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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026_04_16_BOH_Packet�e{{ehson Public H Board of Health Meeting April 16, 2026 Jefferson County Board of Health Agenda Minutes "ram Pubi April 16, 2026 Regular Meeting Agenda Jefferson County Board of Health Thursday, April 16, 2026 @ 2:30 PM Jefferson County Courthouse — Commissioners' Chambers 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA To view agenda items and meeting materials, click here: www.co.efferson.wa.us — Services — Laserfiche Web Portal (username and password is: public) — Health — Agendas —Minutes —Packets — Board of Health Documents (then search by date: yyyy_mm_dd) To view public comments received, www.co.jefferson.wa.us — Services — Laserfiche Web Portal (username and password is: public) — Health — BOH Public Comments (search for folder of comments by date, year first) This is a hybrid meeting: Virtual and In -Person Attendance You can join this meeting by using these methods: Zoom Meeting: https://L)so6web.zoom.us/i/82378399363 This option will allow you to join the meeting live. You will need to enter an email address. If you wish to provide public comment, click on the hand icon at the bottom of the screen to "raise your hand." Participation will be up to the Chair and/or Clerk of the meeting. Audio -only: Dial: 1-253-215-8782 and use Webinar ID: 823 7838 9363# This option will allow you to listen to the meeting live. If you wish to provide public comment, press *9 to "raise your hand." Participation will be up to the Chair and/or Clerk of the meeting. e In -Person: You are welcome to join the meeting in -person. In the event of technical difficulties, at least one of the methods above will be accessible to the public. Please try all methods first before calling 360-385-9100 to report any issues. Public comment will be accepted and can be emailed to: BOH0).co: jefferson.wa.us until 5:00 PM the evening prior to the start of the meeting. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER — Chair MickHager I. Public Comment (10 mins.) Public Comment Periods are dedicated to listening to the public. Each person may address the Board onetime during these periods. To ensure equal opportunityfor the public to comment, all comments shall be limited to 2 or 3 minutes per person, depending on the volume of public in attendance. AT A REGULAR MEETING, THE MEMBERS MAY ADD AGENDA ITEMS AND TAKE ACTION ON OTHER ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THIS AGENDA. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations Provided Upon Request II. Approval of Agenda III. Approval of Minutes of March 19, 2026 Board of Health Meeting IV. Old Business and Information Reports 1. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Report (Apple Martine) (10 mins.) 2. Jefferson Healthcare Report (Dr. Kees Kolff) (10 mins.) 3. Infectious Diseases Update (Dr. Allison Berry) (10 mins.) V. New Business 1. Funding for Local Public Health Services - HB 2442, and FPHS Reductions (Apple Martine, Dr. Berry, Heidi Eisenhour) (20 mins.) 2. Public Health Heroes Awards (Apple Martine, Dr. Berry) (45 mins.) VI. Announcements VII. Future Potential Agenda Topics: FPHS Funding The County Strategic Plan Opioid Settlement spending Olympic Connect, the Community Care Hub model Board of Health 101 Rural Reproductive Health Emergency Fund for Public Health The Child Development Center ADJOURNMENT BY: 4:30 p.m. Next Scheduled Meeting: May 21, 2026 2:30 —4:30 PM Jefferson County Public Health Hybrid Meeting AT A REGULAR MEETING, THE MEMBERS MAY ADD AGENDA ITEMS AND TAKE ACTION ON OTHER ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THIS AGENDA. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations Provided Upon Request Public Health REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Jefferson County Board of Health Thursday, March 19, 2026 @ 2:30 p.m. Jefferson County Courthouse — Commissioners' Chambers 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA Hybrid Meeting Board Members Greg Brotherton, County Commissioner, District #3 Heather Dudley-Nollette, County Commissioner, District #1 Celeste Dybeck, Tribal Representative Heidi Eisenhour, County Commissioner, District #2 Amanda Grace, Vice -Chair, Community Stakeholder Dr. Kees Kolff, Public Hospital District #2 Commissioner Monica MickHager, Chair, Port Townsend City Council Gabrielle Vanwert, Consumer of Public Health Staff Members Denise Banker, Community Health Director Dr. Allison Berry, Health Officer Lara Cittadini, CHIP Manager Michael Dawson, Water Quality Manager Carter Erickson, Environmental Health Manager Apple Martine, Public Health Director Pinky Mingo, Environmental Public Health Director Jenn Mitchell, Finance Manager Veronica Shaw, Public Health Deputy Director Chair MickHager called the March 19, 2026 meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Health to order at 2:31 p.m. Members Present: Chair MickHager, Members Greg Brotherton, Heather Dudley-Nollette, Heidi Eisenhour, Amanda Grace, Dr. Kees Kolff and Gabrielle Vanwert. Staff Present: Staff Members Denise Banker, Dr. Allison Berry, Michael Dawson, Carter Erickson, Apple Martine, Jenn Mitchell and Veronica Shaw. PUBLIC COMMENT Chair MickHager called for public comment. Commenter reported that the community has contributed $24,275.37 to the Friends of Public Health Fund since its launch in December 2025, with $19,108.94 already passed through to Public Health and another $5,166.43 raised since. With many people losing or dropping ACA insurance coverage, this funding will play an increasingly important role in supporting local clinics and charity care. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair MickHager called for a motion to accept the agenda for March 19, 2026. MOTION: Member Dudley-Nollette moved to approve the agenda. Member Grace seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. Respectfully submitted Page 1 of 4 G. Gilbert APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair MickHager requested a motion to approve the minutes of the February 19, 2026 meeting. MOTION: Member Eisenhour moved to approve the minutes. Member Grace seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. OLD BUSINESS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Report Staff member Martine shared good news that five accessibility -focused projects across East Jefferson County were awarded nearly their full $32,000 request from the Governor's Commission for Disability Issues and Employment. This success reflects the strong coordination of the Accessible Community Advisory Committee (ACAC) and its partners. The remodel of the Blue Heron School -Based Health Center is fully funded in the legislative budget, allowing the permanent clinic to open as early as October or November. Also, good news includes the passage of HB 2442, which creates new county -level funding options -outside the usual 1 % cap —to support public health services and potentially generate significant revenue for Jefferson County. Public Health is also preparing for a major presence at the upcoming Connectivity Summit, featuring youth engagement, interactive exhibits, and community -focused data tools. 2. Jefferson Healthcare Report Dr. Kolff reported that key healthcare bills passed in the state legislature: 5981 protecting essential 340B funding for rural communities, and another (ESSB 5845) requiring insurers to pay 100% of clean claims within 30 days to reduce harmful payment delays. Bloodworks Northwest will return for donations on May 6, underscoring the ongoing need for a strong local blood supply. Finally, Jefferson Healthcare and JCPH have begun productive conversations about deeper collaboration on CHA/CHIP efforts. 3. Infectious Diseases Update According to Dr. Berry, it was a mild winter for respiratory illness with COVID less severe than in previous years, flu activity finally declining, and RSV causing fewer hospital surges thanks to effective vaccines —though it is lingering longer than usual. Babies and older adults remain the groups at highest risk for RSV, and highly effective preventive options are widely available. Measles continues to spread nationally, especially in South Carolina and Utah. The recent outbreak in Snohomish County was contained due to high school vaccination rates in schools. Jefferson County is preparing proactively —working with schools, healthcare partners, and EMS to raise vaccination rates and reduce barriers —while encouraging families traveling to hotspot states to ensure children, including infants eligible for early vaccination, are protected. In response to a question about federal attempts to change the vaccination schedule for young children, Dr. Berry said that state and county health officials plan to continue issuing evidence -based vaccine recommendations, coordinating with other states and the Vaccine Integrity Project to ensure guidance remains grounded in strong data. A concern exists that federal control over vaccine distribution and FDA approvals could slow access or limit availability, so local teams are preparing for potential disruptions while working to keep families well-informed amid changing national policies. 4. Legislative Update & Debrief on PH Legislative Day on the Hill This subject was covered in previous reports. Respectfully submitted Page 2 of 4 G. Gilbert NEW BUSINESS 1. Overview of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (PHEPR) Program and Preparedness Plan for 2026-28 JCPH staff ocean mason and Lara Gaasland-Tatro provided a presentation concerning staff efforts to develop response plans, support internal safety efforts, and run trainings and tabletop exercises to ensure that other departments can function effectively during crises. They work closely with the county Department of Emergency Management, the state Office of Resiliency and Health Security, and well-resourced partner counties to share plans and strengthen regional readiness for severe weather hazards, power outages, earthquakes, etc. Each year they create a state -guided Integrated Preparedness Plan that maps out priorities for the coming year and outlines multi -year goals, helping the department continually improve areas like emergency communications and plan updates. Discussion ensued. 2. Update regarding Community Health Fee Setting Procedures JCPH Community Health Director Denise Banker led a discussion of the on -going development of the plan for setting clinical fees. Once JCPH Community Health and Finance departments have completed cost analysis, an internal committee will review costs alongside regional comparable fees to set updated service charges using a calculated mean. The new fees, and a sliding fee scale, will be shared with the Board of Health and then approved by resolution. It was recommended that members of the public who are concerned by clinic fees should discuss options with the trained staff at the clinic front desk 3. [POSSIBLE ACTION] Foundational Public Health Services: Update and Resolution The Board of Health reviewed a resolution affirming Jefferson County's strong support for Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS), for which the state legislature only provided reduced funding in the final budget. Although the legislative session ended, board members emphasized the resolution's value as a public statement and as groundwork for year-round advocacy ahead of the next session. The discussion highlighted how FPHS dollars support numerous essential programs, and clarified that while funding was reduced by $29 million, it was not fully eliminated and remains intact through fiscal year 2026. Board members agreed that this setback underscores the need for sustained, proactive communication with state partners to protect future public health funding. And though the current legislative session ended, the budget may not yet have been signed by the governor. It was discussed that it might be effective to approve the resolution and forward it to the governor for his consideration. MOTION: Member Dudley-Nolette moved to approve a resolution of the Jefferson County Board of Health regarding Foundational Public Health Services funding. Member Eisenhour seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. MOTION: Member Kolff moved to that we send this resolution to the governor, and the legislators, if the governor has not yet signed the bill. Member Grace seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. FUTURE POTENTIAL AGENDA TOPICS Chair MickHager recommended continuation of the discussion of FPHS funding at the next meeting. Clerk of the Board announced that a portion of April's meeting will be the presentation of the Board's/Public Health's Public Heroes Awards. Member Eisenhour recommended an "unpacking" of Legislative Bill 2442 at a future meeting. ANNOUNCEMENTS Member Dudley-Nollette clarified the dates of the Connectivity Summit as March 27, 28 and 29. Respectfully submitted Page 3 of 4 G. Gilbert AGENDA PLANNING CALENDAR The Agenda Planning Meeting for the next regular meeting of the Board will be held on April 9, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. The next regular Board of Health meeting will be held as a hybrid meeting on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 2:30 p.m. — 4:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Chair MickHager adjourned the March 19, 2026 Jefferson County Board of Health meeting at 4:26 p.m. until the next Regular Meeting or Special Meeting as properly noticed. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH Monica MickHager, Chair Glenn Gilbert, Public Health Assistant Respectfully submitted Page 4 of 4 G. Gilbert Jefferson County Board of Health - IV. Old Business and Information Reports Item 1 Jefferson County Public Health Report [No hand-out] ok L'ou�ti._ Public Health April 16, 2026 Jefferson County Board of Health IV. Old Business and Information Reports Item 2 Jefferson Healthcare Report [No hand-out] fsr f i c- ;I t q F L(_)t1fitu Public Health Ap ri 116, 2026 Jefferson County Board of Health IV. Old Business and Information Reports Item 3 Infectious Diseases Update [No hand-out] 1 Public HeaiTn April 16, 2026 Jefferson County Board of Health V. New Business Item 1 Funding for Local Public Health Services - HB 2442, and FPHS Reductions Public Health April 16, 2026 HOUSE BILL REPORT HB 2442 As Reported by House Committee On: Finance Appropriations Title: An act relating to providing local governments tax resources and fiind flexibility. Brief Description: Providing local governments tax resources and fund flexibility. Sponsors: Representatives Berg, Duerr, Parshley, Tharinger, Ryu, Zahn, Wylie, Scott, Peterson, Simmons, Ramel, Bergquist, Ormsby, Pollet and Macri. Brief History: Committee Activity: Finance: 1/20/26, 1/29/26 [DPS]; Appropriations: 2/5/26, 2/7/26 [DPS(FIN)]. Brief Summary of Substitute Bill • Expands the use of local real estate excise tax revenues. • Authorizes a new local sales and use tax of 0.01 percent to fund services for children and families. • Expands the authorized uses of the local sales and use tax revenues for housing and related services. • Makes changes to the veterans' assistance levy and the levy for developmental disabilities and mental health. • Extends the maximum length that a levy lid lift may be approved for by voters. • Expands the authorized use of funds generated by the county sales tax on rental cars. • Expands the authorized use of funds for flood control zone districts. • Authorizes a new county property tax levy for public health clinic This analysis was prepared by non partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. House Bill Report - 1 - HB 2442 expenses. HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Berg, Chair; Street, Vice Chair; Mena, Ramel, Santos, Scott, Springer, Wylie and Zahn. Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Orcutt, Ranking Minority Member; Jacobsen, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Abell, Chase and Penner. Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 1 member: Representative Walen. Staff: Kellen Wright (786-7134). Background: Retail Sales and Use Tax. Retail sales taxes are imposed on retail sales of most articles of tangible personal property, digital products, and some services. A retail sale is a sale to the final consumer or end user of the property, digital product, or service. If retail sales taxes are not collected when the user acquires the property, digital product, or service, then use tax applies to the value of property, digital product, or service when used in this state. The state, all counties, and all cities levy retail sales and use taxes. The state sales and use tax rate is 6.5 percent; local sales and use tax rates vaiy, depending on the location. Local Sales and Use Taxes. Counties, cities, and towns were first granted the authority to impose a local sales and use tax in 1970. There is a basic 0.5 percent sales and use tax and an optional 0.5 percent sales and use tax. The revenues from these two sales and use taxes are unrestricted and may be used for any lawful governinent purpose. When both the city and the county impose the basic sales and use tax, the county must credit back the full amount of the city's basic sales and use tax so that the combined rate does not exceed 0.5 percent. However, the first 15 percent of the basic sales and use tax collected within the city must be distributed to the county. This is also the case with the optional sales and use tax. There are other optional sales and use taxes that may be imposed; however, the revenues from these sales and use taxes are restricted to specific purposes. For example, the cultural House Bill Report - 2 - HB 2442 access program sales and use tax of 0.1 percent must be used to benefit or expand access to nonprofit cultural organizations. Many of the optional local sales and use taxes require voter approval. Real Estate Excise Tax. Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) applies to real estate transactions including the sale of property and the transfer of controlling interest in property. The rate applies to the selling price and is usually paid by the seller. The REET is due and payable to the county treasurer in which the property is located on the date of the sale, regardless of the date of recording, except in a controlling interest transfer. The REET is imposed at the following rates: • 1.1 percent if the selling price is equal to or less than $525,000; • 1.28 percent on the portion of the selling price that is greater than $525,000 but equal to or less than $1.525 million; • 2.75 percent on the portion of the selling price that is greater than $1.525 million but equal to or less than $3.025 million; and • 3 percent on the portion of the selling price that is greater than $3.025 million. The sale of any portion of an affordable housing development by a qualified entity to an organization that meets the requirements for a property tax exemption as a nonprofit organization, housing authority, or public corporation for use for a community purpose is exempt from the REET. A community purpose includes, but is not limited to, the provision of services to affordable housing development tenants, health clinics, senior day cares, food banks, community centers, and early learning facilities. Local governments are authorized to impose a local REET in addition to the state rate. The two main local REET options are: • REET 1: A local government may levy a 0.25 percent REET. • REET 2: An additional 0.25 percent REET may be imposed by cities and counties. Local REET 1 and 2 capital projects are local government public works projects for planning, acquisition, construction, reconstruction, repair, replacement, rehabilitation, or improvement of: • streets, roads, highways, and sidewalks; • street and road lighting systems and traffic signals; • bridges, domestic water systems, storm and sanitary sewer systems; • judicial, parks and recreational, administrative, law enforcement, and fire protection facilities; • trails and libraries; • river flood control projects and certain other waterway flood control projects; • facilities for those experiencing homelessness and certain affordable housing projects; • certain small airports; and • technology infrastructure that is integral to the capital project. Additionally, there are several other local REET options for local governments: House Bill Report - 3 - HB 2442 A local government not levying the optional 0.5 percent sales tax may levy an additional local REET of up to 0.5 percent. A county may impose an additional local REET of up to 1 percent for the acquisition and maintenance of conservation areas. A county that imposed the full 1 percent for conservation areas prior to January 1, 2003, may also impose a local REET of up to 0.5 percent for affordable housing. Property Tax —Regular Levies. All real and personal property is subject to a tax each year based on the highest and best use, unless a specific exemption is provided by law. The annual growth of all regular property tax levy revenue is limited as follows: • For jurisdictions with a population of less than 10,000, revenue growth is limited to 1 percent. • For jurisdictions with a population of 10,000 or more, revenue growth is limited to the lesser of inflation or 1 percent. An additional amount is added on based on the increase in assessed value in a district from: • new constriction; • construction of wind turbine, solar, biomass, and geothermal facilities; • improvements to property; • state -assessed property; and • real property within a local tax increment finance area designated by a local government (excluding the state school levies, or ports and public utility district bond levies). The state collects two regular property tax levies for common schools. The revenue growth limit applies to both levies. Participants in the senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and qualifying veterans property tax exemption program receive a partial exemption from the original state levy and a full exemption from the additional state levy. The Washington Constitution also limits regular levies to a maximum of 1 percent of the property's value, or $10 per $1,000 of assessed value. There are individual district rate maximums and aggregate rate maximums to keep the total tax rate for regular property taxes within the constitutional limit. For example: • The state levy rate is limited to $3.60 per $1,000 of assessed value. • County general levies are limited to $1.80 per $1,000 of assessed value. • County road levies are limited to $2.25 per $1,000 of assessed value. • City levies are limited to $3.375 per $1,000 of assessed value. For property tax purposes, the state, counties, and cities are collectively referred to as senior taxing districts. Junior taxing districtsa terns that includes fire, hospital, flood control zone, and most other special purpose districts —each have specific rate limits as well. Prorationin . House Bill Report - 4 - HB 2442 The tax rates for senior and junior taxing districts, excluding the state, must fit within an overall rate limit of $5.90 per $1,000 of assessed value. If the statutory $5.90 or constitutional $10 limit are exceeded, statute establishes the sequential order in which the levies must be proportionally reduced or eliminated, a process referred to as prorationing, to conform to the statutory and constitutional limits. Some regular property tax leviesincluding levies for criminal justice purposes, port districts, and emergency medical services —are subject to the $10 constitutional limit but not the $5.90 aggregate rate limit. Property Tax —Excess Levies. Excess levies are imposed in addition to regular levies and are not subject to the constitutional $10 limit. Taxing jurisdictions with excess levy authority include local school districts, public facilities districts, and transportation benefit districts. Most excess levies require a 60-percent voter approval. Local school district levies for operation, transportation, and capital projects require simple majority voter approval. Levy Lid Lift. Voters may approve regular property tax increases above the revenue growth limit. This voter -approved increase is referred to as a levy lid lift. A levy lid lift may be authorized for a single year or for multiple years, not to exceed six years. With a multi -year lid lift, the levy may be increased by a certain rate in each consecutive year. A multi -year lid lift must be for a specific purpose. Flood Control Zone Districts. A flood control zone district can undertake, operate, and maintain flood or stormwater control projects. A district can also take action necessary to protect life and property within the district from flooding during an emergency. The formation of a district can be initiated by the county legislative authority or by vote petition. Districts are governed by the members of the county legislative authority acting as ex offrcio supervisors of the district, though districts with more than 2,000 people may instead elect the supervisors. Flood control zone districts can be funded in various ways, including by counties for activities related to flood and stormwater control activities, and by a property tax levy that can be imposed at a rate of up to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, though the levy cannot reduce the rate that any other taxing district can claim and cannot cause the $5.90 limit to be exceeded. Certain flood control districts can protect up to 25 cents of their levy capacity by levying it outside of the $5.90 aggregate rate limit if prorationing would otherwise occur. Summary of Substitute Bill: Part I —Use of Local Real Estate Excise Tax Revenues. House Bill Report - 5 - HB 2442 Local REET revenues may be used for the abatement of nuisance properties. Part II —City or County Imposed Real Estate Excise Tax for the Development of Affordable Housing. Beginning January 1, 2028, the rate for the local affordable housing REET is changed to 0.5 percent. The requirement that a county must have imposed a 1 percent tax for conservation areas in order to establish a local affordable housing REET is eliminated. All counties are given the ability to impose a local affordable housing REET option. Cities may also impose a local affordable housing REET, if the county in which the city is located has either adopted a resolution of intent stating that they do not intend to impose the local affordable housing REET, or if the county has not imposed the REET by January 1, 2028. If a county imposes the local affordable housing REET after a city has done so, the county must provide a credit against its tax for the full amount of the tax imposed by the city. A county or city imposing the affordable housing REET must notify the Department of Revenue at least 75 days before imposing the tax, and the tax may only initially take effect on the first day of January, April, or July. Part III —Local Sales and Use Tax to Fund Services for Children and Families. Beginning January 1, 2027, the legislative authority of a county or city may by resolution or ordinance impose a local sales and use tax. The rate of the tax is 0.01 percent of the selling price or value of the article used. This tax is in addition to all other taxes. If both a county and a city within the county impose the tax, the county must provide a credit against its tax for the city tax to the extent that the combined rate would exceed 0.01 percent. The revenues from this tax must be used solely for the purpose of providing additional services that assist children and their families. This can include: child care; perinatal support services; before -school and after -school services that address mental, social, and physical health; workforce capacity building; shelter and rental assistance; and client transportation. Part IV —Local Sales and Use Tax for Housin- and Related Services. The use of the tax revenues is expanded to include funding the rehabilitation, operations, and maintenance of existing units of affordable housing and facilities. In addition, a portion of the revenues may be used for rental assistance. Part VVeterans' Assistance Property Tax Levv and the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Assistance Property Tax Levy. Counties have the option to separate the developmental disabilities or mental health services (DDMHS) levy and the veterans' assistance levy from the county's regular property tax levy. In addition, the levy rates of the DDMHS levy and the veterans' assistance levy will no longer be modified based on an increase or decrease of the county's regular levy amount House Bill Report - 6 - HB 2442 in the prior year. Both the veteran's assistance levy and the DDMHS levy are excluded from the $5.90 aggregate levy rate limit. Both are included in the 1 percent constitutional levy limit. Fart VI —Exceeding Regular Property Tax Levy Limitations. With voter approval, a levy lid lift for a single -year may be authorized for two consecutive years, and a multi -year annual levy lid lift may be authorized for up to 10 consecutive years. Part VII—Sales Tax on Rental Cars. The use of funds generated by a county from the imposition of a sales tax on rental cars is extended to criminal justice purposes. Criminal justice purposes means activities that substantially assist the criminal justice system, which may include circumstances where ancillary benefit to the civil justice system occurs, such as: • domestic violence services such as those provided by domestic violence programs, community advocates, and legal advocates; • staffing adequate public defenders to provide appropriate defense for individuals; • diversion programs; • reentry work for inmates; • local government programs that have reasonable relationship to reducing the numbers of people interacting with the criminal justice system; • community placements for juveniles; and • community outreach and assistance programs, alternative response programs, and mental health crisis response. Part VIII—Flood Control Zone Districts Recovery Assistance. In addition to their other authority, flood control zone districts may provide funds for county -administered flood recovery assistance to households and businesses damaged in a flood that is the subject of an emergency proclamation by the Governor. Part IX —County Public Health Clinic Property Tax. A public health clinic is a publicly operated site for the provision of low -barrier health and related services such as primary care, dental care, substance use disorder, family health and nutrition, behavioral health care, and reproductive health care. A county may impose a property tax levy at a rate of up to 5 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for the operation, maintenance, and capital expenses of public health clinics. A county may impose this tax as a levy separate from its regular tax levy, and it is excluded from the $5.90 aggregate tax rate limit. This levy is included in the 1 percent constitutional levy limit. Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The substitute bill: House Bill Report - 7 - HB 2442 • requires that the real estate excise tax available to counties and cities for affordable housing must be imposed at a rate of 0.5 percent, rather than at a rate of up to 0.5 percent, removes the provision that the tax obligation is that of the purchaser as well as the seller, changes when the real estate excise tax can be first imposed, and changes the effective date of provisions related to the real estate excise tax; • removes provisions related to a county public utility tax; • provides that, if a city and a county both impose the sales and use tax to fund services for children and families, the county must provide a credit against its tax to the extent that the combined tax rate would exceed 0.01 percent, and changes the effective date of provisions related to the sales and use tax; • provides that the veterans' assistance levy may be imposed as a separate independent levy of a county rather than as part of the county's general levy; • removes requirement that the veteran's assistance levy be modified based on a county's regular property tax levy in the prior year; • adds the veteran's assistance levy to the list of senior taxing districts; • Provides that the limit factor for the veteran's assistance levy and the developmental disabilities and mental health services levy in a county with a population of less than 10,000 is 101 percent; • allows flood control zone districts to expend funds, or transfer fiinds to the county, for the purpose of providing flood recovery assistance to households and businesses damaged by a flood that is the subject of an emergency declaration by the governor; and • authorizes a county to impose a public health clinic property tax levy at a rate of up to $0.05 per $1,000 of assessed value for public health clinic expenses, allows the levy to be imposed separately from the county's general property tax levy and outside of the $5.90 aggregate limit on the taxing rate of local districts, and provides for prorationing of the levy if the constitutional 1 percent property tax limit is exceeded. Appropriation: None. Fiscal Note: Available. New fiscal note requested on January 29, 2026. Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill contains multiple effective dates. Please see the bill. Staff Summary of Public Testimony: (In support) This is an assembly of bills that have been considered in the past that are designed to help solve problems our local communities face every day. Cities and counties are on the front line in facing the crisis. The revenue tools they have were designed decades ago to address old problems. This bill modernizes some of the local revenue tools. The bill fills critical gaps, stabilizes funding and provides direct assistance to low income families. It does not create a new statewide tax and does not mandate that a local government House Bill Report - 8 - HB 2442 increase taxes. This bill recognizes the varying needs of our diverse counties and allows local leaders to make choices about what revenue tool is the best. This bill does not change the existing requirements for some of these taxes to get voter approval. By expanding the use of funds from some existing revenue sources, this bill allows local governments to fill gaps created by the loss of federal funding. It also helps support the core needs of communities, and it allows communities to choose to investment in expanding the availability of affordable housing. Counties rely heavily on property taxes. Levy lid lifts are expensive and are not undertaken lightly. The change to allow voters to approve these levy lid lifts for a bit more time will help stabilize funding and allow for those investments in the county needs while also providing a bit more stability as we try to make progress in solving the fiindamental fiscal challenges. (Opposed) Public utility districts will be negatively impacted by a new county public utility tax (PUT). Utility services are already struggling to keep rates down and the small amount of PUT directed to ratepayer assistance will not address this. Local government services will pay the new county PUT and many of these services do not have taxing authority and the only way to recoup the new expense is to pass it on to ratepayers. We are the second highest state for taxes on cellular services. It is a regressive tax and will cost consumers more. The increase in local REET will make homeownership less affordable. This bill is a smorgasbord of new taxes. Washington's climate change policies are already driving costs higher and the persons signing in "con" on this bill outnumber the "pros" 13 to 1. It is not a great time to impose more taxes on Washingtonians. (Other) Utility costs are already high in Washington due to the combination of existing taxes as well as the Climate Commitment Act and the Clean Energy Transformation Act. The PUT is councilmanic and not subject to voter approval and there is no nexus between the tax and the use of funds. Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative April Berg, prime sponsor; Paul Schissler, Madrona Community Development spc; Kerri Burnside, Bellingham Tenants Union; Jennifer Gregerson, City of Everett; Anita Gallagher, Pierce County; Paul Jewell, Washington State Association of Counties; Candice Bock, Association of Washington Cities; Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour, Jefferson County; Commissioner LaDon Linde, Yakima County; Josh Weiss, Snohomish County; and Michele Thomas, Washington Low Income Housing Alliance. (Opposed) Jeff Pack, Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes; Scott Hazlegrove, WA State Auto Dealers Association; Jeff Gombosky, CTIA—The Wireless Association; Devin Gombosky, Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts; Mary Hull -Drury, House Bill Report - 9 - HB 2442 Washington Realtors; and Bill Clarke, WA PUD Association. (Other) Charlie Brown, NW Natural. Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None. HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Majority Report: The substitute bill by Committee on Finance be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 17 members: Representatives Ormsby, Chair; Gregerson, Vice Chair; Macri, Vice Chair; Berg, Bergquist, Callan, Cortes, Doglio, Fitzgibbon, Lekanoff, Peterson, Pollet, Ryu, Springer, Stonier, Street and Thai. Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Couture, Ranking Minority Member; Connors, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Penner, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Schmick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Burnett, Dye, Keaton, Manjarrez and Marshall. Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 1 member: Representative Leavitt. Staff: Sydney Jeffrey (786-7303). Summary of Recommendation of Committee On Appropriations Compared to Recommendation of Committee On Finance: No new changes were recommended. Appropriation: None. Fiscal Note: Available. Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill contains multiple effective dates. Please see the bill. Staff Summary of Public Testimony: (In support) This bill is a lifeline for local governments in Washington. It modernizes and expands local government revenue tools for cities and counties so that they can better respond to the needs of their communities. Everything in this bill is completely optional for cities or counties; there is nothing mandated. It gives local governments the ability to protect core infrastructure needs, creating a voter approved housing funding tool. This bill will also allow them to fill in critical gaps in services for children and families and mentally disabled individuals, and ensure that, when counties adopt utility taxes, low-income people House Bill Report - 10 - HB 2442 receive assistance. It will give communities the ability to fund public health clinics. There are no new taxes levied. Communities will get to choose how they are taxed, what is taxed, and what those funds are used for. Counties are instrumental in funding local health jurisdictions' ability to provide direct services, such as mobile clinics, public health nursing, and substance use prevention. This bill empowers greater flexibility to fulfill county obligations, such as funding public housing. The provision to impose a sales tax dedicated to children and families is a critical tool that counties can leverage to address a wide range of needs, including daycare, prenatal care checkups, home visiting programs, and after - school clubs. The optional property tax would support clinics that offer services, such as immunizations, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, school -based health centers, dental care, opioid treatment services, and more. This work is currently funded through a patchwork of funding sources. Counties are struggling right now, just like the state. They are making difficult decisions and choices on what to cut, just like this state. Many of them are facing worse prospects next year without the help of the state. This bill contains several tools for counties to use right now to address their fiscal challenges. This bill is the single best proposal you can implement right now to provide real immediate help, as well as long-term fiscal improvements for counties. (Opposed) There is opposition for Section 201 of this bill. Section 201 would authorize local governments to institute an additional half a percent on the sale of a home. The average price of a home today in Washington is about $650,000. If this tax were to be implemented at the local level, that would be an additional $3,250 on the sale of that home, and that's in addition to the base state rate and other local rates that are already authorized in statute. That would take the total rate on the sale of an average home in the state to over, or just short of, $15,000. Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative April Berg, prime sponsor; Jaime Bodden, WSALPHO; Paul Jewell, Washington State Association of Counties; and Mark Watson, PROTEC 17 . (Opposed) Mary Hull -Drury, Washington Realtors. Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None. House Bill Report - 11 - HB 2442 CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2442 Chapter 221, Laws of 2026 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session LOCAL GOVERNMENT TAXES —VARIOUS PROVISIONS EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2026—Except for sections 201, 202, 402, and 404, which take effect January 1, 2027. Passed by the House March 11, 2026 Yeas 51 Nays 45 LAURIE JINKINS Speaker of the House of Representatives Passed by the Senate March 5, 2026 Yeas 26 Nays 22 DENNY HECK President of the Senate Approved March 25, 2026 11:30 AM BOB FERGUSON Governor of the State of Washington CERTIFICATE I, Bernard Dean, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that the attached is ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2442 as passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on the dates hereon set forth. BERNARD DEAN Chief Clerk FILED March 25, 2026 Secretary of State State of Washington 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 condemnation: PROVIDED, That property of municipal corporations may not be acquired without the consent of such municipal corporation; (6) Sue and be sued in the name of the zone; (7) Acquire or reclaim lands when incidental to the purposes of the zone and dispose of such lands as are surplus to the needs of the zone in the manner provided for the disposal of county property in chapter 36.34 RCW; (8) Cooperate with or join with the state of Washington, United States, another state, any agency, corporation or political subdivision of the United States or any state, Canada, or any private corporation or individual for the purposes of this chapter; (9) Accept funds or property by loan, grant, gift or otherwise from the United States, the state of Washington, or any other public or private source; (10) Remove debris, logs, or other material which may impede the orderly flow of waters in streams or water courses: PROVIDED, That such material shall become property of the zone and may be sold for the purpose of recovering the cost of removal: PROVIDED FURTHER, That valuable material or minerals removed from public lands shall remain the property of the state; (11) Provide grant funds to political subdivisions of the state that are located within the boundaries of the zone, so long as the use of the grant funds is within the purposes authorized under this chapterL (12) Expend funds, or transfer funds to the county legislative authority in which the zone is located., for the purpose of providing county -administered flood recovery assistance to households and businesses damaged by a flood event occurring within the zone that is the sub'ect of an emercrency proclamatiori issued by the.crovernor under RCW 43.06.010. Part VIII County Public Health Clinic Property Tax NEW SECTION. Sec. 801. A new section is added to chapter 84.52 RCW to read as follows: (1) A county, at the time of levying general taxes, may levy an additional regular property tax, not to exceed five cents per $1,000 of assessed value in any one year, in accordance with this section. p. 26 ESHB 2442.SL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 (2) The legislative authority of a county imposing this levy must either: (a) Impose the levy as a separate levy, independent of the regular property tax levy authorized in RCW 84.52.043(1)(b); or (b) Impose the levy as part of its levy authorized in RCW 84.52.043 (1) (b) . (3) Any tax imposed under this section may only be used for the operation, maintenance, and capital expenses of public health clinics. (4) The limitations in RCW 84.52.043 do not apply to the tax levy authorized in this section and the limitation in RCW 84.55.010 does not apply to the first year the tax levy is imposed under this section. (5) For the purposes of this section, "public health clinic" means a fixed or mobile, publicly operated site for the provision of low -barrier public health and other related services including, but not limited to: Primary, dental, and reproductive health care; treatment, control, and prevention of communicable diseases, substance use disorder, and other health conditions; maternal, infant, child, and family health and nutrition; behavioral health care; assistance with health plan enrollment; and access and referrals to other community services. Part IX Veterans' Assistance Property Tax Levy and the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Assistance Property Tax Levy Sec. 901. RCW 71.20.110 and 2013 c 123 s 1 are each amended to read as follows: (1) (a) In order to provide additional funds for the coordination and provision of community services for persons with developmental disabilities or mental health services, the county governing authority of each county in the state must ((budget levy annually a tax in a sum equal to ( (the afneunwhieeh weuld he Wi sed bylevy-9f two and one—half) ) 2.5 cents per ( (the�asind d. llars) ) 1 000 of assessed value against the taxable property in the county(( v is Fftedified pursuant :!�e subsee:r:ien (2) or (3) efthis sect=__ r) ) to be used for such purposes. ( (14ewe eLc, ,") ) b The levy required in this section must be: p. 27 ESHB 2442.SL Jefferson County Board of Health zo New Business Item 2- Public Health Heroes Awards "'sor2 (pur,rPublic Healh April 16, 2026 Jefferson County Public Health Hero Award Winners Public Health Hero awards are given out annually to recognize those who make a difference in the health, safety and well-being of our community Public Health Heroes 2026 Public Health: Ready. Set. Action! Every Year in April, Public Health Week is celebrated nationally. Locally, Jefferson County's Public Health Heroes are nominated by the public. This year, the Jefferson County Board of Health is honored to present the Public Health Heroes Award to a truly diverse group of individuals and groups: • The Chimacum School Based Health Clinic has, over nearly two decades, expanded access to medical and mental health care for students through a strong partnership between public health, local healthcare providers, and the school district. By offering comprehensive services —from sports physicals and preventive care to confidential counseling and wellness education —the team removes barriers to care and supports healthier learning and long term well being. Their integrated, whole -person approach has become a model across Washington State, strengthening the community and establishing itself as a cornerstone of health and wellness in the school district. • The Friends of Public Health embody this year's "Ready Set Action" theme through their support for essential public health programs at Jefferson County's public health clinic in Port Townsend and at the four School -Based Health Centers. By mobilizing creative fundraising efforts, establishing a dedicated community foundation fund, and expanding their support to protect programs ranging from foot care and lakes monitoring to reproductive care and youth wellness initiatives, they have strengthened services that residents rely upon. Their generosity, advocacy, and tireless volunteerism make them a force for community well-being. • Angela Gyurko exemplifies what it means to be a Public Health Hero through her steadfast advocacy, deep policy expertise, and unwavering commitment to keeping Jefferson County informed and engaged. Her meticulous research, service on multiple boards, and clear, reliable communication strengthens public health decision -making across the community. Her fundraising efforts support those in need of services at Public Health clinics who otherwise would not be able to afford care. Through her dedication, insight, and tireless daily effort, she has become an indispensable champion for the health and well-being of residents. • Jaime Jaynes took on a major task in reinstating a snow -bus program for Jefferson County youth, using her enthusiasm, resourcefulness, and organizational skill to make snow sports accessible for local families. Through Salish Snow Sports —built on a mission of affordability, inclusion, and enriching outdoor experiences —more than 75 children are gaining resilience, confidence, and lifelong healthy habits. Embodying this year's theme of "ready, set, action," Jaime saw a need and created a program that helps Jefferson County youth thrive, build self-esteem, and experience joy in the snow regardless of income or experience level. • The all -volunteer Jefferson County Trash Task Force exemplifies community leadership, environmental stewardship, and public service across East Jefferson County. Week after week —most visibly on weekend in all weather —they work collaboratively to remove litter and debris from county roadsides. Their consistent presence and labors exemplify care for the natural world and improve safety for motorists, walkers, cyclists, and all who rely on clean, unobstructed, and healthier transportation corridors. Mandl Johnson launched the Community Tool Library in July 2025, bringing together volunteers to expand access to shared tools and cut down on waste. Through her work with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center and JeffCo Repair, she leads repair events, beach and parks cleanups, and reuse programs that keep items out of landfills and make Jefferson County healthier, safer, and more connected. • Aleah Lawrence -Pine, as Operations Director for The Benji Project, has expanded access to youth programs by organizing transportation for south county participants and coordinating volunteers to make it sustainable each year. Her attention to health, safety, and belonging is evidenced in everything from thoughtful snack choices to creating space for families to share their needs. Her behind -the -scenes work in budgeting and fundraising helps ensure that youth mental -health support remains accessible county -wide. Beyond her role at Benji, she co-founded Thriving Together, a pregnancy and postpartum support circle that became a vital resource for many local parents. ® Ron McElroy, aka "The Mayor of North Beach," thru his unwavering commitment to neighbor -to -neighbor support, has strengthened the health, resilience, and spirit of the community. At monthly North Beach Potlucks, he brings in speakers from local organizations, ensuring neighbors know how to access vital services. When someone in the community faces illness, injury, or hardship, Ron mobilizes support, organizing meal trains, rides to appointments, lawn care, and other acts of care. Through his leadership, compassion, and ability to bring people together, he has become an essential force for connection and well-being in North Beach. ® Pinky Feria Mingo is a dedicated public servant whose leadership in Environmental Health has strengthened Jefferson County's safety, resilience, and well-being. Through years of guiding her department —navigating a pandemic, major system transitions, and new county programs —she has prioritized integrity, compassion, and the best interests of both the community and her staff. A steady mentor and calming presence, Pinky's expertise, empathy and commitment have left a lasting, positive impact on Environmental Health and on those fortunate enough to work alongside her. • Alicia Reynolds is a standout public -health professional whose compassion, respect, and expert problem -solving embody the spirit of this year's Public Health Heroes theme. Through her work with Gateway to Freedom as a case manager in the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program, she provides deeply personalized support —from housing and court navigation to basic needs and recovery assistance —that strengthens individual lives and the broader Jefferson County community. * Mike Reynolds has transformed the Brinnon community by creating opportunities that bring students and families together, from launching Run Club to building thriving flag football and volleyball programs. His leadership through the Brinnon Youth Club continues to expand horizons for local youth, offering diverse activities (kayaking, snow tubing, art), and hands-on skills (CAD design and machining!) that open doors far beyond their small town. Sporting activities strengthen community bonds by engaging enthusiastic students, supportive families, and growing crowds of young fans. His advocating for Brinnon youth has become a powerful force for hope, connection, and opportunity —one that clearly merits recognition as a Public Health Hero. • Ali and Whitney of Scribbles Art Exploration promote public health by fostering positive youth development through early -childhood process art, sensory experiencing, and motor -skill development that helps children express emotions, build confidence, and strengthen early literacy, math, and scientific thinking. Their programs —rooted in creative reuse, cultural inclusivity, and partnerships that support family well -being — celebrate every child's inner artist while reinforcing emotional regulation, healthy self-esteem, and a love of learning. Scribbles strengthens Jefferson County by providing early -childhood supports that nurture creativity, resilience, and conscientious citizenship. The awards will be presented at the monthly meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Health, held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 16th, either in person at the Commissioners' Chambers at the Jefferson County Courthouse or virtually via Zoom. Jefferson County Board of Health VI. Announcements � V \ Public Healtk April 16, 2026 Jefferson County Board of Health Agenda Planning x ,. i cbuntv Public Health April 16, 2026 Are 130 ,I= Public H