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11/17/25 09 AM: Budget Workshop: LTAC Funding Debated, Taxes Approved

Budget Workshop: LTAC Funding Debated, Taxes Approved

Commissioners reviewed public comments on LTAC funding concerns, approved consent agenda for housing and services, held tax levy hearing with unanimous approvals, received insurance and budget updates, debated LTAC recommendations (excluding VICs), and awarded lobbying contract.

Public Comments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:24.000–00:26:09.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, services, planning, other

Summary

Public comments addressed LTAC funding recommendations, including opposition to Quilcene Community Center septic system and Parks and Rec trail maintenance due to concerns over tourism impact and budget shifting; calls for process reforms like excluding applicants from LTAC board and scrutinizing software/wage funding; budget concerns including opposition to reducing Public Works general fund allocation using TBD sales tax; housing and homelessness support needs; and general economic comments on poverty and inequality. No action taken during comments; board responded later.

Key Discussion Points

  • Raymond Sydney Collins: Poverty is expensive; advocated economic circulation, warned against fascism and wealth gaps.
  • Dan Ventura (LTAC member): Opposed full LTAC funding for Quilcene septic ($220,000) lacking campground upgrades like dump station; opposed Parks/Rec trails ($150,000) as shift from general fund; suggested public infrastructure fund for septic.
  • Jim Friedman: LTAC trend toward software licenses (e.g., North Hood Canal Chamber $20,000) and wages ($120,000 half-FTE) risks unsustainability and misappropriation.
  • Ed Bowen: Questioned Forest Practices Board chair abstention on rule; requested EPA/natural resources letter; urged South Shore Road community meeting.
  • Andrew Schwartz: Urged funding LTAC recommendations now for 2026 budgets; criticized process conflicts; requested community center holiday decorations.
  • Julia (Winter Welcoming Center): Supported Housing Fund Board approval; highlighted rising homelessness, need for nonprofit partnerships to extend hours.
  • Jean Ball: Opposed defunding Public Works general fund post-TBD passage, citing road maintenance needs and voter trust.
  • Shelly Arnell-Brennan: Criticized LTAC emotional decisions, process flaws; urged budget reforms.
  • Tom Teers: Echoed opposition to TBD fund reallocation for roads.
  • Board responses: Reiterated opposition to TBD shift; defended staff budget options; committed to LTAC debrief/DMO workshop early 2026; praised housing/homelessness partnerships.

Public Comments

  • Multiple speakers as listed above.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Quilcene septic: $220,000 LTAC ask.
  • Parks/Rec trails: $150,000 LTAC ask.
  • North Hood Canal Chamber: $20,000 software, $120,000 half-FTE wages.
  • Winter Welcoming Center extended hours: >$100/day.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action; comments noted for later agenda items.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: LTAC workshop at 14:00 same day; DMO workshop Q1 2026.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:02:18.000–01:12:27.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, personnel, services

Summary

Consent agenda approved unanimously after brief discussion of key items including Housing Fund Board recommendations (oversubscribed 2:1, prioritized emergency shelter extension to July/August 2026, funded Vince's Villa at 75% of $X for permanent supportive housing); CHG grant to harm reduction team for expanded services; Brennan Youth Club project via Youth Cannabis Prevention Program; sewer agreements/change orders. No items pulled; supporting materials informed prioritization of core services.

Key Discussion Points

  • Housing Fund: Smooth RFP, hard choices; new projects like Olympic Housing Trust; emergency shelter extension critical amid new shelter delays.
  • Harm reduction: Expands services via CHG grant/Opioid funds; day center concept.
  • Brennan Youth Club: Inspiring presentation; counters potential after-school cuts.
  • Limited discussion overall.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Housing Fund Board recommendations: Oversubscribed; prioritized shelter, transitional housing.
  • No divergences noted.

Financials

  • Vince's Villa: 75% of request for construction (roof, inflation).
  • Extended shelter: Funding carved for 6 months post-2026.
  • Brennan Youth Club: Youth Cannabis funds.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the consent agenda as presented."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all Aye).
  • No next steps specified.

Ad Valorem Tax Levies Public Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:12:27.000–01:43:56.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting

Summary

Public hearing on 2026 ad valorem tax levy resolutions for General Fund, Roads (with traffic law enforcement diversion), and Conservation Futures; Assessor Jeff Chapman and Laura Lee Kiesel explained 1% limit (lesser of 1% or IPD 2.44%), banked capacity, refunds/new construction; resolutions allow 1% increase or zero while preserving future capacity. One public comment criticized property tax complexity, advocated income tax. Resolutions and letter approved unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • Jeff Chapman/Laura Lee Kiesel: Explained resolutions required for >prior year levy; 1% or IPD; refunds cover prior year shortfalls; new construction ~1% but levy rate declining; budget high side recommended.
  • Levy rates dropping (general ~$0.92/$1,000); schools rate-based.
  • Public comment (Raymond Collins): System overly complex/wasteful; advocated income tax over property/sales tax.

Public Comments

  • Raymond Sydney Collins (Hancock): Criticized complexity, likened to wasteful military spending; advocated income tax.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Worksheets showed calculations (e.g., General Fund 1% ~$92,000); minor typo corrected (2024 to 2025).

Financials

  • General Fund: 1% increase ~$92,000 (budget high side).
  • Roads: 1% + $470,000 diversion to traffic enforcement.
  • Conservation Futures: 1% increase.
  • Refunds/new construction/utilities included.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved 4 resolutions and amended letter.
  • Vote: Unanimous (all Aye) on each motion.
  • No next steps specified.

Insurance Premiums and Risk Pool Report

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:44:04.000–02:32:36.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, operations

Summary

Philip presented Washington Counties Risk Pool renewal: 35% liability premium increase ($1.8M for county) due to claims trends, nuclear verdicts, no tort reform, inflation; SIR raised to $4M; property stable despite 3% value increase offset by rate reduction; cyber/crime/terrorism stable. Solvency requires $15.4M to fund balance; budgeted in 2026 proposal.

Key Discussion Points

  • Pool formed 1988; 24 counties; high limits ($20M+$5M optional); risk management/pre-defense programs.
  • Liability: 35% hike (reinsurance up 20%); claims up (SAM claims trigger multi-year policies).
  • Property: ~flat premium (rate down 21%, values up 3%).
  • Questions on property values (sewer plant impact queried; risk pool assessor).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Risk pool financials (net position drop); actuarial trends; reinsurance structure.

Financials

  • Liability: 35% increase (~$1.8M county share).
  • Property: Flat (~$7.5M to $5.5M? Transcript unclear; rate down).
  • Reinsurance layers detailed (e.g., Safety National $5M xs $4M).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational; no action.
  • Vote: None.
  • No next steps specified.

Budget Workshop Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:32:36.000–03:18:20.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, personnel, operations

Summary

Budget hearing postponed (target Dec 8); only 4/22 departments submitted reductions (12-50% targets); sheriff/DCD/Public Safety cuts pending; DCD needs ordinance changes (e.g., fire marshal level); electeds exploring pay cuts/furloughs. Prioritize core services; quarterly reviews planned.

Key Discussion Points

  • Judy: 4 depts done, 5 more; DCD/WSU/Public Health pending; await general fund reductions.
  • Electeds: 5-10% pay cuts to retain staff.
  • Veronica (Public Health): Needs general fund for lakes monitoring/foot care; miscommunication on reductions.
  • Andy (Sheriff): $997K cut impacts security/jail; overtime risk.
  • Jeff (Assessor): Furloughs proposed.
  • Prioritize water quality, emergency shelter.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Department reduction lists; Munis projections.

Financials

  • Targets: 12-50% cuts by dept.
  • Public Health: $28K lakes, $35K foot care.

Alternatives & Amendments

Furloughs, pay cuts, ordinance revisions.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Hearing postponed; departments submit ASAP (target Wed analysis).
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Judy midweek update; Dec 8 hearing target; Q1 financial plan/DMO workshop.

LTAC Funding Recommendations

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:19:12.000–04:25:03.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, planning, tourism/services

Summary

Board reviewed LTAC's $1.2M+ recommendations for 19 projects; Heather supported as-is post-deliberative process; Greg proposed rejecting all, prioritizing county projects (Quilcene campground $220K, Parks trails $150K) via reserve/redirect, defund visitor centers; public urged acceptance/reform. Motion to approve except zero Forks/Gateway VICs ($156K) to Parks (total ~$200K) sent back to LTAC.

Key Discussion Points

  • Heather: 19 projects (e.g., farmers markets, trails maps, events ops/staff, chambers); prioritized leverage/no duplication; DMO needed Q1 2026.
  • Greg: Prioritize infrastructure; bias vs county; propose 30% county budget line; zero VICs.
  • Public: Dan Ventura opposed forcing county projects; Shelly criticized bullying; Jen urged build on process; Jean painful chaos.

Public Comments

  • Dan Ventura: Don't force county projects; campground not tourism-focused.
  • Shelly Arnell-Brennan: Oppose bullying; fund process.
  • Jen Ball: Fund large projects via savings; avoid chaos.
  • Jean Ball: Painful; respect LTAC; alternative funding exists.
  • Jim Friedman: RCW limits to LTAC list/amounts.

Supporting Materials Referenced

LTAC recommendations list ($1.2M+ total); bylaws/RCW 67.28.1816.

Financials

  • Total recommendations: ~$1.2M+.
  • VICs: $156,014.57 (Forks $14K?, Gateway).
  • Parks: $48,800 + $156K proposed = ~$204K.
  • Reserve: $220K available ($90K needed).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Greg: Zero all, fund county first; 30% annual county line; defund VICs.
  • Heather: Use reserve for full Parks ($150K).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve LTAC recommendations except zero VICs ($156K to Parks trails, total ~$204K); return to LTAC (45 days).
  • Vote: [Unclear from transcript; discussion ongoing, no final tally shown].
  • Next Steps: LTAC review/comment; DMO workshop Q1 2026; TCC debrief.

Lobbying Services RFP Award

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:25:03.000–04:40:40.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, budgeting

Summary

6 RFP responses reviewed; Heather recommended Propolis/Kelsey Hulse & Crystal ($36K/yr, 2026-2027) as strongest/lowest cost vs Strategies 360; prior team familiarity, WASAC ties. Approved unanimously; budgeted $50K placeholder.

Key Discussion Points

  • Heather: Scored on RFP criteria; Propolis best value/experience.
  • Benefits: State/federal advocacy (sewer, grants).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

6 proposals ($36K-$168K).

Financials

  • Propolis: $36K/year (2026-2027).
  • Budget: $50K placeholder.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Enter into a contract for 2026 and 2027 with Propolis."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all Aye).
  • No next steps specified.

Background Materials

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