund Oct 29).

District Court 2026 Budget Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:31:08–02:58:39 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, personnel, operations

Summary

Judge Brian Tsuchida presented flat 2026 budget reflecting 2025; staffing stable (no lead judicial support fill); revenues declining (indigent waivers per RCW); requests via trial court funds (JAVS, probation system); Odyssey upgrade planned.

Key Discussion Points

  • Brian Tsuchida: Fines/fees decline (indigency federal poverty guidelines); probation ~450 bench/250-300 active; VCHECK app $1.50/day vs. jail $170; Zoom essential (public access, captioning).
  • Indigent criteria: income, household, assets, means-tested services.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Preliminary budget packet.

Financials

~4,100 infractions 2024 vs. lower YTD 2025; one trial half public defender line.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

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

Clerk's Office 2026 Budget Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:31:25–03:49:33 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, operations

Summary

Amanda Imperial presented status quo 2026 budget ($23K salaries/benefits increase); revenues stable despite LFO reductions; e-filing/Laserfiche/Odyssey workflow detailed; no adds.

Key Discussion Points

  • Amanda Imperial: Mandated duties (RCWs); jury trials variable; digital archives revenue boost.
  • Jury decline temporary; new web-based jury system savings.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Preliminary budget.

Financials

Salaries/benefits ~$22K increase 2025-2026; Patty retirement offset.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

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

DCD 2026 Budget Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:01:21–04:59:37 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, permits, land use, operations

Summary

Chelsea Pronovost/Greg Ballard presented $1.05M GF request (16% <2025); 21.39 FTE (vacancies: director, building official, plans examiner); revenues $1.6M (building dominant); non-discretionary $2.2M salaries; efficiencies (lean, second-life vehicle).

Key Discussion Points

  • Chelsea/Greg: Fire Marshal low uptake (8/280 inspections); long-range planning mandates (comp plan, CAO); code compliance volume (3,800 emails).
  • 56-75% permit time reductions; historical staffing decline.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Preliminary budget packet.

Financials

GF request $1.05M (vs. $1.265M 2025); revenues $1.6M; expenditures $2.9M; fund balance zero end-2026.

Alternatives & Amendments

Plans examiner over building official debated.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

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

Public Works 2026 Budget Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:59:37–05:42:03 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, infrastructure, operations

Summary

Matt Wagstaff presented $32M expenditures ($30M revenues); 8.54% staffing reduction; roads balanced (TIP $5-8M/yr); ER&R rate-adjusted; Parks/Rec $1M GF (stable staffing, 3x usage); Solid Waste gap (facility needs); Sewer expansion Phase 2 Nov.

Key Discussion Points

  • Matt: Roads 22% staffing drop since 1998; Parks 5.27 FTE/23 parks, 6K rec registrations; Solid Waste 25K tons garbage.
  • Fund balances dipped for projects.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Preliminary budget.

Financials

Parks/Rec GF $999K; Solid Waste ops gap; Sewer $3.5M rev vs. $4.7M exp.

Alternatives & Amendments

LTAC diversification, Parks District, city partnerships.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

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

Parks and Recreation Board Annual Report

Metadata

  • Time Range: 05:42:03–06:04:19 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, services, infrastructure

Summary

Board (Bob Coyle/Karen Nyrop) reported April tour (Cape George, Courthouse, Rec Center, Memorial Field, North Beach); successes: staffing growth, program expansion (6K registrations), projects (Jump, skate park); challenges: maintenance, structures, signage.

Key Discussion Points

  • Increased usage (3x since 2008); volunteer leverage (160 coaches); partnerships (PTC, state parks).
  • Suggestions: ranger, full-time rec supervisor, North Beach city partnership.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Tour slides/photos.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

City partnership North Beach; volunteers for aesthetics.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational report.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Board reviews Capital Improvement Plan; Nov/Jan meetings on bylaws/priorities.

Background Materials

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